What makes you happy

At the start of every day how do you feel when you wake up? I know for me personally i am half asleep, wanting a coffee, and feeling optimistic thinking about what the day is going to bring. It's not always been this way for me. There was a time in my life when i dreaded waking up every day, as i battled with depression. But even when i was going through my darkest times, looking back now i know there was always moments in my day when i would smile, or sometimes laugh.

The point i am trying to make in this blog, is that no matter how low you feel there is always something that will bring on a smile. Whether that's a funny moment you have seen whilst watching the TV, or someone saying something that makes you laugh, maybe just being out in the fresh air with the sun shining can bring on that all important smile.

So, what makes you happy, I mean truly happy?. My happiness comes when i sing, i absolutely love belting out a tune. My family make me happy, they can drive me mad at times, but they also make me laugh really hard. whatever it is that brings about your smile, do it more often. And if you really want to help yourself, keep a journal of all the things that have either made you smile or laugh in your day.

As a society we have got used to so much doom and gloom that we automatically focus on what is negative in our lives. So let's flip that on it's head, and start focussing on the good stuff.

The roof over your head

The body that carry's you from a to b

Your family

And most important your health

Now is the time to start being truly happy, and appreciate the little things in life

New Year Resolution Taking you in a new direction

As we move into 2023 we start to think about the changes that can be made to our lives

Maybe you want to lose weight

Stop Smoking

Become more confident

Beat a fear or phobia

Get rid of the anxiety that has been holding you back in 2022

Beat an addiction

Cut down on your alcohol intake

All of the above intentions are real, but why is it that most of our intentions are gone

by January or February?

Well, humans are creatures of habit, and when the going get's tough

our resolutions are harder to maintain, and so we revert to our old and trusted ways

because that is where our comfort zone is

But it does not have to be like this in 2023, because therapy can give you the focus you need to stick to your goals, and help you to stay on track no matter what your resolutions are.

So this New Year, forget sitting back and only thinking about those changes and resolutions, but take that first step to becoming the best you in 2023

Helping you cool down as the temperature rises

Temperatures are rising in the UK, and all over the world due to climate change

I have seen a spike in clients struggling more with sleep ,and stress since the hot weather kicked in. i noticed even in myself my mood had changed, i have been feeling really agitated, and my clients have been mentioning the same thing.

We are aware of seasonal affective disorder, this is when peoples moods change in the winter due to a lack in serotonin, once the sun comes out your serotonin rises, and our mood gets better. But what about how are moods are affected in the summer? In the summer months our cortisol hormone rises, and in turn causes us to become angry, grumpy, and agitated, and on top of this effects our sleep”.

I started wondering how i could help everyone to cool down in this heat, as a hypnotherapist i know that using your imagination, whilst in a state of induced relaxation by focusing your attention works wonders, so i have introduced a technique to cool everyone down, It is so easy that anyone can do it.

Not only will the recording cool you down in this heat, but it will reduce your stress levels, and help you have a better nights sleep.

To access my free summer cool down recording got to: www.essex-hypnosis.co.uk/downloads

Free Recording

Essex-Hypnosis Blog

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5 May 2021

Fixing Sleep Issues with the Power of Hypnosis

As we come out of the other side of the pandemic

It has affected many of our daily routines, and one of its biggest reported impacts has been that on sleep - sleep becomes more elusive when we are anxious.

Many people are suffering sleep issues for the first time in their lives:

• awake for long periods

• unable to fall asleep at all

• wake up several times during the night

• more intense and emotional dreams

• tired and groggy the next morning

• find it difficult to concentrate or function properly

• feel irritable

But good sleep stratagems will help you sleep well and can limit the negative effects of poor sleep.

Try these FIVE hints for calmer and better sleep.

1 Limit news intake and avoid your mobiles and tablets for at least an hour before bed

Do something to boost your mood before bed - a humorous television programme or an uplifting podcast can help you sleep

2 Have structure to your day

Our brains and bodies love structure. Wake, exercise, eat and sleep at similar times each day

3 Focus on your breathing

Think about resting rather than sleeping. Follow your breathing by silently whispering the words ‘in’ and ‘out’ to induce sleep.

4 Learn to relax

Relaxation can switch off the stress response, physically and mentally. Find something that works for you - mindfulness meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing or a long hot bath.

5. If you can’t sleep - get out of bed

Your bed should not be a battleground. Instead, try to enjoy the sensation of merely resting.

Hypnosis can help many forms of sleep issues.

If you are not sleeping well, and traditional treatments are not working, hypnosis may be able to help you sleep the way you deserve.

It uses different approaches to induce relaxation, such as focused attention, symptom control and guided imagery.

And, unlike sleep medications, it has no side effects, so it can be an aid for those who can’t or don’t want to take sleeping pills.

It can help overcome bedtime restlessness - ease the worry, tension and anxiety that prevent sleep - and can show the way to the deep, restorative sleep that we all need.

To get started, download this complimentary hypnosis recording. And take the first steps on the road to better sleep!

Click on the link below for your free sleep recording

Press for free recording

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Oct 93 min read

Using Hypnosis to Quit Smoking for Stoptober: A Guide to Lasting Change

October is here, and with it comes Stoptober—a nationwide campaign encouraging people to quit smoking for 28 days. It’s a powerful opportunity to break free from the habit that not only impacts your physical health but also affects your mental well-being. If you’ve tried quitting smoking before but found it challenging, hypnosis might be the tool you need to finally succeed.

In this blog, i will explore how hypnosis can be an effective method to quit smoking and how you can use it to make the most out of Stoptober.

What Is Hypnosis?

Hypnosis is a therapeutic technique that involves guided relaxation, intense concentration, and focused attention to reach a heightened state of awareness. In this state, often called a trance, the mind becomes more open to suggestions. Hypnosis for smoking cessation works by helping individuals reframe their relationship with smoking and build healthier habits.

How Hypnosis Helps in Quitting Smoking

Reprograms the Subconscious Mind: Smoking is not just a physical addiction; it’s often tied to emotional and psychological triggers. For many, smoking becomes a way to cope with stress, anxiety, or boredom. Hypnosis targets the subconscious mind, where these habits are rooted, to break these associations and replace them with healthier coping mechanisms.
Builds Positive Associations: During a hypnosis session, i guide my client to visualise life as a non-smoker. They may suggest positive scenarios, like feeling more energetic, breathing more easily, and experiencing the freedom of not being tied to cigarettes. These visualisations create positive associations, making the idea of quitting smoking more appealing.
Strengthens Motivation and Willpower: Hypnosis enhances your focus and motivation. I may use affirmations like “I am in control of my actions” or “I choose health and freedom” to reinforce your determination. These affirmations become ingrained in the subconscious, providing the strength and willpower needed to overcome cravings and triggers.

What to Expect from a Hypnosis Session for Smoking Cessation

If you’re considering hypnosis to quit smoking for Stoptober, here’s what a typical session might look like:

The start of the session: I will discuss your smoking habits, triggers, and motivations for quitting. This helps me tailor the session to your needs.
Guided Induction: You’ll be guided into a state of relaxation. This is often done using deep breathing, visualisation, or focusing on a calming object or voice.
Therapeutic Suggestions: While in a trance state, i will suggest positive affirmations and visualisations aimed at breaking the association between smoking and pleasure. I will also help you visualise yourself as a non-smoker, enjoying the benefits of a smoke-free life.
Post-Hypnotic Suggestions: The session will end with post-hypnotic suggestions designed to strengthen your resolve and help you manage cravings and triggers when they arise.

Tips for Maximising Hypnosis During Stoptober

Set Clear Goals: Before starting hypnosis, set specific and realistic goals. Are you planning to quit smoking entirely, or are you aiming to reduce the number of cigarettes you smoke daily during Stoptober?
Practice Self-Hypnosis: Self-hypnosis techniques can reinforce the positive suggestions from your session. Practicing relaxation and visualisation exercises at home can boost your confidence and help you manage cravings.
Use Stoptober as a Milestone: The 28-day challenge is a great milestone. Research shows that if you stop smoking for 28 days, you’re five times more likely to quit for good.

The Science Behind Hypnosis for Smoking Cessation

Studies have shown that hypnosis can be an effective tool for quitting smoking. Many individuals report that hypnosis helped them change their mindset about smoking, reduced their cravings, and increased their motivation to stay smoke-free.

One of the reasons hypnosis works is that it addresses both the physical and psychological components of smoking. While nicotine replacement therapy and medications target the physical addiction, hypnosis tackles the emotional and mental aspects, making it a comprehensive approach.

Why Choose Hypnosis for Stoptober?

It’s Drug-Free: Unlike nicotine patches or medication, hypnosis is a natural, drug-free approach to quitting smoking.
Long-Lasting Effects: By addressing the root causes of smoking behaviour, hypnosis can create lasting change, helping you stay smoke-free long after Stoptober ends.
Personalised Experience: I tailor sessions to your specific needs, making the approach highly personalised and effective.

Final Thoughts

Stoptober is the perfect time to take a step towards a healthier, smoke-free life. Hypnosis offers a powerful and natural way to quit smoking by changing how your mind responds to cigarettes and cravings. Whether you’re trying hypnosis for the first time or looking for a new approach to quitting, embracing this tool during Stoptober could be the key to lasting change.

If you’re ready to make the change, get in touch, and make this Stoptober the turning point in your journey to a smoke-free life!