Find your happy
Stress and anxiety are often talked about as one of the same thing, when actually they are different. Granted they can be interlinked as anxiety can cause stress and stress can cause anxiety. If we go about separating them we can start to understand, manage and overcome them.
What’s the difference?
Stress is a reaction to a situation or feeling whereas anxiety can fuel itself and become much more than the thing that triggered it.
Stress isn’t all bad, it can actually be helpful and motivate us to take action in our lives. For example, if we have a deadline looming, it can create enough pressure to become focused and work with a sense of purpose. Without it people can feel lethargic, directionless and lacking motivation.
“Hypnotherapy is really effective in clearing out negative beliefs that our subconscious minds are holding on to. It can uncover what is causing the stress and help to reframe our thoughts to become more positive.”
Disturbed sleep, upset stomach, tears and reduced patience can be a physical sign that we are being negatively impacted by stress.
Medication and talking therapies like hypnotherapy are really effective manage the cause and effect of anxiety.
You may also benefit from other self help strategies by taking time out to care of yourself, relax your mind and regain control of your thoughts…
1) Head up & shoulders back
We tend to hunch over when we are anxious. Pull your shoulders back, open your chest, lift your head up and stand or sit with your feet apart. This action helps your body start to feel back in control.
2) Stay present and check your thoughts
Anxiety is a state of mind where we worry about the future. So instead of worrying about what’s going to happen, bring yourself back to the present and ask yourself…
What’s happening right now?
Am I safe?
Is there anything that I need to do right this minute?
3) Relax
Relaxation techniques may help lower your stress. e.g. practice meditation, listen to music, fit some pieces in a jigsaw or bit of DIY. What some find relaxing others do not, so try different things to see what your favourites are.
4) Exercise
A simple brisk walk can help lift your mood and limit the effects of stress on your body and maybe even better if it’s done in the sunshine.
5) Take a breath
When we focus on our breathing it can really help calm and slow ourselves down. Simply concentrate on evenly inhaling and exhaling to quiet your racing mind.
6) See, feel & hear technique
What 3 things can you see
What 3 things can you feel
What 3 things can you hear
Whenever you have anxious racing thoughts try the see, feel & hear technique – it can really help calm your mind.
First take a couple of slow breaths in and out.
From a sitting position look straight ahead.
Without moving your head or body ask yourself…
What 3 things can you see
What 3 things can you feel
What 3 things can you hear
Repeat this simple exercise 3 times, it should make you feel more calm
7) Take action
Interrupt your racing thoughts and do something different e.g. stand up, take a walk, write a to-do list simple activities to regain your sense of control.
8) It’s good to talk
Saying out loud what we are worried about can really help us get clear on what they are. Call a friend and get it off your chest. If it’s the middle of the night writing it down on paper can be a really good way to get it out of your head so you can then get some sleep.
Research shows that laughter has lots of benefits for our mental health and well-being.
9) Laugh
If you have a funny TikTok or YouTube clip to laugh at – use it! Otherwise, challenge yourself to do a fake laugh and keep fake laughing until you are really having a jolly good giggle.
It was found that humour could help reduce anxiety!
I would love to hear what techniques work best for you!
And if you are struggling to quieten your thoughts and feelings remember my hypnotherapy treatments works exceptionally well for anxiety.
I will help you calm your mind so that you can relax and find your happy!