Stress
Stress can be defined as the sum of physical and mental responses to an unacceptable disparity between real or imagined personal experience and personal expectations.
By this definition, stress is a response which includes both physical and mental components.
Mental responses to stress include adaptive (good) stress, anxiety, and depression. Where stress enhances function (physical or mental) it may be considered good stress. However, if stress persists and is of excessive degree, it eventually leads to a need for resolution, which may lead either to anxious (escape) or depressive (withdrawal) behavior.
EFFECTS OF STRESS
Hypnosis helps us control our destiny by allowing us to perceive a more appropriate reality with predictable results in which we have a sense of control over our lives.
STRESSED OUT...RELAAAAX...WITH HYPNOSIS
John used to down two scotch and waters before dinner every night just to relax enough to make the transition from work to home life. But after dinner he would be so relaxed he’d nod off while reading the paper and find himself unable to go to sleep upon retiring. He desperately needed to unwind after a stressful workday as a management executive and was looking for an alternative to "social drinking" when he stumbles upon hypnosis.
Now after work John takes a fifteen minute "transition break" by closing himself off in his bedroom, turning off the lights and the phone and putting on some soft music. He slips into comfortable clothes and stretches out on his bed, or in his recliner. As the music begins to soothe his nerves his thoughts turn to his "safe place", a mental haven where he has gone many times to escape from the stresses of the outer world. Here in his own imagination John is in complete control.
He can visit his favorite location – a stretch of deserted beach – or another safe place in a cool pine forest where he listens to the tinkling of a nearby waterfall. Wherever he is, John knows he is safe, comfortable, and in complete control, with no one asking anything of him, or wanting anything from him.
Here he can – and does – imagine himself as he desires to be – happy, healthy, relaxed and at peace with himself and everyone around him. If he experienced any difficulties at work, he puts these problems or difficulties into the basket of a hot air balloon and watches them gently float away, knowing that they will be taken care of in the best possible way.
John may take a dip in the ocean or playfully dance under a gentle waterfall, cleansing both his mind and his body of all stress, all tension, all negative emotions, and feeling a restorative healing energy take their place as he continues to enjoy this peaceful, relaxing state.
After about fifteen minutes, John instinctively ends his imaginative journey and slowly returns his thoughts to the present, reminding himself that he is back in his room feeling refreshed and revitalized, yet completely and fully relaxed and ready to enjoy his evening with the family.
The relaxed, good-natured John who emerges from the bedroom is a completely different person from the harried, stressed, and sometimes short-tempered man who went in. John’s family members, co-workers, and friends, as well as John, are grateful that he has discovered hypnosis.
John is just one of a growing number of people who find hypnosis works for them as an effective, non-drug alternative for stress reduction. With stress an ever-present part of our lifestyle and the growing evidence for the link between stress and illness – including such conditions as hypertension, heart disease, ulcers, immune deficiency diseases and even cancer – hypnosis provides welcome relief with no side effects.
Hypnosis, simply put, is a relaxed and focused state of mind. Most people can be trained to enter this state of deep relaxation and purposefully narrowed attention easily and safely, in just a few sessions with the help of a trained hypnotherapist.
Once the training has taken place, most clients can induce a self-hypnotic state, following the instructions of the hypnotherapist. Unlike alcohol or drugs, hypnosis can be used anytime, anywhere. All that it requires is an opportunity to relax for a few minutes. One can practice hypnosis while gazing out an office window or sitting in a quiet corner of the office break room.
By quieting down the body and the mind hypnosis sets into motion a chain reaction of physiological responses, such as hormonal changes and changes in immune system function. Hypnosis reduces the effects of stress on the body by thwarting the "fight or flight" response, lowering heart rate and blood pressure and relaxing muscle tension. These changes, in turn, stimulate other positive changes such as lowered production of stress hormones and increase of protective T-cell production by the immune system.
Since the 1970’s a growing number of scientific studies indicate that hypnosis, among other "mind/body" therapies such as biofeedback and meditation are effective options in treatment of illness where stress is a major factor. While not meant to take the place of traditional medical care, hypnosis can act as a useful adjunct therapy – one that is not only effective but enjoyable as well. One such major study at Duke University showed that practicing relaxation resulted in reduced hypertension and reduced blood sugar levels in test patients.
With more studies every day illustrating the effectiveness of hypnosis for stress reduction and its accompanying health benefits, shouldn’t you try hypnosis? It’s simple, easy and pleasant.
Contrary to popular myth, a hypnotherapist does not "take over" your mind or influence your thoughts – except at your request. You are aware at all times of the suggestions that the hypnotherapist offers and your mind will automatically reject any suggestions that conflict with your values or beliefs. On the other hand, when the hypnotherapist’s suggestions lead you to more relaxation, a healthier and more balanced life, why not accept them with an open mind?
10 WAYS TO REDUCE YOUR STRESS
These 10 tips below can be applied to your life and all of your relationships as it pertains to school, work, family, your significant other and friends. My hope is that you find positive ways to help manage all the stress that you are dealing with.
1 - Manage Your Time Effectively: Keep a To Do list or daily planner and make sure to include time for yourself and time for stress reduction activities.
2 - Take a Break: Schedule several short breaks throughout your day to help minimize your stress. Get up and stretch, read a book, go for a walk or simply call a friend.
3 - Minimize Interruptions: When focusing on something important, make sure to block off a period of time when you can work without being disturbed or distracted.
4 - Eat Healthy Foods: Try to avoid foods high in fat, sugar and sodium. Be sure to snack on something healthy and do not skip meals because this will lower your energy levels.
5 - Exercise: Regular physical activity is one of the best ways to deal with stress. It releases endorphins and gives you a natural high. Try walking, bike riding or simply exercising in the comfort of your own home.
6 - Think Positively: Instead of focusing on negative thoughts, focus on the positive things in your life and say to yourself at least one positive thought each day.
7 - Learn to Say NO: Don't feel guilty when you have to tell others no. Taking on additional projects or work for others when you are busy will only cause you more stress.
8 - Put Stressful Situations in Perspective: Will it matter a month from now? What about a year from now? Is it something that you can control? Ask yourself these questions when you are faced with a stressful situation.
9 - Get Enough Sleep: Studies show that most people need between 6-9 hours of sleep, but most people give up sleep when they are under stress to finish more work. Be sure to get the proper rest so that you can energize your mind, body and spirit.
10 - Find Someone to Talk to: Talking to your friends or family can help because it gives you a chance to express your feelings. However, problems in your social life or family life can be the hardest to talk about. If you feel like you can't talk to your family or a friend, talk to someone outside the situation. This could be your priest, minister, a therapist, your family doctor or a coach.
10 WAYS TO A BETTER NIGHT'S SLEEP
1 - Simplify your life. An overabundance of
information can be stressful. Cutting out some of the clutter in your life will help you
focus on what really matters. Try reading a book until you feel sleepy.
2 - Develop the wisdom to know what's worth stressing over. Here's an old saying: "In
the face of strong winds, let me be a blade of grass. In the face of strong walls, let me
be a gale of wind."
3 - Avoid alcohol at least four hours before bedtime. Alcohol makes you sleepy, but it
also causes fragmented sleep while your body spends the night metabolizing the alcohol.
4 - Don't drink caffeinated beverages such as coffee or tea 8-9 hours before bedtime.
Caffeine can stay in your system as long as nine hours after you consume it.
5 - Take a walk when you can't sleep. Give the adrenaline a place to go. A little exercise
will release beta-endorphins into your bloodstream, which will counteract the stress
hormones.
6 - Keep your bedroom cool, between 65 and 72 degrees.
7 - Set your alarm clock and turn it around. Being able to see the time only reminds you
how late it is and makes you more anxious about how you're not asleep yet.
8 - Go to sleep and get up at the same times every day to set your body's internal clock.
9 - Exercise at least 15-30 minutes a day, it will enhance the quality of your sleep. Do
not exercise at least 2 hours before going to bed. Allow time for your body to relax.
10 - Drink a glass of warm milk before bed. It contains tryptophan, an amino acid that's
one of the first ingredients in serotonin, a soothing brain chemical. Also eat a small
bowl of instant oatmeal topped with a sliced banana. These are two of the few foods that
contain the sleep-promoting hormone melatonin.
If you're experiencing stress in your life call me today to schedule a FREE consultation appointment to discuss how Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy can help you. Working with me in a private session as your hypnotherapist, I can tailor your suggestions and imageries to your specific needs and desires.
I'm looking forward to serving you.
TESTIMONIALS
Ron,
Thank you for helping me have a peaceful weekend. I must tell you that I had the first
anxiety free weekend in years. My worst day usually - Saturday was wonderful and relaxing.
Our work together is very beneficial.
Thank you!
God be with you
Larry Roovaart
2-5-08
Spring Creek, Nevada
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