What is stress?
Stress is when our body is responding to pressures of life. Overwhelm, feeling threatened, loss of control and even when experiencing something that is new to us, something unfamiliar. Sometimes we can feel stressed by the thoughts we think, imagining problems and negatively forecasting about all the completely unknown stuff that hasn’t even happened yet. The mind cannot tell the difference between reality and imagination, so when we’re thinking of something going wrong, something that upsets us or even thinking of past events that caused us stress or trauma, then our body will respond as if it is really happening.
It’s all part of our fight and flight response where stress hormones are released. Sometimes this stress response can be useful as it can help us achieve a goal, it can even motivate us, for example, competing in a sports competition or public speaking. As soon as these events are over however, stress levels are lowered again and we feel calmer. On the other hand, too much stress can leave us feeling as though we are constantly under attack and we remain in a state of heightened alertness. Long term effects of cortisol and other stress hormones can put us at an increased risk of many physical and mental health problems, including –
Heart disease
High blood pressure
Digestive disorders
Depression
Headaches
Unable to cope
Memory impairment
Can we really control our response to stress?
We all deal with stress differently and how we cope will depend on our personality, past experiences and even our genetic makeup.
Some people you know may seem totally laid back about everything. Yet others may react strongly to the slightest of things.
It is important to realise that stressful events and situations in our lives are inevitable and facts of life that we cannot always control. However, we absolutely can control our reactions to them.
So how can we help ourselves deal with the stress in our lives?
Well first of all, think about what is causing you to feel stress. Then think of what steps you can take to help you manage the impact it is having on you.
This could include –
Regular exercise
Eating a healthy diet
Relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, mindfulness
Connecting with people who make us feel good
Factoring in some ‘me time’ in your day
Making time for doing some of your favourite things
Noticing the things that are good in your life and things that you are grateful for
Setting yourself boundaries and saying no more often
You could also try writing down 2-3 things that have gone well for you during the day or even things for which you are grateful. Doing this at the end of each day can be useful.
Seeking professional help.
Taking control of your stress
This is something you can definitely do. Finding solutions is always possible. If we do nothing to help ourselves, then nothing changes and stress can worsen.
That first step can be hard to take, but it is crucial in helping you move forward.
You will be surprised just how much better you feel just by making the decision to take control of things.
Be kind to yourself always. Do more of what you love every day. You deserve it.
Whatever it is that you get enjoyment out of, make sure you do it. When we are enjoying our hobbies, exercising, in the company of people we like or love, out in nature, resting or relaxing, we release happy chemicals. These amazing brain chemicals help to calm our nervous system and lower our heart rate and blood pressure. They boost our mood and help us to feel more optimistic, enabling us to cope better in life.
So, whether we like going to the gym, meeting friends for coffee and a chat, resting with our feet up, reading books, going for walks, whatever it is, it can help. Even the shortest of strolls out amongst nature can be beneficial. A 2019 study from researchers at the University of Alabama, Birmingham, revealed that spending 20 minutes a day walking in a park can elevate your mood. Even if you cannot get to a park, just spending time outdoors, looking at the sky and listening to birdsong, can make a difference and improve emotional well-being.
Isn’t it great that doing things we love can help us feel better.
Hypnotherapy for stress
Hypnotherapy can benefit your health in a variety of ways. I specialise in solution focused work and it can be highly effective at helping people cope better with stress. During our sessions we will talk about how our brain works in relation to stress and overwhelm. We will focus on making small changes and look at what your life would look like if you were coping better with the challenges you have. We do not focus on what has happened in your past and instead look at your present situation and your future.
Hypnosis is a natural process that involves gentle relaxation. It is often compared to daydreaming or meditating and is a very soothing and peaceful experience. Have you ever been so pre-occupied reading a book, or watching your favourite tv programme, that you have been unaware of time ticking by, or noise around you? This is very similar to hypnotic trance. In fact, you could think of it as guided daydreaming.
Are there any other benefits from hypnotherapy?
Yes there are!
Hypnotherapy can also be used to help increase your confidence and self-esteem. This will allow you to take more control of your life, helping you feel more comfortable at setting boundaries and saying no when you want to. When we say ‘no’ more often it helps us manage our time better, which is key in helping us to manage our stress.
It can also help improve your sleep patterns. During sessions we focus on emptying your stress bucket and improving the quality of your sleep. A good nights sleep can calm and restore our body, which helps reduce stress and improves our focus, enabling us to feel lighter, fresher and to take more control of our lives.
Do you need support and help for stress?
If you have been thinking about reaching out for help and wondering if hypnotherapy can help you, please get in touch. I am more than happy to have a chat with you if you would like to find out a bit more about the sessions. I offer a 15 minute free telephone chat, or alternatively you can email or text me.
Face to face and on-line sessions available
I am currently offering face to face sessions from two lovely relaxing therapy rooms. Or if you prefer please click on this link – https://www.mandyholmeshypnotherapy.co.uk/on-line-hypnotherapy/ to find out more about my on-line sessions.
Email: newyou@mandyholmeshypnotherapy.co.uk
Tel: 07950 556382
Mandy Holmes is a Shropshire based hypnotherapist offering on-line and face to face sessions. She is fully insured and a member of the Complementary & Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC) and the Association for Solution focused hypnotherapy (Afsfh).
Hypnotherapy in Shrewsbury
Hypnotherapy in Shropshire
Solution Focused Hypnotherapy is a collaborative process and can be very effective in the treatment of stress and anxiety, low mood, low self-esteem and low confidence.