How do you stay positive, upbeat and free from anxiety? Recently a client told me she’d felt great for a couple of weeks after her session and then started to feel anxious again (it should be said it was only her first session!)
Despite the popular notion that some people are naturally optimistic, I explained that to stay confident, positive and to cope with anxiety better, you need to work at it. It’s like going to the gym to build strength and stamina – it’s no good going once!
Firstly you need a map to follow, a daily plan in order to create and maintain a better mind set, then repeat that plan consistently.
Coupled with the knowledge that on average people have 60,000 thoughts a day, most of which are re-runs from the days, weeks and months before, it’ makes sense to choose different thoughts. If you are constantly thinking the worst doom and gloom thoughts, if you’re endlessly judging and criticising yourself and others YOU are the one making yourself feel anxious.
Here are some useful ways to cope with anxiety:
1. Stop Negative Thoughts – Embrace Positive Thoughts – Keep Anxiety At Bay
Do you know the fastest way to maintain positive thinking and dump negative thoughts and anxious feelings? Hypnosis! Hypnotherapists have a great understanding of language patterns and are skilled in the use of positive suggestions. I carefully craft hypnosis programmes to bypass the critical part of the mind so that positive, constructive suggestions are quickly taken on board by the subconscious mind.
2.Repetition.
Repetition is the mother of all skills and in a warped kind of way people often practice thinking anxious thoughts! How crazy is that! Why would anyone do that? It’s just bad habits, like eating junk food! If you want to sustain a better mind-set you need to hear positive suggestions and encouraging ideas a lot, EVERY DAY EVEN!
Moreover there’s a short cut, want to know what it is? Go back and read No. 1 again it’s effortless!
The only discipline you need is to keep a listening device close to your bed at night, after the initial 21 days tune in a couple of times a week to boost your new positive mind-set
It only takes 21 days to build the muscle memory necessary to create new habits.
3. Meditation.
In contrast to hypnosis when you find ways to still the mind and give it a break from incessant thinking you can also interrupt the cycle of negative thinking. Think of it like changing channels on a radio, there are loud, provocative shouty stations and calm, relaxing programmes on a different station.
As a matter of fact look no further, go to the Free Stuff here and download your free meditation programmes as my gift to you for a more calm, positive 2020.
4.Develop an attitude of gratitude.
Stick a Post-it note where you will see it each day to remind yourself of something to be grateful for. It doesn’t matter what it is. You can train your brain to turn negatives into positives. For example I balked at my tax bill recently then quickly reminded myself it means I’ve got a job, something many people would be grateful for. I’m still working on that one!
Being grateful also encourages open-heartedness, you feel more able to give and receive. So do something nice for someone else and enjoy feeling uplifted.
Also have a look at what the expert on gratitude Robert Eamon has to say.
5. Recognise Your Success.
Similarly to gratitude, appreciation is the enemy of anxious feelings. One of my favourite exercises from our self-help book I Just Want To Be Happy really helps you value yourself.
Do it now quickly. Grab a pen and write an exhaustive list of your achievements. I mean everything, from your first swimming certificate, getting that promotion, buying that car to having your babies! Think of as many things as you can, you will be impressed by all you have accomplished in life so far. If you’re not astounded by your achievements make this year the year you do all those things you’ve been putting off.
It is your job to make you happy I hope this spurs you on to go for it!
6. Sleep Well
Sleep is so important to our overall sense of wellbeing. Whether you’re a 5 or 8 hours-sleep person, the quality of your sleep matters. Develop good routines such as having a technology free bedroom. Go on, really flex your mental muscles and be disciplined enough to TURN YOUR ROUTER OFF over night! Don’t take my word for it! Try it and discover a) how empowering that feels and b) notice the subtle energetic shift that improves your environment.
For other sleep support invest in the Sleep Well Now programme.
7. Exercise more
Equally we know that exercise is just as important and definitely helps reduce anxious feelings. If you want to feel better and think more positively, plan to get more oxygen into your bloodstream. Yoga, walking and swimming are great ways but really it doesn’t matter what it is, DO SOME EXERCISE. Train yourself to enjoy it! Make a commitment to regular exercise at least three to four times a week.
Moreover when you agree to meet and exercise with a friend or colleague it strengthens your commitment.
So that’s a starter plan to keep you mentally and emotionally buoyant. I am excited to launch a new service at thestresshacker.com I am offering tailor-made hypnosis programmes to help you achieve your goals, improve your mind-set, reduce stress and cope with anxiety. Email me sue@thestresshacker.com to find out more.
