In today's Mindful Monday we're doing a simple exercise, which you may carry out basically, anywhere. Step 1: Choose an object to focus on. It may be a leaf, a stone, a flower or plant, if you're outdoors. Or a desk, cup or glass., if you're indoors. Step 2: Have a really good look at it. Notice it's shape, colour, texture, corners, where one surface meets another, how the light reflects of its surface. If a man-made object, or something that has been processed in some way, consider how it was made and what processes might be involved. Find out more Find out more about mindfulness in our previous post where we kicked off Mindful Mondays. … [Read more...] about Mindful Monday: Intensive Observations
depression
Managing Depression : The Importance of hypnotherapy’s role in managing depression
Hypnotherapy is an increasingly popular tool for managing clinical depression. Why? By tapping into your subconscious mind (the automatic part of our brain), clinical hypnotherapy can help you access emotions and memories,that you may have been unable to reach before. With this new perspective, you can gain insights and ideas for managing your depression in a more effective way. Clinical hypnotherapy is also being used as a self-help tool for people who want to take control of their mental health. It helps them understand the underlying causes of their depression and gives them the tools they need to take action on it. Furthermore, clinical hypnosis has been found to be helpful in reducing anxiety levels and improving sleep quality, which are both important elements in managing … [Read more...] about Managing Depression : The Importance of hypnotherapy’s role in managing depression
Mindful Monday: mindful walking
In today's Mindful Monday we're looking at a simple task you can do whilst taking a walk. Step 1 Set off on a short walk; preferably somewhere scenic and quiet, but this isn't essential. Step 2 Now, use your ears and listen to the sounds around you, such as the sound of passing cars, birds chirping in the trees, leaves rustling in the wind, or the sound of people mowing their lawn. Really focus on every noise and consider how loud or quiet it is. Step 3 Use your sense of smell and notice what you can smell. Inhale deeply and see if you can notice the more subtle scents too. You might notice the smell of summer flowers, the scent of a freshly mowed lawn, or food being cooked on a BBQ. Notice all the smells, and register how feint or strong they are, or whether they're pleasant or … [Read more...] about Mindful Monday: mindful walking
Mindful Monday: slow your thoughts
In today's Mindful Monday we're looking at a simple task you can do to slow your thoughts. This task can make it easier to process your thoughts in the longer term, but avoid processing your thoughts during this actual task. Step 1 Set a 20 minute timer for this task. Start by noticing your thoughts, including the speed of them. At first, you might find it difficult to notice them, but you will be able to with some practice. Don't pass judgement on them...just notice that they're there. Step 2 Notice the speed of your thoughts. You will likely find that they're moving quite fast. Again, don't pass any judgement on them. Step 3 Now, imagine those thoughts as little balls bouncing around, bouncing off the walls and each other. Notice how fast they're moving and how chaotic it … [Read more...] about Mindful Monday: slow your thoughts
6 ways to feel happier, when you really feel sad
Hear me out on this one, because I have lived with depression for a long time. For me, medication wasn't really that effective, so I really had to max out on many other things - things which I could change. In the 2 years or so that I was at my lowest point, I discovered a few things about how to make myself feel happy, when I felt really sad inside. I'd like to share some of those with you today. You will have heard of some of these no doubt, but my hope is that you find something a little different, which you haven't tried before. Doing these things have helped me eliminate 75% of my depression medication. 1. Ask yourself this question... If you're feeling sad, you will need to be very intentional by purposely doing activites to brighten up your day. It isn't easy, but practice … [Read more...] about 6 ways to feel happier, when you really feel sad
***READY TO GO***Mindful Monday: starting the day ‘right’
In today's Mindful Monday we're looking at a simple task you can do at the beginning of your day. This task can help lower stress by redirecting thoughts away from your worries about the day. This task may also be carried out in the bath, or as you wash at your sink. Step 1 Step into your shower, bath, or plunge your hands into the water in your sink. Immediately notice the sensation of the water on your skin. You might notice that it feels very warm at first, but then notice that after a few seconds, the water feels cooler on your skin. Notice the surface underneath your feet, or back of your legs, as they rest in the bath. What else can you notice? Step 2 Some people find it easier to close their eyes at this point, as it can make it easier to focus on your other senses. … [Read more...] about ***READY TO GO***Mindful Monday: starting the day ‘right’
Mindful Mondays at Hypnotic Universe
Today, we're kicking off a new self-help programme, Mindful Mondays. This week we're providing some background and next week, we'll start looking at some exercises. What is it? Mindfulness is about living fully in the moment. Noticing things like your breathing, your stomach gurgling, your feet hitting the ground as you walk. These are all sensation-based things which take is out of the hectic thought patterns that bother us in daily life. It takes practice It seems easy to be mindful, on the surface at least. However, succeeding in this task is much more difficult. Practice is required, but it is a skill in which most of us can achieve a level of success. If you think mindfulness isn't working, I encourage you to completely immerse yourself in it, and persist. A recognised form of … [Read more...] about Mindful Mondays at Hypnotic Universe
New in store – The Little Book of Happiness (free)
Hi all, this is just to let you know that we've added a new self-help book to the store. It's currently free and contains 100 affirmations for happiness, wellness, health and joy. https://hypnoticuniverse.org/shop/the-little-book-of-happiness/ … [Read more...] about New in store – The Little Book of Happiness (free)
10 signs of childhood emotional neglect
In today's post, we're discussing 10 signs of childhood emotional neglect. So, what is emotional abuse and emotional neglect? Emotional abuse Emotional abuse (also known as psychological abuse) is a common cause of low self-esteem and, judging by the clients that we see in our office, it is a significant cause of distress with respect to mental health distress. People who experience emotional abuse may demonstrate distinct personality changes, such as being withdrawn, feeling anxious, depression, or even suicidal. According to Healthy Place, emotional abuse is as follows: Any act including confinement, isolation, verbal assault, humiliation, intimidation, infantilisation, or any other treatment which may diminish the sense of identity, dignity, and self-worth (Tracy, 2021). Emotional … [Read more...] about 10 signs of childhood emotional neglect
10 hidden signs of depression
Everything might seem fine to yourself and others around you; you may even be meeting all of your goals and deadlines, but here are 10 signs that you could be depressed. You: 1. Feel overwhelmed generally. 2. Get easily irritated. 3. You feel tearful and sad frequently. 4. Feel less confident in conversation than you did. 5. Feel hopeless. 6. Loathe yourself. 7. Feel numb or empty inside. 8. Feel too anxious to relax. 9. Get frustrated easily. 10. Find that problems getting to or staying asleep make you feel exhausted. Don't guilt yourself into feeling that others have bigger problems, so you don't deserve help, because that's simply untrue. We all deserve to feel happy and fulfilled. Do I need help? If any of these strike a chord with you, you may be … [Read more...] about 10 hidden signs of depression
