It's no secret that making decisions can be daunting, especially when there are multiple options to consider. The more significant the impact of the choice and the greater the number of options, the more challenging it becomes to decide. Depending on a person's general stress tolerance, decision-fatigue or decision-apathy can set in. The good news is that there are ways to mitigate the effects of decision-fatigue, and reduce the stress of the decision-making process. 1. Recognise the signs The first point is to recognise the signs of decision-fatigue, because it's easier to thwart it in its tracks, than to resolve it once it's set-in. Common signs are: Having little patience Considering and re-considering (and re-re-considering!) plans and options - also known … [Read more...] about 6 ways to navigate decision fatigue
mental health
How to use power statements
The way that you talk to yourself and others can cause some kind of effect (whether positive or negative). However, there is a particular type of communication which can really bost your self-esteem and uncover your potential. Realising your potential can lead to a more fulfilling and successful life. Here are some tips to help you on your journey: Identify your strengths and weaknesses (hypnotherapy can help with that) Set achievable goals for yourself (we can also help with that) Surround yourself with supportive people Learn new skills and knowledge Take calculated risks Stay positive and persistent (and this) Specific power words There are some specific phrases which you can use in your communication, which will help you uncover your full … [Read more...] about How to use power statements
Mindful Mondays: Awaken your breath
Stand in mountain pose (shown). Position arms by your sides, palms forward, with thumbs facing outwards. Inhale and sweep arms upwards and overhead until hands meet abover head, with palms touching. Exhale as you slowly lower arms to your sides. Deepen and lengthen breathing and try to feel the pause after each breath. Repeat 5 to 8 times. Find out more Find out more about mindfulness in our previous post where we kicked off Mindful Mondays. … [Read more...] about Mindful Mondays: Awaken your breath
The key to a happy friendship: revealed!
What is a happy friendship? A happy friendship is a relationship between two or more people characterised by mutual trust, support, respect, and enjoyment of each other's company. It involves sharing experiences, interests, and emotions, and providing emotional and practical support to each other. What makes a happy friendship? Here are some ways to foster a happy friendship: 1. Use good communication Maintaining healthy relationships requires consistent effort and effective communication. By keeping in touch regularly, you are showing your loved ones that they are a priority in your life. Additionally, actively listening to them shows that you value their thoughts and feelings. Here are some tips to help you stay connected: Schedule regular … [Read more...] about The key to a happy friendship: revealed!
Mindful Monday: Intensive Observations
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
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
April is stress awareness month
Did you know that April is stress awareness month? Stress is a major source of mortality and morbidity in the average Western population. We can transplant hearts and grow vital human tissue in a lab, yet people are still dying of stress-related illnesses. It feels like the world has gone mad. We wanted to share some easy ways of dealing with stress. We'd love to hear about your favourite stress-busters in the comments too! So, without further ado, here we go. 1. Listen to music or watch a movie. These are 2 easy ways to distract yourself, and they're often free too. You Tube is my go-to source of music. Sure there are ads, but I'm ok with that. Spotify is another good source of free music. 2. Eat well and take exercise. This is another good stress-buster and does not need to … [Read more...] about April is stress awareness month
Free stress-relieving and relaxation audio
Hi everyone, we've added a free gift to our store. We've been doing some free relaxation sessions for our local community (more on that later), so we've recorded some of the relaxation exercises for them. We figured, we may as well let you have it too. There's 3 or 4 exercises on there, with a total length of around 45 minutes. Enjoy! https://hypnoticuniverse.org/shop/free-stress-relieving-relaxation-audio-tracks/ More: Contact us if you'd like to give us feedback | find out more about the benefits of relaxation … [Read more...] about Free stress-relieving and relaxation audio
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