HOW TO MANAGE ANXIETY IN UNPREDICTABLE TIMES

Many people suffer with anxiety and depression at different levels.  People with anxiety often project into the future, and think about the ‘what if’.  Depressed people often go back to the past and think about bad things that have happened to them before, and  therefore, they might expect bad things to happen again. 

Now with the Coronavirus lockdown getting more and more serious we are probably all having those thoughts, to an extent.  A slightest symptom in us, could cause us to fear the worst.  We are fearful of ourselves and others and the unseen predator.  Many of us will be fearful about our income, our businesses, our jobs and careers.  Most will worry about their health and their loved ones.

I would like to share a few thoughts and approaches I would take with clients to help people keep things in perspective.  As often the fear can diminish our inner power.  Hypnotherapy is extremely beneficial in helping people empower themselves and prevail through difficult times. It gives them a sense of calmness and confidence and self-belief.

The first thing to do is to take care of ourselves.  Eat good quality food regularly. Breakfast is important as it get our blood sugar level up and keeps us going for the day.  People who don’t eat are more prone to feel jittery, physically and mentally. Try not to put too many toxins and stimulants into your body i.e alcohol, nicotine and caffeine and sugar.  They upset the nervous system and can affect our digestive system.  Sleep is the foundation of good health and it is important to give yourself permission to sleep so that you can cope with the challenges of the day.

Try to banish fear.  It is very draining and all consuming.  Negative fear feeds on itself.  Give yourself positive suggestions that you are strong.  You are taking good care of yourself and the people who are important to you.  Think about your past successes, your strengths and capabilities.  We will all have to become more resourceful in the weeks ahead, and we need to tap into other skills and capacities.  Learn something new. Stimulate your intellect and creativity.  Do not let other people’s fear rub off on you.  Social media articles and other people’s fear mongering can exacerbate our own anxiety.

We tend to think that anxiety is an emotional and mental state, but it affects our bodies hugely.  Fear triggers adrenaline and cortisol which can make us feel so uneasy physically.  If you sense that fear is held in your body, try this following exercise:

Think about where the tension is held in your body.

Close your eyes and give the feeling a shape.  Think about the size of it, in relation to your body.

Give it a colour.   Is it hard or soft?    Is it rough or smooth?  Is it heavy or light?   Is it hot, cold or warm?

Notice how it makes your body feel and think about what would soothe that feeling

Warming sun?  Fresh pure air?  Soothing balm?  Your imagination will show you what is right for you.

Focus on how you are feeling.  Keep things in perspective.  Think about things you love to do. Where you love to be and how you function best.    Where do you feel happiest and safest?  Being with your family and friends?  Your pets?  In the garden or outdoors?  In your bedroom surrounded by things you love.  Create a sensory experience. Find a safe place.

From your safe place you can review your action plan.  Think about what you need to do to feel safe and to be able to prevail and survive. Take your thoughts away from yourself and think about others.

Be kind to yourself. Be kind to others. Live your life by your own code. Do not  compare your situation with others.

I hope you have found this helpful.  I have made a recording for people to find a safe place and boost their immune systems.

If you would like a copy of an audio file meditation called ‘BOOST YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM’ please click here

Sue Turner is a highly experienced clinical hypnotherapist.  She works at Chelsea Natural Health Clinic and also, has her own practice, Candela Hypnosis in Henley on Thames. You can call Sue on 07702 939 020 or email: [button link=”mailto:sue@chelseanaturalhealth.co.uk” subject=Sue Turner” color=”green” target=”_blank”]Email Sue [/button]

sue turner hyphotherapy chelsea natural health sw10, HOW TO MANAGE ANXIETY IN UNPREDICTABLE TIMES

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