Staying Out of Environmental Hypnosis During Super Bowl XLIX

Photo courtesy of Microsoft Office

Whether you will be cheering at the football stadium or partying at home, the intensity of the stimuli around you during the Super Bowl XLIX may so overwhelm your conscious mind that you drift into a hypnotic trance. (Don’t worry: this kind of environmental hypnosis is a common and natural phenomenon. In fact, you have likely experienced before if you have ever been so lost in thought that you missed your freeway exit while driving home.) I suggest the following steps to help you stay completely alert, focused and attentive during the game, halftime performance and all of those entertaining ads:

·         While you are partying, be sure to eat a meal that includes some protein, or at least have a snack that includes cheese or nuts (almonds or peanuts). I recommend eating protein-rich foods because they will lower your level of suggestibility and reduce mood swings that hunger and alcohol consumption (low blood-sugar level) can induce.

·         Limit or avoid drinking alcohol during the game.

·         Practice being Mindful: Take a moment or two every 30 minutes or so to focus on some item in your natural environment, such as the pattern of light and shadow on the field or the sensation of the jersey you are wearing, etc. Make a mental note of each detail that you notice about that object as you draw slow, deep breaths into your lungs. As you exhale, focus on the word “calm” to center yourself as you continue to watch the game.

·         Finally, if (when) you notice that you have started to feel overwhelmed or are eating, drinking or are tempted to buy more souvenirs than you intended to purchase, you are likely drifting into a light state of trance (environmental hypnosis). Simply say the following to yourself: “One, two, three, four, five, [Say your name]; eyes open, wide awake.” These words will count you back up to a fully alert and aware state.

·         If you do drink alcohol, have a designated driver to help you get home safely.

 

Enjoy the game!

 

 

Sara R. Fogan, C.Ht. is a certified hypnotherapist based in Southern California. She graduated with honors from the Hypnosis Motivation Institute in 2005. For more information about Calminsense Hypnotherapy® and to set up an appointment, please visit http://www.calminsensehypnotherapy.com/.

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