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| Photo by Sara Fogan When we are relaxed, it is easier to integrate hypnotic suggestions to change a behavior and to see a previously problematic situation in a new light. |
It
is Friday night, and many people are looking forward to the weekend. Why?
Because Saturday and Sunday are typically, “traditionally” (albeit, not
necessarily) the days we devote to fun and relaxation. We give ourselves
permission to kick off our shoes, loosen our neckties and put on looser-fitting
garments to “play” in until Monday (work) rolls around again. If possible, we
turn off or tune out that part of our mind that we devote to focusing on our
jobs and the projects or responsibilities that preoccupy our attention during
the week. The weekend is our time to
do what we like, when we want to do it.
Rest
and relaxation are important components for physical and emotional health and
well-being. When we experience anxiety, in the form of physical or
mental/emotional stress, the adrenal system releases “stress” hormones to help
us flee or escape the perceived threat. However, long-term exposure to an emotional
or physical threat can compromise our immune systems and increase our
vulnerability to opportunistic illnesses (e.g., flu). Our willingness and
ability to get away from the daily stresses in our lives not only gives us a
new perspective on a problematic situation; it also facilitates our physical
and emotional rejuvenation that will facilitate our new outlook.
I
include a lot of deep (diaphragmatic) breathing exercises and progressive
relaxation imagery to help my clients relax during their hypnotherapy session. When
a client is deeply relaxed, he or she is more open to accepting and integrating
hypnotic suggestions designed to change or give up an unwanted behavior to
achieve the person’s stated vocational and avocational self-improvement goal. Also, the individual can
create new, positive associations (subconscious knowns) between the comfort and relaxation that he or she is
experiencing and a new or renewed ability to handle or resolve a potentially challenging
situation. Finally, continued “practice” in feeling relaxed while engaging in
the new, desired behavior will gradually, subtly transfer to various areas of
the person’s life. Not only will the person achieve the stated self-improvement
goal; he or she will find it easier to remain relaxed and experience less or no
stress while taking on new or additional challenges at work and in life.
Have
a great weekend!
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/
©
2014
