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| 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/.
© 2015
