What artists tell us about change and inspiration

Ever heard the expression 'Take things as they come'? It's easier said than done, isn't it? 

Especially if you are facing 'a measure of darkness' or where times are proving challenging.

An artist is someone with a uniquely creative ability who can show us the light. Usually an artist sees the world in a different way to others, or experiences the world with extra feeling and sensitivity. They see the potential for freedom of expression in many ways. Their ability to reinvent and develop themselves, whether through art, music or many other medias, is an inspiring skill. 

When a painter/artist has come to the end of a particular passion or theme, they often have spare canvases that somehow did not quite develop into their full potential. These cast-offs are just steps along the way (they may feel frustrated, though eventually overcome that). A common process that usually leads the artist to produce another, better version, of earlier attempts. Often you'll see them re-painting over old canvases. 

It is that ability to transform that translates well into the human potential. Just as the artist, we can learn to cast-off earlier versions of ourselves, our behaviours and any outdated beliefs. We don't need a brand new canvas, we have ourselves. 

We can change, it just takes a little faith. Quite a lot of trust is required and we can change, we can fulfill our potential and find inspiration. 


Angie 

See:

http://www.angiegiles.co.uk/
Twitter: angie_therapist
Facebook: Angie Giles Hypnotherapy

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About the Author: Angie works as a hypnotherapist, counsellor and coach at the Norfolk Clinic Complementary Healthcare Clinic, 38-40 Magdalen Road, Norwich, NR3 4AG. 

Call Angie directly on 07773 610816 or email info@angiegiles.co.uk 
Angie offers a free initial chat to find out more, as part of your first consultation. 

Migraine awareness week - Migraine: what's it like? What can I do about them?

Migraines to me were mini-tornadoes, whipping sharply through my head and leaving a wake of destruction. Sometimes lingering like an unwelcome visitor. Unfortunately I suffered with migraines quite regularly in my teens, twenties and thirties. Thankfully since reaching my forties, I've had very infrequent migraines.

As far as we know, there was no one else in my family that had suffered with migraine before I had my first migraine as a teenager. I was terrified, thinking I was losing my vision or having a stroke. It's nothing like a normal headache. Feeling disoriented, I was not able to string a sentence together whilst a rather beautiful but awfully sickening ‘aura’ of twirling light started the onset of migraine. This was followed by quite a long period of gaps/disturbance in my vision. Then a fierce compression of my eyes/ temples/ pounding in my head followed by feelings of nausea.  Unpleasant and debilitating symptoms.

I think that hormones were definitely part of the problem, though after that first experience I had many more migraines brought on by bright or flickering lights and other triggers too (certain foods, tiredness and stress). I am better at managing my stress levels now and for choosing to eat regularly and get enough sleep.

A strategy for my particular ‘light sensitivity’ was for me to get into the darkest place possible and stay there till I stopped seeing the ‘aura’ and for my vision to slowly return to normal. Then I’d sip water, or if the migraine was not budging, have a coffee. This was because I’d been told coffee is supposed to open up constricted blood vessels and reduce the migraine severity. It’s not really clear if this is true, though I would have done anything to get through that ‘migraine hell!’

Migraine headaches are typically divided into two categories: migraine with aura and migraine without aura. An “aura” refers to sensations people get before a migraine. The sensations typically occur anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes before attack. These can include:

• feeling less mentally alert or having trouble thinking
• seeing flashing lights or unusual patterns
• numbness or tingling of the face or hands
•  senses heightened, including unusual sense of smell, taste, or touch 

Some migraine sufferers can experience symptoms a day or two before a migraine occurs. Known as the “prodrome” phase, these may include:

• constipation
• depression/ severe irritability
• frequent yawning
• neck stiffness
• unusual food cravings

See this great site for comprehensive description of migraine and the different types of headache.  https://www.migrainetrust.org/about-migraine/types-of-migraine/other-headache-disorders/tension-type-headache/

If you are experiencing symptoms, you should consult with your GP. There are many reasons why people get headaches and visual disturbances, some of which may appear to be migraine but are not, so it’s better to be safe than sorry. If you have been diagnosed with suffering migraines, there are various ‘over the counter’ drugs that can help minimise the impact.

It is worth investigating any other options, like complementary therapies (eg, hypnotherapy, acupuncture, osteopathy, herbal), alongside traditional medicine See also: Norfolk Clinic Facebook - migraine info

If you are going through your own version of ‘migraine hell’, come and find out more about the services I offer (and that of other relevant therapies at the Norfolk Clinic too)

Angie

See:

http://www.angiegiles.co.uk/
Twitter: angie_therapist
Facebook: Angie Giles Hypnotherapy

Facebook for HypnoShape: HypnoShape weight reduction programme

About the Author: Angie works as a hypnotherapist, counsellor and coach at the Norfolk Clinic Complementary Healthcare Clinic, 38-40 Magdalen Road, Norwich, NR3 4AG. 

Call Angie directly on 07773 610816 or email info@angiegiles.co.uk 
Angie offers a free initial consultation to find out more. 

Mindfully aware

Mindfulness is something that can seem really challenging to achieve when under pressure or dealing with a great deal of emotion.

From my own experience, and from others I have worked with, mindfulness becomes a big part in helping to navigate busy times and calming overworked emotional responses.

Some benefits found when using mindful approaches and meditation are calming a busy mind whilst getting into the 'now'. Focusing and gently directing your mind on what you are doing and away from latching onto negative thinking too.

There's not one way that is best for someone to experience mindfulness and there are many different ways to be mindful too.


Yoga is a mindful activity and one that I enjoy doing for the mental focus that is required (as well as the challenge of the physical movement!).

Our yoga teacher told us about a very mature lady who she saw whilst on a retreat. This lady was in her 70's, was extremely supple and lithe for her age. She chose to rise much earlier (at 6am) at least an hour and a half ahead of the rest of the group. This lady was mindfully directing her body (and mind) to a morning routine that strengthened her physically and got her joints and muscles ready for the morning yoga session. It was proof that focus and awareness had given this lady a choice of how she wanted to be, how she wanted to feel, and then directing herself fully to that activity.

If only we were all on a retreat? It seems easier to imagine when you have not got the daily pressures of life. However, mindfulness can be used at any time. Why not go for a walk and just pay attention to the feeling of your feet on the ground? What about noticing the sounds you are making with your feet? The feeling of a breeze on your face? Making a cup of tea with absolute focus on that task, letting any thoughts 'not about tea making' to drop away until you have finished your cuppa?

Enjoy being a little more mindful today. Notice what happens when you do.

Angie :)

See:

http://www.angiegiles.co.uk/
Twitter: angie_therapist
Facebook: Angie Giles Hypnotherapy

Facebook for HypnoShape: HypnoShape weight reduction programme

About the Author: Angie works as a hypnotherapist, counsellor and coach at the Norfolk Clinic Complementary Healthcare Clinic, 38-40 Magdalen Road, Norwich, NR3 4AG. 

Call Angie directly on 07773 610816 or email info@angiegiles.co.uk 
Angie offers a free initial consultation to find out more. 

 

Want to be leaner and live (healthily) longer? Islanders of Japan may hold the key!

Do you want to be leaner and live healthily longer? 

There's a southern group of Islands in Okinawa in Japan where the elders live to a very ripe old age (the greatest proportion of centenarians in the world, according to the UN). They have a significantly lowered risk of heart attack, stroke, cancer, osteoporosis and alzheimers.  Older members of their community lead active & healthy lifestyles and also suffer less depression. After years of research there appears 2 factors behind longevity and good health of elders upon the island: 

1. What they eat (low calories, less fats, more vegetables, fruit, fish and tofu) and 
2. A simple, healthy lifestyle and continuing involvement in their community

Both factors we can learn a great deal from. The food eaten by Okinawan's is a traditional diet of portions of cooked food and fresh fruit. They tend to eat a lot of vegetables: seven portions of vegetables and fruits a day. Also, they consume seven portions of grains/ cereals and two of soy. They also regularly eat fish (and squid/ octopus) and tofu each week and, less frequently, meat and dairy products. 

For exercise, there are no gyms on the islands, these people work and take long walks, dance, cycle, tend their gardens, practice tai chi and martial arts (and that's just those aged over 90!) There is a strong sense of community and mutual support within the Islands too. I totally agree with the two factors and the philosophy for good health for a healthy retirement. 

There is a third factor that I have read about. It seems rather important to me, as a person interested in reducing obesity and in helping others with weight management.  This is the third factor, based on Confucian philosophy, that is widely adopted within the Islands: 

• "Eat until you are 80% full"  

The expression "Hara hachi bun me" (or "hara hachi bu") sometimes mis-spelled "hari hachi bu". Roughly translated the Japanese phrase is “Eat until you are eight parts (out of ten) full” or “belly 80 percent full”.

If, like me, you remember being told to 'finish your plate' before leaving the school/ home dinner table, this may take a little getting used to! Our western habits mean we're trained to over-eat, stretching our stomachs with food, partly because of the ingrained unconscious 'fear' of leaving food on our plate. 

It is believed by eating their diet and stopping eating at 80% full assists in keeping islanders Body Mass Index low. It has been documented to delaying the stomach stretch receptors that help signal feeling full. Perhaps our 'feeling full switch is off' or we confuse the signals of feeling thirsty with hunger. Either way, learning to mentally recognise when we are becoming 80% full, and training ourselves to stop eating, may be useful for losing weight. 

Turning off distractions when you eat, television and computers and smart phones, enables you to concentrate on your food too. Then mind, taste buds and stomach really connect. When you think and feel you are reaching 80% full, push the plate away. Can't do any harm, can it? You might lose a few pounds in the process too.  

See:

http://www.angiegiles.co.uk/
Twitter: angie_therapist
Facebook: Angie Giles Hypnotherapy

Facebook for HypnoShape: HypnoShape weight reduction programme

About the Author: Angie works as a hypnotherapist, counsellor and coach at the Norfolk Clinic Complementary Healthcare Clinic, 38-40 Magdalen Road, Norwich, NR3 4AG. 

Call Angie directly on 07773 610816 or email info@angiegiles.co.uk 
Angie offers a free initial consultation to find out more. 

A nudge in the right direction

I came across this quote and rather liked it: 

"when a stick floating down the river gets stuck, it doesn't need psychotherapy, it just needs a nudge" (Michael Neill) 

It's about getting the right sort of help at the right time.

I recently found myself on the open river (see the picture), leading towards one of the glorious Norfolk Broads. Kayaking is a great thing to do and for me, getting outside, in the fresh air is very good for my soul! 

At one point, after a rest, I needed help. A man seated nearby with his friends could see I was tiring a bit, so he very kindly asked if he might give me a 'nudge' away from the sandy bank towards the flow of the main river. I said yes and was grateful for his help as it was perfectly timed and very helpful. 

The idea of a helpful 'nudge' makes sense to me. In the U.S. there has, in the past, been a culture of seeing therapists for long periods. In the U.K. though less obvious perhaps, there's more awareness of the benefit of sorting out emotional or confidence issues holding us back. We are gradually seeing a shift towards making use of opportunities for building emotional muscle and getting ourselves into a stronger position. It doesn't require months of coaching/therapy either, well certainly not with me. 
My clients sometimes just need a mental nudge, a little coaching or perhaps an opportunity to use me as a sounding board for thinking more clearly and gaining confidence. 

Of course there are times when longer term psychotherapy is of use and I am able to offer that too, should the need arise. 

When your 'job/relationship/mindset' gets stuck, get in touch, I'll let you know how I can help nudge yourself back into the flow... 

(I must mention The Canoe Man (Wroxham, Norfolk) as they offer a range of  hiring/ camping options for the novice kayaker/ canoeist. The picture is one I took as I went along the River Bure, Norfolk. Lovely isn't it? I'd recommend giving this a go) 

See:

http://www.angiegiles.co.uk/
Twitter: angie_therapist
Facebook: Angie Giles Hypnotherapy

Facebook for HypnoShape: HypnoShape weight reduction programme

About the Author: Angie works as a hypnotherapist, counsellor and coach at the Norfolk Clinic Complementary Healthcare Clinic, 38-40 Magdalen Road, Norwich, NR3 4AG. 

Call Angie directly on 07773 610816 or email info@angiegiles.co.uk 
Angie offers a free initial consultation to find out more. 

The see-food diet wins a brain reward every time!

                                     

If chocolate's on the menu, unless I have a great deal of restraint, or a strong awareness of being full, there's a likelihood of me having this reaction (Abby Lee Miller of Lifetime TV's Dance Mom's fame). It's a challenge all humans face around the 'not so good for you' food. We've not evolved quickly enough on from our hunter/gatherer years when food was not freely available, so we seek high density foods, like those high in sugar or high in fat.   

We get a 'reward' and particularly with chocolate, the release of 'feel good' hormones. Our brain seems hardwired to go get that fatty, calorie-loaded food.

It's the same with Ice-cream. The high fat addition to many cheaper value ranges, make people respond just like Abby did in the picture above. 

People 'see food' and start to get a reward in their brains before they even get a dollop of it on their tongue. Advertisers know this. Just seeing an image of chocolate I can honestly 'smell it' and salivate, particularly when I'm hungry. Those pesky advertisers.... 

Back to Abby (above pics) who recently lost a lot of weight after nursing her elderly mother in a hospice. I feel for anyone dealing with someone during late stages of life. Abby was quoted as having tried to get her mom to eat by even taking in her favourite restaurant food. Her mom could not eat it and feeling nauseous much of the time. Seeing this may have prompted a reaction from Abby. Stress can lead to not eating or to over-eating.  Normally a positive response to food from others encourages us to 'go ahead'. Seeing her mom refuse food may have also enabled Abby to put her food brakes on too. This and the recent bad news of having 'diabetes' another reason for her weight loss plan. Either way, I hope Abby fits well into her life. She's a force to be reckoned with and I admire her tenacity. It's one quality needed to overcome a food addiction/ emotional response to food. We all have it, some just need to find what makes them really want to stop over-eating.    

Through HypnoShape ®  I've helped others to find their way forward to seeing food as a fuel and not an emotional need and putting their food brakes on.  A recent testimonial: "I would recommend this programme because it will change the way you think and feel about food" & "My thought process (around food) is much more positive and mindful"

Want to know more about HypnoShape - A 6-session weight reduction programme? Please get in touch.  Email: info@angiegiles.co.uk or via telephone number below. 

Thanks for reading.
Angie

See:

http://www.angiegiles.co.uk/
Twitter: angie_therapist
Facebook: Angie Giles Hypnotherapy

Facebook for HypnoShape: HypnoShape weight reduction programme

About the Author: Angie works as a hypnotherapist, counsellor and coach at the Norfolk Clinic Complementary Healthcare Clinic, 38-40 Magdalen Road, Norwich, NR3 4AG. 

Call Norfolk Clinic reception on 01603 660792 or call Angie directly on 07773 610816. She loves helping people achieve their potential at work, in life and finding greater happiness using a range of therapeutic techniques. 

Envious or jealous? Green is a positive colour.

Feeling envious or feeling jealous? What's the difference? Why does it matter? 

Imagine someone you know is on holiday. They start posting numerous social media pictures of their fabulous hotel and of the white sandy beach. Does this inspire you with ideas for a future holiday? Do you feel like saving up and planning something for yourself? This may have started as a feeling of envy that encouraged you toward positive motivation and action. 

Or do you mumble and groan about the number of times you see their 'I'm so happy on my holiday' face across your screen? Do you start to say things to yourself like, 'I'd not want to be there anyway' (even though, you admit, it looks exquisite). Or perhaps, 'Too many creepy crawlies and I noticed they'd been bitten by a mosquito already!' The thoughts started as envy, then quickly escalated into a negative, jealous response. It's like wanting to stop someone else's fun. To not share in another person's vivid experience of life. 

Other people can seem to have it all, can't they? Maybe they can. Or maybe they have put in considerable effort to save up, to forge a successful career, making sacrifices in order to take annual holidays. Holding onto envy will lead to jealous thoughts. It will keep you trapped if you are constantly comparing yourself with others. Preventing you from focusing on your positive characteristics and achievements. You are the only invitee at this 'pity party'. 

Worst of all, it erodes self-confidence. It will stop you from building greater self-esteem. 

Or do you feel good about other people's success even if they appear to have 'more' material things, bigger homes and more exotic holidays than you? Do you positively rejoice in other people's happiness? Feeling excited for others is going to lead to more positive feelings for you. That should be less painful than feeling bad about another person's happiness. 

Perhaps next time you get a little green eyed, remember, an occasional bit of envy is OK. Just make sure it leads to the grass being greener on your side of the fence. Focus on your own grass and leave others to theirs.   

See:
http://www.angiegiles.co.uk/
Twitter: angie_therapist
Facebook: Angie Giles Hypnotherapy

About the Author: Angie works as a hypnotherapist, counsellor and coach at the Norfolk Clinic Complementary Healthcare Clinic, 38-40 Magdalen Road, Norwich, NR3 4AG. 

Call Norfolk Clinic reception on 01603 660792 or call Angie directly on 07773 610816. She loves helping people achieve their potential at work, in life and finding greater happiness using a range of therapeutic techniques.

You are not a tree! Change and move forward

Asking for help

Facing up to an issue is something many people put off until it becomes a problem. 
If you are in a position where you are struggling to find a way forward, it may be the time to find out how counselling, hypnotherapy or coaching may support you in facing that problem, whatever it is. 

See:
http://www.angiegiles.co.uk/
Twitter: angie_therapist
Facebook: Angie Giles Hypnotherapy

About the Author: Angie works as a hypnotherapist, counsellor and coach at the Norfolk Clinic Complementary Healthcare Clinic, 38-40 Magdalen Road, Norwich, NR3 4AG. 

Call Norfolk Clinic reception on 01603 660792 or call Angie directly on 07773 610816. She loves helping people achieve their potential at work, in life and finding greater happiness using a range of therapeutic techniques.

loose strands and transformation

I was thinking of how transformation in one part of our lives influences other areas too. Our life and world is made up of individual strands combined together.  

Hidden strands exists that we choose to leave out of the story we tell ourselves (and we hide this from others too, whether consciously or unconsciously). If we become aware of what that hidden part is, when a change happens, it can help us to navigate our way through the choppiest seas of life. A vulnerable, loose strand can be better managed if we accept it and know it. 

Whether your change is a career, moving home, marital status or a loss or bereavement, change can feel scary, and at the same time, I've worked with many people who have made successful transitions in their lives. They've gone from uncertainty, fear and worry towards a happier and more accepting place. 

If you want to have a chat about transforming your life, please call or email me. I'd love to hear from you.    

See:
angiegiles.co.uk
Twitter: angie_therapist
Facebook: Angie Giles Hypnotherapy

About the Author: Angie works as a hypnotherapist, counsellor and coach at the Norfolk Clinic Complementary Healthcare Clinic, 38-40 Magdalen Road, Norwich, NR3 4AG. 

Call Norfolk Clinic reception on 01603 660792 or call Angie directly on 07773 610816. She loves helping people achieve their potential at work, in life and finding greater happiness using a range of therapeutic techniques.

worrying vs control

Worrying about things that are out of your control is mentally draining. What if you focused instead on all the things that really matter to you and that you have some sort of control over? Would you feel more empowered? Would you feel less afraid? Would you feel free to make better choices? If you want to focus on the things that will give you greater freedom to be who you want to be, do get in touch.

See:
angiegiles.co.uk
Twitter: angie_therapist
Facebook: Angie Giles Hypnotherapy

About the Author: Angie works as a hypnotherapist, counsellor and coach at the Norfolk Clinic Complementary Healthcare Clinic, 38-40 Magdalen Road, Norwich, NR3 4AG. 

Call Norfolk Clinic reception on 01603 660792 or call Angie directly on 07773 610816. She loves helping people achieve their potential at work, life and finding greater happiness using a range of therapeutic techniques.

What are you leaving behind in last year?

Happy New Year! Welcome to 2015. 

It's an exciting time, with many changes happening in the world around us (and in the UK, if you are interested, it's a general election year). It's a time for new opportunities and I think  'personal choice' about our wellbeing fits into that view.  If you want to make a few changes or improve on what you already have, its a great time to get focused on that idea. All good intentions start with an idea..  If over Christmas you've faced relationship or family challenges, put on a few pounds, been hibernating or getting over an illness, it may be time to spend a bit of time looking after your body and your mind. 

Sometimes it's a challenge to get motivated to begin afresh. With spring around the corner (I say with all good intention) it's a good time for us to take care of personal maintenance routines. It's why you often see people at the gym as they set out to lose weight and get fit. 
I personally prefer not to set 'resolutions' as they can seem so set in stone and are quite scary. Things change, so I think choices and goals need to have some flexibility. Sure, go to the gym and gradually increase what you do rather than going 'full tilt' on the running machine. Your body will thank you for building up exercise gradually. 

Setting an intermediate goal with small steps towards a bigger plan gives you a chance to celebrate achievements along the way.  Even taking one small step towards a target can give you a boost of motivation 'I did it!' you say, so you keep going. The ability to see changes and feel them happening through those small steps enables you to keep moving forward and not give up with changes to lifestyle. 

Of course, I believe in the power of the mind in supporting transformation. If you want to know more about the boost that hypnotherapy, counselling, coaching or weight management (Hypnoshape ®) can give, just get in touch.  Here's to the best year ever!

See:
angiegiles.co.uk
Twitter: angie_therapist
Facebook: Angie Giles Hypnotherapy

About the Author: Angie works as a hypnotherapist, counsellor and coach at the Norfolk Clinic Complementary Healthcare Clinic, 38-40 Magdalen Road, Norwich. 

Call Norfolk Clinic reception on 01603 660792 or Angie directly on 07773 610816. She loves helping other people achieve their potential at work ,life and find greater happiness using a range of therapeutic techniques.

Thinking like a warrior

See:
angiegiles.co.uk
Twitter: angie_therapist
Facebook: Angie Giles Hypnotherapy

About the Author: Angie works as a hypnotherapist, counsellor and coach at the Norfolk Clinic Complementary Healthcare Clinic, 38-40 Magdalen Road, Norwich. 

Call Norfolk Clinic reception on 01603 660792 or Angie directly on 07773 610816. She loves helping other people achieve their potential at work ,life and find greater happiness using a range of therapeutic techniques.

'Listen to me (please)' says your body

Do you 'listen' to your body? Do you pay attention to sensations in your body? Are you sat for ages at a desk or slumped in a chair and not taking breaks or getting up and moving around? If so, your body will not thank you for it. You probably have not been aware of the impact on your muscles, ligaments, tendons, blood vessels or major organs in your body. 

If you've ever woken up after a nights sleep and wondered why your neck muscles are tight, then you may have forgotten to listen to your body. Perhaps you held your shoulders unevenly, or were sitting with your feet tucked underneath you and were twisting your spine. Perhaps you were breathing very shallowly and getting insufficient oxygen into your lungs and then anxiety affected you, without 'real' awareness of what happened to cause it. 

We only get that one, precious, body to see us through all our life. Our brain that sits inside our body, it thinks it's in charge sitting right at the top. Well it is in charge, mostly. We need to remind it that being at the top also means being totally responsible for the miraculous thing that is our own, unique, vehicle in life. It might not be the perfect body, but it is the only one we will get. If we don't look after it, eventually we will become less efficient, less able to move and unable to do the things our brain needs and wants us to do. We must take time to repair, refresh and keep the moving parts, moving. 

Conversely, we need time to 'rest' the brain and let it 'free-wheel' for a while. To close down awareness on constant noise, thoughts and input that the brain receives 24/7 is a feat that challenges us, unless asleep. Learning to connect what is happening between your mind and body takes time. I see and experience a link between physical activity and calming of the mind. I've had those sudden solutions to things I've been mulling over, all because I have taken a break or done something physical after being static for a time. 

I really enjoy the physical challenge of yoga and swimming. I'd love to swim every day if I could! Yoga is something I do easily at home and sometimes I attend a class, subject to work commitments. I find both activities give me something different and both really clear my mind to allow a natural 'pause'. I find that because my body is active, my mind is quieter. For most people this makes exercise a big 'plus' and it's why sports are great for releasing tension and building stamina. 

I wonder if you have reminded your brain of it's responsibilities as your vehicle (body) owner of late. If not, is it time for an overhaul of your mind and body? 

I run 6 session HypnoShape ® weight programmes in Norwich, UK. It's a programme that helps you get back in touch with your body (and mind).  It's particularly helpful if you notice sometimes you eat for emotional reasons. It's not a diet, it's about getting a healthy lifestyle. It'll help you find ways to manage stress, improve how you feel about yourself and deal with emotion too. Contact me or info@hypnoshape.com for more information on daytime and evening classes running at the Norfolk Clinic, 38-40 Magdalen Road, Norwich. 

Angie
See:

angiegiles.co.uk
Twitter: angie_therapist
Facebook: Angie Giles Hypnotherapy

About the Author: Angie works as a hypnotherapist, counsellor and coach at the Norfolk Clinic Complementary Healthcare Clinic, 38-40 Magdalen Road, Norwich. 

Call Norfolk Clinic reception on 01603 660792 or Angie directly on 07773 610816. She loves helping other people achieve their potential at work, life and finding greater happiness using a range of therapeutic techniques. 

         

what do you need to do to change?

freedom; a great thing or a bit nerve-wracking?

angiegiles.co.uk
Twitter: angie_therapist
Facebook: Angie Giles Hypnotherapy

About the Author: Angie works as a hypnotherapist, counsellor and coach at the Norfolk Clinic Complementary Healthcare Clinic, 38-40 Magdalen Road, Norwich. Norfolk Clinic reception on 01603 660792 or directly on 07773 610816. She loves helping other people achieve their potential at work and in life and achieving happiness using a range of therapeutic techniques.

How do you cope with unexpected change?

The ups and downs of life and work can be just like a rollercoaster at times. There might be a feeling of safety and peace as you glide upwards and the views at the top seem breathtaking, only the direction suddenly changes, so you go hurtling downwards with the inevitable twists and turns that happen along the way. It can be exciting for a short time and some people thrive on the adrenaline-filled rush of rollercoasters. If there are several events or situations that happen it can feel a whole lot different, too much stress over a prolonged period. How you cope is often dependent on your upbringing and also on how many of those other stressors there are in your life at the time.

Some people get to the point of not quite knowing how to cope with the upheaval and stress that change brings. If there is one thing that changes in life and work have taught me, it is there is no one solution to each and every person's circumstances when it comes to change. What I do know is that from my work with clients, change can be unsettling. Too much change leaves some with a feeling of having the ground taken from beneath them. I say there are no rights or wrongs to how you deal with change. I do suggest feeling what you feel and allowing time to 'grieve' the loss that often goes with a major life or work change.

One thing that can happen when someone is under pressure is to turn to unhealthy coping strategies. This could be to drink, over-eat, under-eat or take recreational drugs. Forgetting about problems for a while is the aim, but there are consequences on your body and health as well as on your relationships. Find other ways to let your frustration or hurt out. You could go for a walk, run, cycle, read, talk to a trusted friend. You could write down your thoughts and feelings (just for your eyes) so that they stop spinning around your head. Get to bed early and eat healthily and regularly.

If you can, do your best to let people know what you want at a particular time. It is your responsibility to say what you need rather than expect people to read your mind. If you want time on your own, that's OK. Explain your need for a bit of quiet and reflection so you can come to terms with the changes you are facing. If you need to surround yourself with people to help you through it, that's OK too. Try to be explicit about your needs with those who care about you. Other people may not know quite what to say or do to support you if you are going through a major life upheaval. Their need may be to give you a hug when it is the last thing you need right now. Allow them the chance to support you in a way that you will appreciate by telling them as clearly as you can. They do care and you can help them to help you.

Change is inevitable with home, life and work not staying still. Things move on. You can choose to see a change as an opportunity. Once the initial shock and disbelief have worn off, things will begin to fall into place: acceptance. The change could direct you in a new, positive direction. You could start to feel excited about the next twists and turns and highs of the rollercoaster of life and work, still to come.

About the Author: Angie works as a hypnotherapist, counsellor and coach at the Norfolk Clinic Complementary Healthcare Clinic, 38-40 Magdalen Road, Norwich. Norfolk Clinic reception on 01603 660792 or directly on 07773 610816. She loves helping other people achieve their potential at work and in life and achieving happiness using a range of therapeutic techniques.
Twitter: angie_therapist
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Help with feelings about pregnancy and morning sickness

Reports earlier this year said Kate Middleton may have turned to the help of hypnotherapy for dealing with her feelings about food after severe morning sickness meant she became dehydrated and was hospitalised. Only in the worst cases do GP's suggest medication might be used. A trip to hospital is only involved only when the impacts of the sickness present a potential risk to the mother or her unborn child.

What help can a mother find to deal with how she is feeling (alongside the main medical care on offer for her and her baby's physical safety)?
Asking for help from those close is a good idea, particularly if you have another child and are finding yourself under pressure to continue with everyday tasks. Finding a way to distract your mind from worries about the pregnancy or the morning sickness are also useful. Another way is gaining support through the benefits of hypnosis during the first trimester. Learning self hypnosis techniques as well as finding a practitioner to help with maintaining a positive focus and getting through those early symptoms. Hypnosis should always complement the main care on offer through the NHS. See the NHS website link here on morning sickness/nausea in pregnancy and how to help yourself or if someone you know is feeling the effects. Suggestions include foods and drinks to avoid and other steps you can take to help yourself and seek support from those close to you.

If you would like to know more about hypnotherapy and how it can complement existing medicine, I offer a free initial consultation in Norwich, Norfolk, UK. Based at the Norfolk Clinic, 38-40 Magdalen Road, Norwich, NR3 4AG, an established and well respected complementary health care centre in Norwich. Telephone 01603 660792. See Angie Giles Hypnotherapy web page for more information.

What tomorrow brings...