One small step for you... away from anxiety or low mood (or how to pop that bubble before it bursts)

So how many times have you found yourself sinking into a low or anxious mood recently? I think there are few people, who if they thought carefully, could deny that this happens from time to time.

The thing is, why does it happen? There are some very straightforward reasons for why this happens.
Our brains are pretty much hardwired to spot the negative in things. I don't mean that we go around moaning and groaning, it's more that there is a tendency to zoom in on the negatives at great speed! 
We are all capable of blowing up big bubbles of anxiety (or of depressed thinking) without even realising we are doing so. 

It's also something that we can choose to become more aware of. We can choose spending less time being engaged 'actively' in the very thoughts that lead to those negative feelings. So how can you address those thoughts without pinging an elastic band every time you think of them? (Yes, I had a go at doing that too!)

One thing that I personally found to help me, is the use of mindfulness and meditation. It does not mean clearing my mind, it is more that I focus attention so I become an impartial observer. It means I can spot and identify when thoughts are actually doing me harm. I'm thinking of running another 6 week course in Mindfulness and Meditation for beginners at the Norfolk Clinic from the first week of October. If you want to know more about this very valuable course and for more details, get in touch soon, as bookings are limited to 6 per group.

There's also a number of other things that can support managing your own state of mind. I share ideas with clients, when working with me individually. Some ideas are from different types of therapies, such as CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy), and some are what I'd define as 'logical steps'. All in all a multitude of ways to change the way you think and feel. As a unique client, you will be encouraged to work through issues that are most important to you, so that you are able to see progress, even if just small steps. All those steps add up, don't they?

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.