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
    

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http://www.angiegiles.co.uk/
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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 consultation to find out more. 

A turtle makes progress when it sticks it's neck out!

'A turtle makes progress when it sticks its neck out' (anonymous)

Sticking your neck out can seem like a tough prospect when moving to a new school, workplace, college or even returning from combat. The changes we experience require us to possibly re-think who we are, what we are doing, how we do things and how to fit in with people we may not know well. On top of that, for those who knew us before, we may have changed beyond all recognition (emotionally at least). It takes courage to stick our neck out and step into the unknown. Whilst it can seem a bit unnerving taking that first step, often it pays dividends in many ways. The more we continue stepping into new situations, strength seems to grow inside of us and keep us changing, enjoying life and learning. It takes bravery too. I enjoy helping people to get the best out of their lives. Taking those steps with my help. Would you appreciate that? If so, call me to find out more on 07773 610816 or the Norfolk Clinic on 01603 660792 to arrange an initial chat. Hypnotherapy, coaching and counselling services are offered to many different types of people.