When travelling, lose your 'baggage'

I'm off on holiday shortly for a well-earned break.  After a very interesting and busy time with clients working on a whole range of things. Some goal-oriented, some overcoming anxiety/ depression, others relationship challenges or dealing with issues from the past and others facing up to phobias and fears. 

I worked with a client (a terrific coach) enabling her to overcome a fear of flying. After working with me, she fully enjoyed a recent holiday. You can see her blog here, at the Engaging People Company, having written an article on overcoming limiting thinking.     

Back to my own holiday theme, the amount of clothes and shoes that I could pack is a standard joke amongst friends and family. You see, being British, I tend to over-plan for every eventuality where the weather is concerned! One of the things that I would like to travel 'light' with on this holiday, though, is my mind. 

Being self-employed, and working with clients who are self employed too, I see a consistent pattern of 'not switching off' from things like Social Media and from calls and admin. This can lead to a leaching of time into home life. So a clear definition of when you are working and when you are not, is necessary. 

Going on holiday, I want to experience all that there is in new environments. From the moment I am in the airport putting luggage in the hold, right through to flying, arriving at the seaside, feeling the warmth of the sun and having fun. It seems like the perfect time to hit the 'out of office' button and be in the moment.  

I'll be flying high and travelling with a light mind, enjoying every last moment.    

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. 

 

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. 

The Blog post that sweeps you off your feet (in a good way!)

Recently I heard about a Sky Dive for a charity local to Norfolk. That charity is Nelson's Journey  They do an amazing job for young people who have been bereaved and help them come to terms with that loss through activities. 'Bringing back Smiles!' 

So, one for the 'bucket list', I decided to sign up and take part. The Sky Dive is happening at the end of April 2017 over at Beccles Airfield.  The Nelson's Journey event is run in conjuction with UK parachuting 

In preparing for this once in a lifetime event, please read HERE - making the jump guest blog post that I wrote for Her Business Brew network. I gave away some fantastic success coaching tips that I have personally used to help myself and also that my clients also gained from knowing. 

Can't wait to finalise my Virgin Money fundraising page where I aim to raise as much as possible before the jump. I'm doing this alongside a few other people I know, so we're all feeling excited.  I'll pop a link to the page on the blog once set up. 

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 chat to find out more, usually as part of your first consultation. 

'Christmad' preparation? My top toboggan swerves to coast you through Christmas like a pro

So, I was hurriedly searching for a particular food on google, intending looking for 'Christmas holiday food'. However, with the speed of a chased rabbit down a hole, I mistyped: 'Christmad.'  Seems a suitable alternative name for an increasingly frantic time leading up to the festivities. 

The supermarkets have been playing Christmas music since November, when it was still quite warm and not at all feeling like Christmas, here in the UK. The TV commercials and shops started a feeling of journeying down a toboggan ride to 'Christmad' that was gradually more demanding and picking up speed. Going on a toboggan without preparation is dangerous, if untrained. So here's 3 of my top 'swerves' to prepare you for your very own toboggan ride to be happier and coast you more gently through Christmas!

 BBC image

 1) Tidying up

Your house may be less than tidy, perhaps you’re working long hours to make ends meet. You have family coming over. So you can either clean the house all night and feel exhausted or decide maybe you’re holding onto an unrealistic illusion of what a perfect home looks like at Christmas?  People tend to remember experiences, not things.  The fun and laughter of friends and families, not there were flawlessly clean carpets, perfect matching decorations and neatly stacked logs by a roaring fire. I’d rather have happy, rested family and friends, than those worn out cleaning everything up till the wee small hours, wouldn't you?

2)  Present buying

Most people, if asked, would say that some presents they’ve been given have gone unused, been recycled or are just sitting in the back of a cupboard. Finding and choosing gifts can be stressful. Particularly when attempting to find the latest ‘must-have’ toy for children. Of course, you want to do your best for your child. However, repeat after me “I’m doing the best for my family/friends/me” (Because, yes, you are!) Why not create something homemade that certain people will particularly like? (I’ve hand-painted a few items this year and I think the recipients will appreciate my efforts)

3)  Judging yourself/ comparisons

Don’t judge yourself harshly if you can’t finalise everything you would want to at Christmas.  If you have children, know that YOU are doing the best for them at this time.  Your love and time is far more important to a child. The best gift you can give is being a loving and ‘present’ parent, rather than worrying about ‘what if’s’ and ‘could haves’. They just take you away from the present moment of enjoying what you DO have.

If you see friends glossy ‘perfect’ images posted on social media, it can lead to feelings of envy or of not matching up to their standards. Those images are not the whole picture. They represent a moment, not a real story of lumpy gravy, only what the person posting wants you to see.  It’s another illusion to disregard and swerve.

 I wish you a very healthy and happy ride through the festivities! 

Angie x

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 chat to find out more, usually as part of your first consultation. 

Spread a little kindness, it starts with you!

“WHEN WE FEEL LOVE AND KINDNESS TOWARD OTHERS, IT NOT ONLY MAKES OTHERS FEEL LOVED AND CARED FOR, BUT IT HELPS US ALSO TO DEVELOP INNER HAPPINESS AND PEACE.”

~ DALAI LAMA

Today raises awareness of kindness. Kindness is one of those 'softer' skills that is often discussed as a way of feeling good.  Where does kindness start and charity end? 

You may remember the expression 'charity begins at home'. This generally refers to putting your family and yourself in order before serving others. It's a proverb, not a religious statement. Sir Thomas Browne was the first to put the expression into print, inReligio Medici, 1642: "Charity begins at home, is the voice of the world: yet is every man his greatest enemy."

What if we think in our personal lives of others as being 'an enemy' or 'someone to be feared'. What impact on our own ability towards kindness and compassion? What if in being unforgiving to others our ourselves (with our thoughts or behaviours in our 'home'), we become more unhappy and less likely to show compassion to others? What good will come from this? 

As an example, Jay Narayanan (psychologist) spoke about the toll of holding a grudge. He pointed to an experiment showing grudge-holders perceiving a hill as steeper than did people who had been asked to recall a time they’d forgiven someone. It’s as if the grudge is a heavy backpack that people wear, yet they resist forgiving others, because they fear it will make them appear weak and will invite exploitation. On the other hand, he referred to some powerful leaders, Gandhi and Nelson Mandela, being admired because they could have retaliated, but chose not to despite the obvious repression they were subjected to. 

Can you forgive one person today? Find that compassion and kindness for yourself, feeling less burdened by hurt, and you may find extra kindness blooms freely in your heart. Creating space for you to make a difference in this world. 

Angie

    

See:

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

See The Norfolk Clinic, Norwich page

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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 
 

World Mental Health Day 2016:10th October

Each year on 10th of October, World Mental Health Day is held in order to raise awareness of Mental Health issues. 

This year's theme of Psychological First Aid in crisis situations seems particularly pertinent, given Hurricane Matthew and it's path of destruction. Psychological First Aid is is not just about professionals providing support for someone who experiences a traumatic event. It is also about everyday people and how they can provide support without needing to be a fully qualified counsellor. 

Please take a look at the link here for World Health Organisation information on World Mental Health Day. 

One of the things people get concerned over is worrying what they do or say to those involved in a traumatic event. What do you say if someone has just lost a family member, witnessed something devastating happening or have just lost their home /way of life? 

Here's a list of things NOT to say or do:

• Don’t pressure someone to tell their story.
• Don’t interrupt or rush someone’s story.
• Don’t give your opinions of the person’s situation, just listen.
• Don’t touch the person if you’re not sure it is appropriate to do so.
• Don’t judge what they have or haven’t done, or how they are feeling
• Don’t say…”You shouldn't feel that way.” or “You should feel lucky you survived.”
• Don’t make up things you don’t know.
• Don’t use too technical terms. 
• Don’t tell them someone else’s story. 
• Don’t talk about your own troubles. 
• Don’t give false promises or false reassurances. 
• Don’t feel you have to try to solve all the person’s problems for them.
• Don’t take away the person’s strength and sense of being able to care for themselves.

Here's a list of things to say and do:

• Try to find a quiet place to talk and minimize outside distractions. 
• Stay near the person but keep an appropriate distance depending on their age, gender and culture. 
• Let them know you hear what they are saying, for example, nod your head and stay attentive. 
• Be patient and calm. 
• Provide factual information IF you have it. Be honest about what you know and what you don’t know. “I don’t know but I will try to find out about that for you.” 
• Give information in a way the person can understand - keep it simple. 
• Acknowledge how they are feeling, and any losses or important events they share with you, such as loss of home or death of a loved one. “I’m so sorry… ” 
• Respect privacy. Keep the person’s story confidential, especially when they disclose very private events. 
• Acknowledge the person’s strengths and how they have helped themselves. 

 How to Help Responsibly

Adapt what you do to take account of the person’s culture

Respect safety, dignity and rights

Safety: don’t expose people to further harm, ensure (as best you can) they are safe and protected from further physical or psychological harm

Dignity: treat people with respect and according to their cultural and social norms

Rights: act only in people’s best interest, ensure access to impartial assistance without discrimination, assist people to claim their rights and access available support

Be aware of other emergency response measures

Care for caregivers: practice self-care and team-care (if working as part of rescue team/ services)

How you can help responsibly and ethically. The Do's

• Do listen, without judgement. 
• Do be honest and trustworthy.
• Do respect a person’s right to make their own decisions.
• Do be aware of and set aside your own biases and prejudices.
• Do make it clear to people that even if they refuse help now, they can still access help in the future.
• Do respect privacy and keep the person’s story confidential, as appropriate.
• Do behave appropriately according to the person’s culture, age and gender.

None of us know exactly what is going on in people's lives, this might be at work or personally. We may fail to spot telltale signs of someone feeling under par and may be suffering with mental health. Many employers nowadays understand the importance of open communication and support of mental health issues. 

The message of how we can help each other to feel mentally resilient and supported, even if we do so in small ways, hopefully will filter through into workplaces and society as a whole. Removing the stigma attached to mental health includes learning to accept the role we all have to play, and the little things we can do, to putting a stop to someone feeling stigmatised.

Thank you for taking the time to read. I have added links to various organisations that are doing a great job in raising awareness of mental health issues now and throughout the year, including the advice on what to do/ say above (details of which taken from WHO slides).

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 consultation to find out more. 

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.