I often start my hypnotherapy session with a simple question: “What’s been good?” It seems a strange question to ask of a client who has come to me with a life full of anxiety.
My clients think they have come to talk about their problems, and they find me asking, “What’s good in your life?” Strange though it may seem, talking about the positive really boosts the power of hypnotherapy in sorting out the problems they have with anxiety.
Breaking the Downward Spiral
Anxiety can get into a downward spiral. The purpose of anxiety is to get you to focus on the problem in order to sort it out. But thinking about the problem often only makes the matter worse. Anxiety is a bit of a hangover from the time when our ancestors lived in a dangerous world.
Focusing on problems and the bad things that happen to us all simple adds to the anxiety. The increased anxiety makes us focus on all the bad stuff all over again … and so on into a downward spiral.
Why Appreciation Matters
Appreciation isn’t about pretending everything is perfect. It’s about acknowledging the good, the positive aspects of life, even in the midst of difficulty. It’s like shining a spotlight on the tiny green shoots pushing through the bare soil, celebrating the small victories and pockets of joy that exist alongside the challenges.
Appreciation does more than just make you feel good. It has a profound impact on our minds and bodies. Studies have shown that practicing gratitude can:
- Reduce stress and anxiety
- Boost the immune system
- Improve sleep quality
- Increase feelings of happiness and well-being
- Enhance self-esteem and confidence
Appreciation in Hypnotherapy
Having a few moments of being positive provides a real boost to hypnotherapy. When you learn to appreciate the good things in life – no matter how small – your subconscious mind relaxes, just a little bit, and allows change to take place. So that when you go into a light hypnotic trance the subconscious is far better able to deal with the backlog of stress and anxiety that has built up.
Appreciation does not only help boost the power of hypnotherapy. It can be used to decrease the impact of anxiety in your life, even if you don’t have any type of therapy.
How to Cultivate Appreciation
Appreciation is a skill that needs practice. You may like to try some of these:
- Keep a gratitude journal: Take a few minutes each day to write down things you’re grateful for, big or small.
- Practice mindfulness: Pay attention to the present moment and notice the good things that happen around you, even if they seem insignificant.
- Express gratitude to others: Let the people in your life know how much you appreciate them.
- Celebrate your successes: Take time to acknowledge and celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small.
- Focus on the positive: When you find yourself dwelling on negative thoughts, make a conscious effort to shift your focus to the good things in your life.
By incorporating these practices into your daily life, you’ll cultivate a more positive mindset and create a foundation for lasting change. Remember, it’s not about ignoring the challenges you face, but rather about acknowledging them while also shining a light on the strengths, resources, and positive aspects that already exist within you.
Appreciation is a powerful tool, and when used in conjunction with hypnotherapy, it can help you unlock your full potential.
And Finally
Not everyone can manage their own anxiety without help. If feel you need some assistance, I help people overcome their anxieties using hypnotherapy. I work from my clinic in Fleet, Hampshire as well as online. Give me a call or drop me a message.
Yours appreciatively
Tim
Photo courtesy of JoEllen Moths on Pexels