effc5fdc

5 Reminders for keeping calm during a pandemic!

hollieajordan@gmail.com (Hollie Jordan) — Wed, 03 Feb 2021 22:48:54 GMT

Some of us are finding things a bit tough right now, facing new challenges, missing loved ones and feeling uncertain about what the future holds. During these times its ok to feel overwhelmed, anxious or worried. In fact, it is normal. Here is a list of a few reminders to help keep us calm and possibly gaining something positive out of this experience.

1. THIS WONT LAST FOREVER – No matter how difficult things are right now, nothing lasts forever. It may have an impact but it is important to be grateful for the good times and accepting of the bad.

2. DISTANCE CAN PROVIDE CLARITY – This situation has, no doubt, distanced you from your normal day-to-day life. This can be overwhelming and unsettling but it can also give you clarity on how things were impacting you. What are you relieved to be without? What do you miss? Notice these things and adjust your future accordingly.

3. LITTLE THINGS REALLY DO MATTER – If you are missing things or people that you are used to seeing and doing – you will notice the little things in particular that you miss about them. Use this as a reminder to be grateful for what you do have now and a reminder to appreciate the little things once your routine is back to normal.

4. TOUGH TIMES TEACH YOU ABOUT YOURSELF – Going through times that are difficult or life-changing is one of the best ways to learn more about yourself. Use this time to self-reflect, enjoy your own company and discover who you are and what really matters to you.

5. ITS OK TO FEEL HOW YOU FEEL – In any tough situation it is crucial to remember it’s ok to feel how you feel. Feelings do happen but they aren’t facts. You can feel anything you want to feel. If and how you act on that feeling is what can be harmful or helpful. ACCEPT your feelings and choose the actions that you take carefully.

If you are finding it difficult to cope during lockdown, I am still seeing clients via Zoom. Zoom is just as effective as face to face therapy and you can read my 5 Star reviews on Google. I offer a FREE consultation where we can discuss any issues, I will explain how our brains work and how hypnotherapy works. It will also give you an opportunity to ask any questions and ultimately decide whether hypnotherapy is for you. If you would like any further details please visit my website www.happyheadhypnotherapy.co.uk

Take care and stay safe :)

What Is Hypnotherapy And Why Is It So Effective?

hollieajordan@gmail.com (Hollie Jordan) — Wed, 03 Feb 2021 21:54:37 GMT

This article looks at Solution Focused Hypnotherapy; what it is and what it can help with.

I practice Solution Focused Hypnotherapy. It consists of two aspects: Psychotherapy and Hypnosis.

Psychotherapy is positive talking – asking what’s been good about your week, exploring how that makes you feel; and visualisation of your goal, broken down into small, achievable steps. It is focused on the solution to whatever is troubling you. Which means, unlike other forms of counselling or therapy, we won’t be delving deep into the issues that are causing you concern.

It enables the client to think using their Intellectual Brain – the scientific term is the Left Prefrontal Cortex. This part of the brain is the sensible, logical, positive area that generally makes proper assessments of situations. When clients first visit, they are in need of help to think clearer, make better choices, kick bad habits and feel more positive. So the more time we can encourage clients to use the prefrontal cortex, the easier they will find it to effect the change they desire.

Hypnosis is a deep state of relaxation, which we call trance. Trance is a natural state that we enter many times a day, when we’re not actively concentrating on a task - for example driving a familiar route, reading a good book, watching a movie, whilst out for a run or just sitting daydreaming. When you relax deeply into a hypnotic trance under the guidance of a hypnotherapist you enter the REM state (rapid eye movement) where your subconscious mind processes worries and concerns. When we access the subconscious it allows new and positive ideas to take hold and to be actioned in your normal everyday waking state.

It's likely that you'll feel a little better after just one session. Hypnosis lowers stress levels as it allows your body to release a feel good hormone called Serotonin.

Hypnosis is controlled by the client. You are fully aware of what is being said, you can move if you wish, sit up, end the session whenever you like. A hypnotherapist can’t make you do anything outside of your moral or ethical code, so no strange behaviours are implanted such as clucking like a chicken!

Solution Focused Hypnotherapy can help adults and children to gain a better control of:

Anxiety (stress, panic attacks, IBS, driving test nerves, loss of confidence, PTSD),

Depression (low mood, extreme and prolonged sadness, feelings of isolation),

Sleep disorders

Confidence and Self Esteem

Grief (loss of a loved one, a major life change such as children leaving for university),

Weight management

Pain management

Smoking Cessation

Performance and Motivation

Fears and Phobias

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Solution Focused Hypnotherapy is an incredibly uplifting method of treatment for a wide range of psychological issues. It gives you the tools to maintain this positivity outside of the therapy room, bringing about lasting changes that you can continue to practice for life!

If you’d like to book in for an initial consultation to see how I may be able to help you, it’s free of charge and comes with no obligation to go ahead if you don’t feel it’s right for you.

Lockdown 3.0 Wellbeing Tips

hollieajordan@gmail.com (Hollie Jordan) — Wed, 03 Feb 2021 21:53:40 GMT

With lockdown 3.0 in full swing, this article looks at some tips to enhance your wellbeing through this challenging time. Especially those who are keyworkers or are homeschooling this is essential, after all we cannot pour from an empty cup!

1. Try something new – have you ever wanted to try something but never had the time? Even if you are working; most of the shops, pubs and restaurants are closed. We cannot leave our houses and therefore boredom can set in. Why not take this opportunity to try and learn something new. A new language, play the guitar or how about a creative writing course? For just £11.25 you can enrol on an online creative writing course for 5 weeks. If you are interested type the following link into your computer: https://www.inspireculture.org.uk/skills-learning/community-learning/creative-writing-short-stories-online-course-community-learning-1300-1400/ there are many free or cheap courses out there, use Google to help find one suitable. There are many tutors and insructors who have moved there learning online so if you wanted to learn an instrument or do some yoga there will be somebody out there offering these services. Bonus that you get to do it from the comfort of your own home! Failing this Youtube has a wealth of videos that can teach you anything from scratch!

2. Get some fresh air – there’s no better cure for stress, boredom or an overwhelmed mind that sunshine, exercise and fresh air. Even if you’re busy or cant be bothered, you should make it a priority to spend at least 20 minutes outside every day. This can be a walk, sitting in the garden with a cuppa (I know it’s freezing at the minute or a bike ride. Once you get into the routine of doing this you will find it will become a healthy habit that you look forward to doing daily.

3. Limit News Intake – Pay attention to how you feel whilst you watch the news, if it makes you feel hopeless, worried, anxious or stressed then it might help to knock it on the head for a while. If you like to know whats going on, perhaps ask a partner or a friend to give you a summary of the headlines instead without going into too much detail.

4. Stay in touch – it is so important that you maintain that connection with others, use Zoom, Microsoft teams, Houseparty or Facetime if you want to see faces but a good old natter on the phone or even a letter or an email will help you feel just as connected.

5. Try hypnosis – Hypnosis is so effective for anxiety, depression, motivation and much more. We offer online sessions which are just as effective as face to face and also payment plans. If you would like more information or to book a FREE consultation please call or text Hollie on 07817907314. Access our free audios on Youtube: Happy Head Hypnotherapy. Listening once a day will help to reduce stress and aid relaxation.

A lot of us are in the same storm but not in the same boat. It’s ok to feel how you are feeling and please remember you are not alone. Take care and stay safe all – Your local hypnotherapist Hollie :)

Why is 'Gratitude' so powerful?

hollieajordan@gmail.com (Hollie Jordan) — Sun, 08 Nov 2020 22:54:45 GMT

Gratitude is a little more than minding your P’s and Q’s! Gratitude is one of many positive emotions that requires focusing on what's good in our lives and being thankful for the things we have. It involves pausing to notice and appreciate the things we often take for granted, like having a roof over our heads, food to eat and clean drinking water. It’s also taking a moment to reflect on how fortunate we are when something good happens to us; whether it is a big thing or a small thing. We can use many different words to describe feelings of gratitude such as: we feel thankful, fortunate, lucky, grateful or blessed.

Why do people ‘practice’ gratitude and what are the benefits?

1. Gratitude makes us happier

Gratitude reduces a multitude of toxic emotions, ranging from jealousy and resentment to anger and guilt. Robert A. Emmons, Ph.D., a leading gratitude researcher, has conducted multiple studies on the link between gratitude and well-being. His research confirms that gratitude effectively increases happiness and reduces depression.

2. Gratitude improves relationships

Not only does saying ‘thank you’ constitute good manners it is also a great way to show the people in your life how much you appreciate them. When we express genuine and heartfelt gratitude towards our loved ones we create loving bonds, we build trust and helps you to feel closer.

3. Gratitude can lead to positive actions

When we feel gratitude towards someones kindness towards us, we may be more likely to do a kindness in return. Your gratitude also can have a positive effect on someone else's actions. Thanking people can make it more likely they'll do a kindness again.

4. Gratitude improves sleep

Writing in a gratitude journal improves sleep, according to a 2011 study published in Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being. Spend just 15 minutes jotting down a few grateful sentiments before bed, and you may sleep better and longer.

How to incorporate more gratitude into your everyday life:

Journal - Keep a gratitude journal and write down three things that you are grateful for every day.

Stop - Take 5 minutes out of your day to stop, look around and appreciate what is around you. This could be how beautiful the sky looks, how cosy your living room is or how much you love the person sitting in front of you.

Express yourself - Sometimes it’s not enough to simply keep your gratitude to yourself. You can increase your feelings of gratitude by expressing that same gratitude to others whether that is your loved ones or people that serve you at a shop or in a restaurant. Don’t just say ‘thank you’; tell them specifically what you are thankful for, for example, ‘I appreciate that you make me a cup of coffee every morning’ or ‘thank you for the lovely service you provide’. When it is sincere it will be truly appreciated and it will make you feel good too!

Once you feel the endorphins flow and notice all the positive improvement; showing gratitude will become even easier and you’ll start to be able to make list after list of all of the things in your life you’re thankful for.

Why Hypnotherapy Is So Effective for Anxiety and Panic!

hollieajordan@gmail.com (Hollie Jordan) — Sun, 08 Nov 2020 22:54:41 GMT

What Is Hypnotherapy?

Hypnotherapy is a relaxation technique used when a person is in an altered state of consciousness, known as a trance. While in a hypnotic state, a person is deeply relaxed, focused, and more open to suggestion. Hypnotherapy is used to help manage a variety of health issues, including stress, skin conditions, weight loss, sleep disorders, and smoking cessation.

What happens during a typical hypnotherapy session?

During the first half of the session the therapist will talk to the client using a variety of techniques used to guide the brain into the left prefrontal cortex. This area of the brain becomes active when a person is happy. Thus, one of the main aims of this therapy is to stimulate this area of the brain to retrain your brain to become more positively focused and happier! When you are operating from this area of the brain you are more able to come up with solutions to problems and it compliments trance perfectly. Some may say the first half of the session effectively primes your brain for hypnosis!

During the second half of the session, the therapist then guides the client into a relaxed state. Once the client is feeling calm, yet alert, the therapist brings their attention to behaviours they would like to change. The therapist then uses words of encouragement, affirmations, metaphors and positive suggestions, such as “You no longer feel stressed” or “You are strong, confident and capable”.

How Can Hypnotherapy Help With Panic and Anxiety Symptoms?

Research has shown that hypnotherapy can help relieve stress, fear, anxiety and symptoms of panic disorder. While under hypnosis, a person with panic disorder may be guided to bring attention to coping with specific symptoms and overcoming limiting behaviours.

Hypnotherapy can help a person with anxiety improve self-esteem, overcome negative thinking, and manage troublesome symptoms. Additionally, hypnotherapy can assist in treating common co-occurring conditions, including depression, headaches and migraines, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), agoraphobia and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Getting Treated With Hypnotherapy

The overall hypnotherapy experience can vary from person to person. You can read Happy Head Hypnotherapy’s 5 star reviews on Google and Facebook to see what local people are saying about their experiences. Many people are sceptical and perhaps have reservations about hypnotherapy, fearing that they will lose control of their thoughts and actions. This is not surprising considering how hypnosis is portrayed in the media and on stage in popular seaside resorts!! People are often showed behaving in wild and silly ways. Despite these negative connotations, hypnotherapy cannot make you do anything you do not want to do nor can it make you do anything that goes against your moral and ethical code. Rather, hypnotherapy helps build self-awareness, resilience, confidence and helps a person to overcome unwanted behaviours.

Happy Head Hypnotherapy are your local team of hypnotherapists, based in Ravenstone, Coalville and Hamilton, Leicester. We offer a FREE initial consultation where we talk a little more about how the brain works, how hypnotherapy helps and how you can get back on top of things. It will also give you an opportunity to talk and ask any questions. You will never be pressured to book any further sessions during the consultation and our therapists prefer that you go away and have a think before booking in as we like to know that all clients are serious and willing to change before commencing treatment. If you would like to book in for a FREE consultation call 07817907314.

I'm Dreaming of a NORMAL Christmas!

hollieajordan@gmail.com (Hollie Jordan) — Sun, 08 Nov 2020 22:54:37 GMT

2020 was going to be my year! And I’m sure it was going to be yours as well but unfortunately it wasn’t meant to be! Some of us have missed out on Easter, our weddings, summer holidays, birthday parties, graduations and many of the other rites of passage that make up many moments throughout our year. But what about Christmas? For some of us that celebrate this wonderful time of year; the worry of what it is actually going to be like this year is filling a lot of us with worry, stress and dread. This blog will feature a few tips and words of wisdom that will hopefully help you to make Christmas 2020 the best it can possibly be!

1. Santa – It wouldn’t be Christmas if we didn’t take our children and grandchildren to see Santa! But what if our little ones can’t this year due to lockdown or social distancing rules? Well, the next best thing would be to download an App called ‘Message from Santa’ – it is a free app that allows you to schedule phone and video calls from Santa, send him a text message or receive a voicemail from him! A good, old- fashioned letter to Santa would be lovely too. The Royal Mail are offering a reply to letters to Santa that are sent to this address: Santa/Father Christmas, Santa’s Grotto, Reindeerland, XM4 5HQ . Letters must be sent by 11th December and include the child’s full name and address to reply.

2. Think Positive - Focus on the traditions you can still do rather than those you can’t do. Positive thinking can really help your mood during the festive period. It may be a good opportunity to make a new tradition!

3. Take it easy - Often, we whip ourselves up into such a frenzy to host the perfect Christmas that we end up feeling exhausted, stressed and burnt out. With less people to cook for or host this year it will give you an excuse to keep it low key.

4. Shop online –

with all non-essential shops being closed chances are you’ve not got on top of all that Christmas gift shopping yet. Now is the perfect opportunity to shop online with many shops offering delivery (sometimes free if you spend a certain amount). Look on the bright side – at least you get to skip the queues and stress that comes with Christmas shopping!

5. Keep in touch – Only being able to spend time with 5 other family members or friends this year is going to be hard. It’s ok to feel sad and even a little angry with the way things are. But what can we do? Luckily, we have modern technology including Zoom, Facetime and Houseparty so we are able to see our loved ones through a phone, tablet or a computer. And if all else fails we have the good, old fashioned telephone call! Again, it’s about focussing on what we can do rather than what we cannot!

The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.

Tips to Help with Back to School Anxiety!

hollieajordan@gmail.com (Hollie Jordan) — Sun, 08 Nov 2020 22:53:57 GMT

The start of the new school year is exciting for most kids but it can also prompt a spike in anxiety. Even children who are usually easy going may get butterflies or feel nervous. Now throw in the risk of Covid - 19 and the fact that they have just had 5 months instead of 6 weeks off and we may see a rise in anxiety like we never have before. Your kids may have started back at school already and may be struggling with the new rules, social bubbles and the increasing changes. I have put together a few tips to help you to help your children manage their worries.

1. Check your own feelings - sometimes we can inadvertently pass on our own stresses and anxieties to our children. Be careful when speaking about your worries about your children returning to school in front of them. They hear more than we think they do! Also managing your own stress will help you to feel more calm and relaxed whilst in their presence.

2. Listen - When kids express anxiety about going back to school —its important to listen seriously, rather than dismissing these fears (‘Nothing to be worried about! You’ll be fine!) listening to them and acknowledging your child’s feelings will help them feel more secure. And if they want you to, you can bolster their confidence by helping them to strategise about how to handle things that they are concerned about.

3. Plan fun things to do - during the evenings and weekends of this term so that they have things to look forward to and to remind them that school is only a part of their week. It doesn’t have to cost money or require going out. It could be something as simple as a movie night with their favourite snacks.

4. Establish a routine ‘family feedback’ time - which makes it normal for everyone to air and share worries from their day, as well as the fun things that went on. This could happen over dinner time and involve questions like, ‘What was the silliest moment of your day? What was the most interesting fact you learnt today? Did anyone say anything kind or mean?” This encourages children to open up and talk about their feelings.

5. Teach them some simple breathing techniques or a grounding exercise to use at school if they feel anxious during the day:

Breathing Technique - Teach your child the following: “Take a long, slow breath in through your nose, hold your breath for 1,2,3… breathe out slowly through your mouth. Do this three times.”

Grounding exercise - This grounding exercise can help your child turn their thoughts outwards and away from their anxious feelings inside:

Look around and name in your head, not aloud, the following:

Name four sounds you can hear

Name your three favourite colours in the room

Name two things you can smell

Name one thing that’s great about you

Please check out Happy Head Hypnotherapy’s Youtube channel where there are sleep hypnosis audios that may help your child with letting go of worries and anxiety surrounding school.

ONLINE HYPNOTHERAPY - Is It Effective?

hollieajordan@gmail.com (Hollie Jordan) — Fri, 22 May 2020 15:15:54 GMT

With the current Covid – 19 pandemic sweeping the world many of us have taken to working online. I have always saw clients online but the majority of my sessions were face to face. With the current situation I have had to see everyone online and many people have contacted me with enquiries, here I aim to answer many of those frequently asked questions.

How does online hypnotherapy work?

Hypnotherapy is a natural approach that doesn’t rely on the hypnotherapist being in the room with you. It is very similar to using Facetime or Skype to talk to a friend. Clients are able to experience exactly the same benefits as you would with a face to face session.

In what ways is it better?

A number of my online clients have given feedback that they found the initial consultation and first sessions of the process a lot less stressful as they were able to remain in familiar surroundings and didn’t have the stress and uncertainty of driving to an appointment. You can do it in the comfort of your own home and it doesn’t matter where you are located. I have successfully saw clients online from America.

Do you have to be good at using technology to access online hypnotherapy?

No. It is very straightforward and I will be able to guide you through the process should you wish. If you find that you still struggle then there is always the option to have telephone appointments, which are equally as effective.

What platform do you use to do online sessions?

I use Zoom. You may have heard of this already as almost everyone is using it who is working from home or you may have used it to socialise with family and friends during lock down. Zoom is easy and free to use. All you have to do is go to https://zoom.us/download on the device that you want to video call on and click on the download button. Once you have downloaded it, set up a free account and then it is ready to use. I will then send you a meeting link to your email address for you to click on when it is time to meet. This link will bring you straight through to me. It is as simple as that!

Do you do online sessions for children?

Yes! In fact, half of my clients at the moment are children.

What are the benefits of hypnosis?

I use Solution Focused Hypnotherapy which is different from other forms of therapy. It is concerned with addressing the solution rather than the problem. Results are achieved much quicker when we work in this way. Clients are not required to discuss any past memories or traumas for the therapy to be effective. It is highly effective in the treatment of anxiety disorders, phobias, depression and many other issues. It works by allowing you to reprogramme different habits and creates and strengthens new neural pathways in the brain to be more positively focused.

How can I learn more?

Call or text Hollie on 07817907314 , send me a message on the Facebook page: Facebook/HappyHeadHypnotherapy or send me an email: holliejordan@happyheadhypnotherapy.co.uk and I will be happy to discuss any queries you may have.

I also offer a FREE initial consultation.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Anxiety- How To Prepare, Not Panic!

hollieajordan@gmail.com (Hollie Jordan) — Mon, 09 Mar 2020 17:05:18 GMT

Infectious disease outbreaks like the current Coronavirus outbreak, can affect our mental health. Even those who do not usually experience anxiety may find themselves overthinking, negatively forecasting and excessively worrying. This article will hopefully put things into perspective for readers and will look at strategies for managing stress during an outbreak.

Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations. People can react differently to infectious disease outbreaks depending on their characteristics, a persons social and economic circumstances and the availability of local resources. People can become more distressed if they see repeated images or hear repeated reports about the outbreak in the media. People who may respond more strongly to the stress of a crisis include children, those with an underlying medical condition and those who already experience anxiety.

Let’s put it in perspective . However serious a threat Coronavirus poses, it’s important to retain perspective. More people die of tuberculosis each day – and of air pollution every five hours – than have succumbed in two months of Covid-19! Still worried? Try this: the vast majority of people who have contracted the illness have recovered; children seem to be largely untouched; a vaccine is in the pipeline meaning science are all over it; we know where it came from and situations in that country are improving and clinical trials are under way. I am not trying to minimise what has happened or try to predict the future but there is no point in succumbing to a fear; hoarding and panic buying pandemic before a disease pandemic has even taken place!

If you are finding that you are feeling increasingly stressed about the outbreak try some of the following tips on how to support yourself:

1. Avoid excessive exposure to media coverage of COVID-19.

2. Take care of your body. Take deep breaths, stretch or meditate. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep and avoid alcohol and drugs.

3. Stay informed. When you feel that you are missing information, you may become more stressed or nervous. Watch, listen to, or read the news for updates from officials. Be aware that there may be rumours during a crisis, especially on social media. Always check your sources and turn to reliable sources of information like your local government authorities.

4. Make time to unwind and remind yourself that strong feelings will fade. Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories. It can be upsetting to hear about the crisis and see images repeatedly. Try to do some other activities you enjoy to return to your normal life.

5. Connect with others. Share your concerns and how you are feeling with a friend or family member. Maintain healthy relationships.

6. Maintain a sense of hope and positive thinking.

7. Seek help when needed. If distress impacts activities of your daily life for several days or weeks then it is important to go to see your GP.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Anxiety- Talking And Reassuring Your Children

hollieajordan@gmail.com (Hollie Jordan) — Mon, 09 Mar 2020 16:43:54 GMT

Infectious disease outbreaks like the current Coronavirus outbreak, can affect our mental health. People who may respond more strongly to the stress of a crisis include children. This blog looks at putting things into perspective and tips on how to discuss the Coronavirus with your children.

Let’s put it in perspective. However serious a threat Coronavirus poses, it’s important to retain perspective. More people die of tuberculosis each day – and of air pollution every five hours – than have succumbed in two months of Covid-19! Still worried? Try this: the vast majority of people who have contracted the illness have recovered; children seem to be largely untouched; a vaccine is in the pipeline meaning science are all over it; we know where it came from and situations in that country are improving and clinical trials are under way. I am not trying to minimise what has happened or try to predict the future but there is no point in succumbing to a fear; hoarding and panic buying pandemic before a disease pandemic has even taken place!

News of the outbreak is everywhere from the newspapers to the school playground. Many parents are wondering how to bring it up to their children or answer questions without causing them to panic or make them feel worse.

Here is some advice on how to discuss the Coronavirus with your children:

• Don’t be afraid to talk about it - m ost children will have already heard about the virus or seen people wearing face masks, so parents shouldn’t avoid talking about it. Not talking about something can actually make kids worry more. Help your children feel informed and get fact-based information that is likely more reassuring than whatever they’re hearing from their friends or on the news.

• Be developmentally appropriate - don’t volunteer too much information, as this may be overwhelming. Answer your child’s questions honestly and clearly. Don’t worry if you can’t answer everything; being available to your child is what matters.

• Deal with your own anxiety - if you notice that you are feeling anxious, take some time to calm down before trying to have a conversation or answer your child’s questions.

• Be reassuring - children are very egocentric, so hearing about the Coronavirus on the news may be enough to make them seriously worry that they’ll catch it. It’s helpful to reassure your child about how rare the Coronavirus actually is and that kids actually seem to be less susceptible to it.

• Focus on what you’re doing to stay safe - children feel empowered when they know what to do to keep themselves safe. We know that the Coronavirus is transmitted mostly by coughing and touching surfaces. So remind them that they are taking care of themselves by washing their hands with soap and water for 20 seconds (or the length of two “Happy Birthday” songs) when they come in from outside, before they eat, and after blowing their nose, coughing, sneezing or going to the toilet.

• Stick to routine - children do not like uncertainty so sticking to their routines will be very helpful.

• Keep talking - tell children that you will continue to keep them updated as you learn more so that they know that the lines of communication are going to be open.

What are you afraid of?

hollieajordan@gmail.com (Hollie Jordan) — Thu, 13 Feb 2020 14:21:17 GMT

Snakes? Spiders? Flying? With an estimation of 10 million people in the UK having a phobia, this article explains what a phobia is; why we get them and how hypnotherapy can help reduce your fear in just 4 sessions.

What is a phobia?

A phobia is an overwhelming and debilitating fear of an object, place, situation, feeling or animal. Phobias are far more pronounced than fears; they tend to develop when a person has an exaggerated or unrealistic sense of danger about a situation or object. A severe phobia can affect a persons day to day life; avoiding the thing that is causing them anxiety. As well as restricting a person’s life; it can also cause a lot of distress.

The 10 most common phobias in the world are believed to be:

10. Mysophobia – (Germophobia) a fear of dirt due to contamination by bacteria and germs.

9. Agoraphobia - a fear of being in situations where escape might be difficult or that help wouldn't be available if things go wrong. Many people assume it is simply a fear of open spaces but it may also include public transport, visiting a shopping centre or leaving home.

8. Social Phobia – also known as social anxiety; is an overwhelming fear of social situations.

7. Trypanophobia – also known as needle phobia.

6. Astraphobia – is a fear of thunder and lightening. This can be developed by humans and animals (cats and dogs being the most common sufferers!).

5. Cynophobia – a fear of dogs.

4. Aerophobia – a fear of flying.

3. Acrophobia – a fear of heights.

2. Ophidiophobia – a fear of snakes.

1. Arachnophobia – a fear of spiders.

How do we develop phobias?

We are born with only two fears; of falling and loud noises. Fear is a response that we have to help identify threats. It is an ability that has allowed us as humans to survive. Most fear is learned. Spiders, snakes and the dark -- these are called natural fears, developed at a young age, influenced by our environment and culture. We often build on cues from our parents or influential adults in our lives. I personally developed a fear of moths after watching my mother scream and run around like a banshee every time one flew in the window! Add to that a few close shaves with a couple of hawk moths and a particularly terrifying rendezvous with a black moth the size of a blackbird on a balcony in Alcudia; and there you have it – a fully fledged phobia! However, phobias can develop at any time throughout our lives; whether this follows an incident or trauma; a particularly rough flight or long term stress.

How can hypnotherapy help?

Hypnotherapy helps by using the powerful ‘Rewind’ technique that can quickly help your mind to resolve the fear, removing or lessening the emotional fear responses and enabling the strong and positive part of your mind to take control. Then the ‘Reframe’ technique will be used to help you to see things from a different perspective resulting in you taking back control of your life and moving forward with a new peace of mind and an inner confidence.

If you would like to book a FREE initial consultation to see how hypnotherapy can help you to overcome your phobia, call or text Hollie on 07817907314.

Love Yourself This Valentine's Day!

hollieajordan@gmail.com (Hollie Jordan) — Thu, 13 Feb 2020 14:11:12 GMT

Whether you have a date for this Valentines Day or not; it is time to turn up the heat in the relationship that you will have until the end of time: the one with yourself!

We have been conditioned from a young age to look outside of ourselves for fulfillment and satisfaction when in reality until we truly learn to love ourselves we will always end up in the wrong relationships; placing an awful amount of importance in the hands of someone else to give us what we think we need. This article looks at some tips to help you on your path to truly loving yourself:

1. Acceptance – it truly is time to let go of comparing yourself to others and accept who you are; warts and all. Its only when we truly accept ourselves as we are that true self love can be had. You can accept yourself and strive for improvement but never change who you are! You are the only you there is and ever will be – let that sink in for a moment!

2. Realise your worth – If you base your self-worth on what others think of you then you are handing your power over to others and become dependent on a source outside of yourself for validation. The only opinion that should matter about yourself is yours!

3. Be willing – Commit to changing the way you have moved through past relationships. Look at what hasn’t worked so far and actively commit to understanding who you need to be to love yourself fully and to attract a partner who can also love you for your authentic self.

4. Forgive yourself - for all those times that you may have lost a significant piece of yourself to find another; be it compromising who you were or allowing yourself to be used or treated badly. Truly forgiving past mistakes and poor judgement in past relationships will help you to open your heart ready for new experiences.

5. Spoil Yourself – Why? Because you deserve it! Nourish your body with healthy food, write 10 things that you admire about yourself, stand in front of the mirror and give yourself a compliment, get yourself dressed up and take yourself out on a date and finally, indulge yourself in the things that create passion and excitement in your life!

Never underestimate the power and value in nurturing the relationship that you have with yourself.

If you would like help with your confidence, self esteem or are struggling to let go of a past relationship; hypnotherapy is very effective in helping with a variety of issues. To book in for your FREE initial consultation call or text Hollie on 07817907314.

I cannot recommend the following book enough for anyone who needs to fall in love with themselves again and, or needs a self-esteem boost:

‘You are a Badass’ by Jen Sincero.

Do You Have an Irritable Bowel?

Thu, 28 Nov 2019 13:01:17 GMT

Do you suffer with IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)? What is it? What Causes it? Is there a cure?

What is IBS?

According to the NHS IBS is a common condition that affects the digestive system. Symptoms may include stomach cramps, bloating, diarrhoea and constipation. These symptoms may come and go, and can last for days, weeks or months at a time. It is also seen as a lifelong problem that can be very frustrating to live with and have an impact on a sufferer’s everyday life.

What causes it?

It is currently unknown what causes IBS but it has been linked to certain foods passing through the gut too quickly or too slowly, oversensitive nerves in the gut and stress.

Is there a cure?

According to the NHS there is no cure but medicines and changes in diet and lifestyle can help control the symptoms.

General tips to help relieve symptoms:

DO:

cook homemade meals using fresh ingredients when you can
keep a diary of what you eat and any symptoms you get – try to avoid things that trigger your IBS
try to find ways to relax
get plenty of exercise
try probiotics for a month to see if they help

DON’T:

do not delay or skip meals
do not eat too quickly
do not eat lots of fatty, spicy or processed foods
do not eat more than 3 portions of fresh fruit a day (a portion is 80g)
do not drink more than 3 cups of tea or coffee a day
do not drink lots of alcohol or fizzy drinks

Always remember to see your GP for advice on how to manage and control your symptoms or if you feel that your symptoms are worsening. Your GP may give you certain medication, refer you to a dietician or for psychological therapies for IBS.

Can Hypnotherapy help with IBS?

Yes! Particularly if your symptoms are stress related. Often IBS can be a symptom of anxiety.

In 2018, specialists at the University Medical Centre Utrecht and other institutions in the Netherlands decided to delve deeper into the question of whether hypnotherapy can improve IBS symptoms.

The study assessed the efficacy of hypnotherapy in IBS. It is the largest study to date to look into this issue. The researchers worked with 354 participants (150 of which were aged 18–65 with IBS who had individual 45-minute hypnotherapy sessions twice per week for 6 weeks). The remaining participants tried group hypnotherapy sessions and an education based programme to help manage symptoms.

The scientists found that the people with IBS who had participated in hypnotherapy — whether individual or group-based — experienced the most satisfactory degree of symptom relief, compared with the participants in the other group. Participants who underwent hypnotherapy were still enjoying the benefits 9 months after the treatment.

"We do not know exactly how gut-directed hypnotherapy works," says lead researcher Dr. Carla Flik, "but it may change patients' mindset and internal coping mechanisms, enabling them to increase their control over autonomic body processes, such as how they process pain and modulate gut activity."

If you would like help with your symptoms of IBS and would like to try hypnotherapy call or text Hollie on 07817907314 to book in for your free consultation.

Are You Ready For a 30 Day Challenge?

Thu, 28 Nov 2019 12:36:43 GMT

I am a big fan of the 30 day challenge and there are many out there that can help and motivate us to achieve certain goals; be it physical or mental. It’s said that 30 days is enough time to solidify a new habit that you want to incorporate into your daily routine.

The best part of 30-day challenges is that making small changes one at a time (aka focusing on only that one challenge over the course of 30 days), is much more sustainable over the long-term that trying to overhaul all of your habits and routines at once.

I have just launched a You Tube channel: Happy Head Hypnotherapy. This channel will bring to you challenges and hypnosis recordings to listen to at your leisure; in the comfort of your own home and are completely free of charge! I currently have two 30 day hypnosis challenges:

30 day weight loss challenge - Listen to this recording once a day for 30 days and notice weight loss and healthier eating habits; great for those that need a boost or would like a little help sticking to their new years resolutions! You can find this video here: http://bit.ly/30dayhypnosischallenge

Deep relaxation - Listen to this recording daily; when you feel stressed, need clarity of thought or just need a peaceful moment to yourself. You will notice a difference in the way that you feel, think and behave; particularly after 30 days! You can find this video here: http://bit.ly/relaxhypnosis

Not a You Tube fan or a bit of a technophobe? Then try this:

A 30-Day Challenge for Your Mind (Screen shot & keep)

Day:		Day:
1	Think of one thing for which you are grateful.	16	Write 3 things you feel grateful for.
2	Read a few jokes that make you laugh.	17	Watch a few funny videos.
3	Meditate for 3 minutes.	18	Meditate for 18 minutes.
4	Talk to someone who makes you smile.	19	Connect with someone you care about.
5	Listen to a song that makes you happy.	20	Play some music you enjoy and just listen to it and relax.
6	Write about 3 things that make you happy.	21	Write about three things you feel grateful for in your gratitude journal.
7	Watch a funny video.	22	Share some good jokes with a friend.
8	Meditate for 8 minutes.	23	Meditate for 23 minutes.
9	Connect with a good friend.	24	Connect with a friend for a few minutes today.
10	Listen to some music that will make you happy.	25	Listen to music that brings back great memories.
11	Write about 3 things you feel grateful for.	26	Write about three things you feel grateful for in your gratitude journal.
12	Share some jokes with friends.	27	Watch something that you know will make you laugh.
13	Meditate for 13 minutes.	28	Meditate for 28 minutes.
14	Connect with someone you care about.	29	Take a few minutes to connect with someone you care about.
15	Play some music you love and dance to it for 15 minutes.	30	Listen to some music that will make you smile.

Feel free to subscribe to the Happy Head Hypnotherapy You Tube channel to keep an eye out for future challenges and recordings! You can subscribe by clicking here: http://bit.ly/subscribehappyhead

Plan ahead for that special Christmas!

Thu, 28 Nov 2019 12:22:01 GMT

Are you hoping for a stress free Christmas this year?

I think we are now officially allowed to mention the “C” word! With Halloween and Bonfire night out of the way it appears Christmas preparation is in full swing with shops bursting at the seams with presents, rich food and decorations. My friend has even put her Christmas tree up already! Is it me or does it seem to be getting earlier and earlier each year?

I absolutely ADORE Christmas and it truly is the most wonderful time of the year! How do I ensure that my family and I have a lovely Christmas? I plan, prepare and keep my cool! Here are a few tips:

- Write a to-do list for presents and cards – so at least you know where to start!

- Write a shopping list; is there anything with a long shelf life that you could stock up on now? (Quality Street, crackers, mulled wine). If you’re really clever you could get your fresh food shop delivered on Christmas Eve morning to beat the rush!

- Look at your to-do list and separate things that you enjoy doing and those which you don’t. Don’t like wrapping? Then delegate or do the things you don’t like to do first so that you are doing the more enjoyable things nearer the big day.

- Always remember that like everything; nothing is perfect. We all watch films and adverts and see the ‘perfect’ Christmas and want ours to be the same. It’s so much better to be realistic and practical and please just take the pressure off yourself!

- Remember what Christmas is really about! Apart from the obvious; that it’s Jesus’ birthday; it’s all about spending quality time with our favourite people; being together and supporting one another. Have a difficult family? Set your boundaries; be honest yet kind and try not to drink too much as you may say something that makes your grandma cry! Save the mulled wine until you’re back at home with your feet up watching the Gavin and Stacey Christmas special!

- Get back to basics; enjoy the company; play board games; sing and laugh. Whether it’s you that is hosting or a family member; help each other out and share the load!

Christmas isn’t a joyful time for everyone. Remember those who may be struggling or who are alone. Share a gift; send them some food; invite them round or send them a card to let them know that you are there if they need you. My grandma; without fail every year had a random person or people I’d never met before at her Christmas dinner table as she hated the idea of people being alone at Christmas!

Whatever you all do; be safe; be merry and have a wonderful Christmas!

If you struggle with the festive season please do not hesitate to get in touch. I offer a FREE initial consultation and work with adults and children.

There's Something About Hypnobirthing!

Thu, 18 Jul 2019 10:04:55 GMT

Hypnobirthing has had a lot of press recently thanks to the Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle using Hypnobirthing techniques to give birth to her first child Prince Archie. So what is Hypnobirthing? Is it a new concept? And what techniques are used?

Having a baby is one of life’s most amazing gifts and being able to create, nurture and birth new life is nothing short of a miracle. Yet, when many women think of the concept of giving birth this often fills them with fear and panic. The media could be blamed for this preconception as well as others who share their horrific stories of labour and how painful the experience was. Does labour really have to be this way? Or is there an alternative?

What is Hypnobirthing?

Hypnobirthing is a complete birth education programme that teaches simple but specific self hypnosis, relaxation and breathing techniques for a better birth. With Hypnobirthing, mothers discover that severe pain does not have to be an accompaniment of labour. They are also taught how to release the fears and anxieties they may currently have about giving birth, and how to overcome previous traumatic births. Hypnobirthing allows mothers to discover and experience the joy and magic of birth – rather than the horrific ordeal everyone else seems hell-bent on telling them about!

Most importantly, mothers learn how to put themselves back in control of their birth – rather than blindly turning their birthing experience over to their doctor or midwife. They will be totally relaxed yet always be aware of what is happening around them.

In short, Hypnobirthing allows mothers to experience birth in an atmosphere of calm relaxation , free of the fear and tension that prevents the birthing muscles of their body from functioning as Nature intended them to.

A new concept?

Hypnobirthing originated from the work of Dr Grantley Dick-Reid. In his book Childbirth Without Fear, published in 1933, he suggests that when we are afraid, our body diverts blood and oxygen to essential defence organs. Dr Dick-Reid hypothesised that when a woman is scared during childbirth, blood and oxygen are diverted away from the uterus and therefore it cannot perform its functions efficiently, without pain. When a woman remains calm and relaxed, the uterine muscles are not starved of vital blood and oxygen, and are free to work comfortably, like any other muscle in our body. Marie Mongan was a follower of Dick-Reid and used his ideas in the birth of her own children and in turn started the Hypnobirthing programme in America in 1989.

Hypnobirthing techniques

The techniques a mother may be taught during the process of Hypnobirthing are:

1. Positive affirmations

2. Suggestions

3. Visualisation techniques

4. Relaxation techniques including light touch massage and anchors

5. Breathing techniques

6. Self – hypnosis

7. Ultra – deepening techniques

Happy Head Hypnobirthing

My name is Hollie Jordan and I am a clinical hypnotherapist and founder of Happy Head Hypnotherapy. I have recently trained in self-hypnosis for childbirth and have recently launched Happy Head Hypnobirthing. I am based in Battram, Coalville and offer private Hypnobirthing sessions. If you would like to book in for a FREE initial consultation please call Hollie on 07817907314.

If you are interested in training and learning to become a hypnotherapist, check out this article by the inlp center called 'Hypnosis Training & Hypnotherapy Certification - Learn Hypnosis Today! by clicking on the 'inlpcenter' link below:

Why being ‘present’ will change your life!

Tue, 16 Apr 2019 10:28:27 GMT

‘You cannot suffer the past or the future because they do not exist. What you are suffering is your memory or your imagination’

All we have is right now. The past is gone and the future hasn’t happened yet. So why do we spend more time thinking about the past and worrying about the future instead of embracing what is ‘real’, the ‘moment’, ‘right now’.

You may have heard about mindfulness or ‘being present’; a fairly new concept to us yet practicing mindfulness has been around for thousands of years. Mindfulness originated from the Hindu and Buddhist religions but more recently is used in various therapies, yoga and non-religious meditation.

Basically, being present means that your awareness is completely centered on the here and now. You are not worrying about the future or thinking about the past. When you live in the present, you are living where life is happening. The past and future are illusions, they don't exist. That’s not to say the past didn’t happen or that the future will not happen. It simply means you focus on what is happening right now and enjoying it for what it is!

I often explain to my clients that we can create anxiety by negatively forecasting the future or introspecting about the past. It is important to understand that our brains do not know the difference between what’s actually happening and what we are imagining that’s happening. How many times have you imagined having an argument with someone? How did it make you feel? Angry? Frustrated? Sad? Shaking? Did it leave you in a bad mood? It didn’t happen! Yet you put yourself through it anyway! I’ve done this to myself plenty of times! But now i've learnt to recognise when I am doing it, come back to the ‘present’ and stop before I leave myself feeling rubbish!

How many times have you been invited for an interview and you’ve imagined it going wrong hundreds of times yet when you attend the interview it goes quite well!? Because our brains don’t know the difference between what is actually happening and what we are imagining is happening; you have attended hundreds of disastrous interviews and one good one! How has attending hundreds of disastrous interviews left you feeling? Self-conscious? Lacking confidence? Not good enough?

The same can be said for the past…how many times have you screamed at your kids because they’ve pushed you to limit and then later when you’ve calmed down you spend the next few days or weeks feeling guilty about it; imagining yourself as a bad parent for not being patient enough. There are a lot worse things to feel bad about from your past but the thing is you survived it, you’ve coped so far and you are still here to fight another day. Constantly going over things that have happened and/or worrying about the future will only make you feel rubbish.

It takes a little time but re-training your brain to focus on the ‘now’, be ‘present’ and to stop dwelling on the past or panicking about the future will be the most refreshing and life changing thing you will ever do!

Give up those fad diets and try hypnosis!

Tue, 16 Apr 2019 10:14:23 GMT

If you are sick to your back teeth of failing diet after diet then weight management hypnosis may just be the answer you are looking for. This post will explain in a nutshell how hypnotherapy can help you to lose weight and to keep it off for good!

You are three weeks in to the latest fad diet and you’ve lost and stone and a half; you are feeling great and you’ve only been eating egg and grapefruit. So you start to get bored and realise that you can’t go on eating egg and grapefruit or cabbage soup for the rest of your life. So you then go back to your old eating habits and all of that weight you’ve lost is starting to creep back on.

Eventually, you decide to brave the scales and to your shock and dismay you’ve gained an extra 7lbs to when you originally started your diet! Sound familiar? This was me! After years of yo-yo dieting; I have tried them all and although they worked well at first I just couldn’t maintain it. I later discovered that we have to change the mind and our relationship with food if we are ever going to be successful in a weight loss journey.

When I trained to be a clinical hypnotherapist I did a weight management course which was great but then I decided to add a few practical tips of my own from all of my experiences with diets, weight loss and my relationship with food. I now have many clients on my weight management programme; including willing participants from friends and family; including myself. The results I have seen so far are incredible!

What can you expect from weight management hypnosis?

1. A brief overview of the science behind overeating, stress and how our brains have the ultimate power of whether we lose weight or not!

2. Some very simple tips to follow in order to change the way you eat and break any bad habits. (No dieting required!!)

3. Trance – is used in the sessions and you will be given a recording to listen to each night that lowers your stress levels and reinforces positive eating habits.

The Brain

We have two areas of the brain; our conscious, intellectual part and our original primitive part. When we operate from our intellectual brain we do not need to overeat and we can control the type and quantity of food and drinks we consume. The primitive part is command central for overeating and promotes weight gain. The more stressed we are the more we operate from this part of the brain the more we will comfort eat, overeat and gain weight. Stress ramps up the reward value of food, increases hunger and decreases metabolic rate. This area of the brain is also where our comfort eating templates are created.

Tips

The only eating tips I suggest are 1) Eat when you are hungry 2) Eat what you want 3) Eat consciously 4) STOP as soon as you are full.

Trance

Trance helps to lower stress levels which means you will produce less Cortisol and won’t feel the need to reach for high fat, sugary foods and carbohydrates. The trance will also reinforce positive eating habits and encourages exercise.

To come along for a free initial consultation to see if weight management hypnotherapy is for you please call or text Hollie on 07817907314.

Feeling S.A.D this winter?

Fri, 11 Jan 2019 00:00:00 GMT

The winter blues, known more formally as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) affects 1 in 3 of us in the UK. Here we will look at what SAD is, why we get it and what we can do to alleviate symptoms.

SAD is commonly experienced during the winter months and symptoms often alleviate as the days get lighter as we approach spring/Summer.

The symptoms of SAD may include low mood, worry and irritability. Some people may find that they are sleeping longer than normal and are struggling to get up in the morning. Often, feeling lethargic or sleepy throughout the day as a result. Some find that they lose interest in everyday activities and experience feelings of guilt, hopelessness and worthlessness. It may be a good idea to visit your GP if your symptoms are severe and are affecting day to day activities.

It is not known for sure what causes SAD but it is thought that it has something to do with shorter daylight hours we have during the winter months. Studies show that a lack of sunlight stops a part of our brain working properly and this may affect the production of Serotonin. Serotonin is sometimes referred to as the ‘Happy chemical’ and when we produce Serotonin we are happy, nice and can generally cope better with what life has in store for us. Lower Serotonin levels are linked to depression. Lower light levels may also affect your Circadian rhythm (your natural body clock) which also leads to symptoms of SAD.

There are many things we can do to alleviate the symptoms of SAD, these include:

Light Therapy - Get yourself a light box which is a special lamp used to imitate natural light and uses a different bulb to the ones we use around the house. Alternatively, make the most of the sunlight we do get by getting outdoors during the day as much as you can.

Light Exercise – Regular exercise will reduce stress, release endorphins and boost serotonin. Even better if you can exercise outdoors during the day!

Engage in positivity – People who have a negative outlook may experience SAD more than those that don’t. Thinking positively, practising mindfulness or meditating will help you to be more positive.

Talk – talk to family/friends about how you are feeling. Having a chat and a cuppa might be just the antidote. Positive interactions are thought to get our Serotonin flowing!

Do things you enjoy – Whether it’s binge-watching your favourite TV show or reading a book; taking a few moments to indulge in something you truly enjoy will give you a burst of positive energy.

Hypnotherapy – Hypnotherapy is a mixture of talking therapy and hypnosis which helps you to create new, positive behaviour changes to make lasting change. It may give you just the boost you need. If you would like to book a FREE initial consultation with Happy Head Hypnotherapy, call or text 07817907314.

Whatever you choose to help get you through the long, cold, dark nights of winter always remember…..summer is coming!

3 P's of Happiness!

Thu, 01 Nov 2018 00:00:00 GMT

In order to be happy in life we must produce Serotonin. Serotonin is sometimes referred to as the 'Happy Chemical'. It is a neurotransmitter that is naturally triggered by several things we can do each day.

When we produce Serotonin we are happy, nice and can generally cope better with day to day life. In order to produce patterns in the brain that give us that constant flow of Serotonin we must INTERACT in a POSITIVE way, THINK in a POSITIVE way and be ACTIVE in a POSITIVE way.

Positive Interactions
We need to engage each other with more smiles, kind words, encouragement, gratitude, meaningful conversations, honest dialogues and sincere positive interactions. The more you practice this the more it will become second nature to be this way. Surround yourself with people who are happy, positive and who enrich your life. These people will inspire you to be a better person, provide you with motivation to achieve your goals, empower you to make changes you need to succeed and cheer on your success.

“Surround yourself with people who make you happy. People who make you laugh, who help you when you’re in need. People who genuinely care. They are the ones worth keeping in your life. Everyone else is just passing through.”

- Karl Marx

Positive thinking
Thinking positively can change your life! There are many benefits to thinking positively as well as helping to produce that all important flow of Serotonin. Positive thinkers cope better with stress, have better health and relationships, are more resilient and focused and are more confident, happy and successful.
Anxiety and other issues are caused by negative thinking. It is not the events in our lives that necessary cause a perception of crisis. It is our thought patterns that surround these events that do. Every negative thought we have is converted into Anxiety. We can create Anxiety by negatively forecasting the future (big or little things) or negatively introspecting about the past. Solution Focused Hypnotherapy gets clients to focus on positive thinking and changes they can make to their present and future in order to live a more positive life. At Happy Head Hypnotherapy, trance (deep relaxation) is used to help clients think more positively. Clients are not required to recall painful past memories or traumatic experiences.

“The more you feed your mind with positive thoughts, the more you can attract great things into your life.” – Roy T. Bennett.

Positive Actions

Positive actions also help the constant flow of Serotonin. These can be the littlest of things yet make the biggest of differences to your mood. Here are some examples:

Put some music on - Notice how different you feel when you are blasting your favourite feel good song or songs that bring back happy memories. Relaxing music and classical music have been proven to beat the blues!

Put it down on paper - One of the many tasks I assign my clients is to keep a little/journal notebook to write down 3, 5 or even 10 positive things a day that they are happy/grateful for. This helps clients to create a more positive outlook and starts to rewire the brain into thinking more positively. Great for reducing stress!

Go outdoors - Just a few minutes of fresh air can make all the difference and give you a fresh perspective. Being in nature and just appreciating it can give you the boost you need. Did you know that in Japan some doctors prescribe 'forest bathing' to heal?! Read more about it here: http://www.shinrin-yoku.org/shinrin-yoku.htm . To find out where you can 'forest bathe' in the UK, click on the following: http:// https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2018/may/06/japanese-art-of-forest-bathing-comes-to-england-holid... Having a 20 minute brisk walk gets the heart pumping and will decrease stress.

Leave a note - Make someone's day by leaving a "you're beautiful" note on the bathroom mirror. It will make them feel good and you will feel good knowing you made someone else feel good!

Do something - Whether it's sending an email or clearing the clutter off your dining room table, just getting one tiny little thing off your to-do list and onto the 'it's done' list will give you a huge mental sigh of relief.

Learn something new - Whether it's reading a wiki about a topic that interests you or watching a quick Youtube tutorial, the digital world is full of ways to learn things fast and on the go. You could also sign up to an adult education class or do something you've always wanted to try like knitting, salsa or cooking. You will feel good doing something just for you and have positive interactions with others to boot.

Be a good listener - Seeking out meaningful conversation is proven to improve your sense of well-being.

Try something new - Breaking out of your routine and mixing things up can get you off of autopilot and be present where you are. It can be as simple as walking down a new street, sitting in a different chair in your living room or driving an alternative route to work. Being mindful has great benefits.

Spend money - The trick is you have to spend it on someone else to get the 'feel good' perks. It doesn't have to be a lot!

Text or call a friend - Reaching out to a pal and letting them know how great they are/valued they are will make you feel great, too.

Make plans - Whether it is booking a fortnight in the sun or making plans to have a cuppa with a friend, having something to look forward to makes you happier. Anticipation is like a secret weapon of happiness.

Help someone - Feeling down? One of the quickest ways to pick yourself back up is to do something kind for someone else. Bonus feel good points when it's random and not expected of you.

Treat yourself - Buy a little something for yourself 'just because'! Because you deserve it! Because you are worth it!

Read something - Be it your favorite guilty-pleasure celeb gossip mag or nerding out on your favorite Harry Potter book, taking a few moments to indulge in something you truly enjoy will give you a burst of positive energy.

We encourage clients to do specific positive actions in between sessions to boost confidence, further engage them in the treatment process with a view to this having a 'domino effect' and leading to further positive actions.

"Good actions give strength to ourselves and inspire good actions in others" - Plato

Each session at Happy Head Hypnotherapy is designed with the 3 P's in mind. To find out more about how the brain works and how we can get you back on top of things, get in touch to book a FREE consultation!

How To Help Your Children Through Their Exams

Thu, 09 Nov 2017 09:22:51 GMT

With the mock exams fast approaching and the real deal not far behind; it can be a very stressful time of year for our children. Whether your child is in primary school or secondary school I have compiled a list of tips for you to help them through this difficult time.

Firstly it is important to look for signs of stress. Are they a little distant, do they seem to be irritable or low in mood? Your child may experience headaches or stomach aches and often their sleep patterns will be disturbed. They also may seem very negative and hopeless about their future. If they seem to be worrying a lot and appear to be tense here are a few things you can do to help.

Talk to them – It may help to talk to your child about how they are feeling as their exams approach. Its important to let them know that it is normal to have exam nerves and that you are there if they need any help or to talk.

Take the pressure off – It is important to let your child know that failing isn’t the end of the world and be reassuring and positive. Try to support your child and avoid criticism. Try to be flexible during exam times, time off from household chores and untidy bedrooms will almost certainly take the pressure off!

Give them a hand – Making sure hey have a nice, comfortable and quiet place to study would be a great start. Offering to help them revise and question them would be a massive hand in helping them feel more confident and prepared.

Make sure they eat and sleep well – A balanced diet will help boost your child’s immune system and keep them well during their exams. Foods that are high in fat and sugar increases hyperactivity and irritability. Oily fish, eggs, Green Tea and fresh fruit are thought to be ‘brain-fuel’. A good night’s sleep will aid thinking, lowers stress levers and improves concentration. It helps to give children/teens half an hour wind down time before going to bed to help them get a decent sleep.

Encourage exercise and down time – Exercise is a great aid to stress relief, it also boosts energy levels and clears the mind. It doesn’t have to be anything too strenuous; a nice walk would suffice. It is important that your child takes a break from studying/revising. It is thought that the human brain needs to take a 15-20 min break after 90 minutes of studying in order to be productive.

Encourage them to make time for themselves doing something they enjoy – Too much studying can cause a high rise in stress levels and this can often be counter-productive. Regular breaks and time out to do something they enjoy such as shopping; gaming or playing football will get their Serotonin flowing. Serotonin is sometimes referred to as our ‘happy-chemical’. When we produce a constant flow of Serotonin we are happier and can cope better with stress.

Relax – I am referring to you and well as your child! Remember that these exams will not last forever. Most exams are over in a week or two and hopefully things will return to normal. There are many relaxation techniques out there that can help you and your child to relax. My favourite is listening to a hypnotherapy recording on Youtube or the ‘7/11 breathing technique’ (Breathe in through your nose for 7 seconds and then out through your mouth for 11 seconds – repeat 5 times and notice how lovely and relaxed you feel afterwards!)

For further advice on exam stress please see www.nhs.co.uk and www.childline.org.uk

Hollie Jordan runs Deep Relaxation and Hypnotherapy sessions at Stanton Under Bardon village hall on Tuesday evenings 6-6:45pm or one to one sessions in Battram, Coalville.

To book a space or a FREE initial consultation for one to one sessions please call or text Hollie on 07817907314, visit www.happyheadhypnotherapy.co.uk or email holliejordan@happyheadhypnotherapy.co.uk

Alternatively find Happy Head Hypnotherapy on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.