It is true that we are all hypnotised to some extent. We can become conditioned to react in certain ways and adhere to old beliefs about the world, others and ourselves that are no longer helpful or useful. Some people may worry that they cannot be hypnotised, when in fact they have already hypnotised themselves. For example, they may have convinced themselves that they are “bad”, “not good enough” of little value and have low self worth. As a hypnotherapist it is often my job to de-hypnotise people from their restricted views and beliefs, so that they can better adapt to the changing reality in their lives.
In this article, I have included some thoughts on updating our maps of reality. Sometimes we are all in a self-imposed trance and need to wake up to reality.
Updating Reality
Our view of reality is shaped through our experiences. We form an internal map with which we navigate through the world. If our map is accurate, we know where we are and how to get where we want to go. The closer our map is to the truth of reality, the better our vision to see obstacles and navigate around them. As reality changes we need to update and revise our maps and this takes effort and work. Not only does the world around us change, but also our place within it. At times we may be healthy and at other times sick, or rich and powerful or poor and vulnerable. Some people will stop adding to their map after adolescence, many will stop by middle age. People who have ceased adding to their maps remain convinced that their map is accurate and therefore their view of the world becomes fixed and dogmatic; they are no longer interested in updating new data. Their view of reality is tired, jaded, out of date and unproductive. Consequently, life becomes more difficult and frustrating. For those of you in the UK who have seen the TV program “Grumpy old men/women” this is an example of people desperately holding onto outdated maps and becoming increasingly frustrated with a changing world.
Updating our maps in light of new and sometimes sudden information can be a painful process. In order to avoid this pain we may ignore the new reality or rebel against it. We may try to change reality and mould it into our outdated maps. We may transfer our maps that helped us survive in childhood into adulthood where they are no longer appropriate.
Change and reality is avoided when it is painful. Stress can be defined as change and fear of change. Revising our maps, seeking truth and reality takes courage. Moving away from delusion and suffering discomfort is vital to our continued survival, therefore we must learn to welcome pain in order to find and sustain reality and truth. This applies to individuals as well as organisations.
Hypnotherapy and Rational Thinking are effective tools to challenge and update your thinking and beliefs so that they are adaptive and “getting you where you want to go” You can learn how to use your creative subconscious to guide you towards your goals. You can update your self-image and build your confidence and self-esteem.
Regards
Phil Pearl
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* Definition of Depression
Nearly everyone experiences occasional feelings of sadness; depressed feelings are a natural reaction to disappointment, loss, difficulties in life, or low self-esteem. But when periods of intense sadness last for weeks at a time and hamper your ability to function normally, you may be suffering from clinical, or major, depression.
Major depression is diagnosed when you have at least five of the following nine symptoms for at least two weeks:
- Depressed feelings throughout most of the day, especially in the morning;
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt;
- Constant fatigue or lack of energy;
- Insomnia or excessive sleeping;
- Indecisiveness, inability to concentrate;
- Restlessness, inability to remain still and calm;
- Lack of interest in activities you once enjoyed;
- Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide;
- Significant weight loss or gain within a short period of time.
Depression is a complex disorder which can be caused by many different agents; mental health experts believe that major depression is actually a symptom of one or more underlying health issues, rather than an isolated disease. Understanding why you are experiencing depression can help your mental health care provider direct your treatment appropriately, enabling you to enjoy renewed quality of life.
* Causes of Depression
The health conditions and genetic/environmental factors discussed here are all known to be associated with depression. Determining precisely why you are feeling depressed and addressing the particular issue are critical to solving your depression problem and allowing you to live to your fullest potential.
- Genetics
As with numerous other health disorders, it is clear that heredity plays a role in depression. Not everyone who has depressive symptoms has a family history of emotional issues; nor does having depression in your family guarantee that you will experience depression. However, research has shown that individuals with mental illness in their background have a greater chance of experiencing symptoms of depression themselves.
- Trauma & Stress
Traumatic and stressful life events, such as loss of a loved one, abuse, chronic illness or pain, or a move to an unfamiliar location can trigger depression in certain individuals. These events result in changes in neurotransmitter levels (discussed later in more detail), leading to brain chemistry imbalances that cause depression symptoms.
- Medications & Recreational Drugs
There are a large number of substances which many of us use regularly that can cause depression in some people. Prescription medications, birth control pills, anti-inflammatory drugs (including steroids), antihistamines, cholesterol pills, high blood pressure medications, antidepressants and tranquilizers are all linked to depressive symptoms. Nicotine, caffeine, alcohol, and street drugs are all known to lead to depression in certain individuals, as well.
- Neurotransmitter Imbalances & Abnormalities in Brain Physiology
Neurotransmitters are chemical “messengers” in the brain that regulate mood, thought, and memory. When neurotransmitters are not available at sufficient levels, depression can be the result.
Researchers have noted that individuals with depression often have an abnormally small hippocampus, a small structure in the brain that is closely associated with memory. A smaller hippocampus has fewer serotonin receptors; serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is vital in regulating emotions.
- Brain Inflammation
Inflammation, often present with autoimmune disorders such as diabetes, triggers the body’s immune system response. Regulatory proteins called cytokines are marshaled into action to fight off possible infection; these peptides create a stress response, altering the levels of certain neurotransmitters, which results in depressive symptoms.
- Toxicity
Environmental toxins, such as heavy metals and molds, can trigger an immune reaction which sets off a cytokine response.
- Digestive Disorders
Digestive dysfunction, including bowel disorders, yeast overgrowth, gluten and other food allergies, and impaired digestion of proteins, can also set off an immune system response which can lead to depression.
- Nutritional Imbalances
Many important nutrients, especially the B vitamins, minerals such as zinc and magnesium, and the Omega 3 fatty acids, are building blocks for important neurotransmitters. Insufficient dietary intake of these nutrients can result in neurotransmitter imbalances, a significant cause of depression symptoms.
- Impaired Methylation
Methylation, a metabolic process which takes place in every cell in the body, is important for the manufacture of hormones, the regulation of neurotransmitters, and the synchronization of the neural networks that affect mood and cognition. When this process is impaired, it can disrupt the entire system.
- Hormone Imbalances
When hormones such as insulin, thyroid or adrenal hormone, and sex hormones are not available at proper levels, they can negatively affect the way we think and feel.
Depression is a serious illness which can have a significant negative impact on your life. Fortunately, lab testing is available that can help you to pinpoint the exact cause of your depression, allowing your health care provider to assist you in choosing the best treatment for your depressive symptoms. With proper care, your symptoms should disappear, leaving you to enjoy life to its fullest once again.
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You brain is just like any other muscle in your body, it needs to be worked to stay in shape. Children have the advantage of being able to have constant stimulation while they are in school. But what about after they get home from school or during the summer? Do not let your child’s mind lay dormant. You can help to keep your child’s mind sharp by doing science projects as activities in addition to when your child needs help preparing for a fair. Your child will not only benefit from the exposure to the subject material but he or she will be able to enjoy quality time with you.
Seaweeds of all kinds help restore energy by nourishing nervous, immune, and hormonal systems. Make it a habit to eat seaweed as a green vegetable at least once a week. Try kelp in your oatmeal, wakame in your beans, kombu in your soups, hijiki salads, toasted dulse, sea palm fronds, and deep-fried nori!
Another myth is that only self-confident people can afford to take risks. This again is not true. In fact, self-confident people are more realistic about their capabilities. They know what they can do, and what they can’t do. More importantly, they know how to deal with failures.In contrast, people who lack self-confidence are afraid of failure. This fear prevents them from taking on new tasks. They constantly pine for the approval of others, and when they don’t get it they end up losing their self-confidence.
Stand in front of a mirror, and visualize your reflection as the person you will be interacting with. Center your attention on keeping your head perfectly still. To help with this you can use the Tai Chi visualization of your head being suspended by a string. This keeps your head and neck aligned, avoids building up tension in the neck area, and allows for an improved flow of energy throughout your body.
Many experts are recommending 15 minutes of sunshine everyday to keep your vitamin D at optimum levels. Vitamin D is important for all our cells and helps keep our immune systems functioning properly. You get four things done at once if you exercise while you are outside. Even if you can only do ten or fifteen minutes – you will feel refreshed, the exercise will open up your lungs which also improve your body’s immune system, you will be helping yourself lose weight and will be sweating out toxins. How many times can you do all those things at once?
You can also reduce stress in your life to improve your memory. It is said that high levels of stress mess with the part of the brain that takes in and stores new memories. In order to avoid this from happening you should try meditation and other types of self work things that will allow you to no longer be a slave to the burden of stress. This of course is not just good for learning how to improve your memory but for your entire physical and mental health as well.
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Men, if your sex life has not been what you are hoping for, this is definitely something you want to read and also consider getting for your lady.
Recently, science has discovered various solutions for helping men and women regarding their sexual problems. Also, most were under the impression that it was only men who suffered from low libidos but we know now that is not the case. Women seem to be able to experience sexual highs more than men but unfortunately they are chief candidates for sexual dysfunction.
Studies have shown that as a woman gets older her lack of desire also can go South faster than a man losing his desire. When her lack of wanting sexual relations with her man gets to a peak, it could signal the end to their relationship.
Determining a woman’s decline sexually has to be taken into context so the separate issues can be dealt with accordingly. One of the most widely accepted reasons for a women gradually becoming less interested in sex is pregnancy and the hormonal changes afterward.
Because the lubricants inside her may dry up when she is carrying a baby, having sex when pregnant could be very painful for her and she will have to wait until after the delivery. Click here now and get your sex life back!
When a woman reaches menopause, she may not have the same drive as before and the sex act means much less to her than previously. Should the woman have a more serious ailment like diabetes or arthritis, her need or want for intercourse could diminish until it is nil.
Also not to be dismissed is an unstable or emotionally troubled woman and that particular woman is probably not going to have much interest in a sexual relationship. On the other side, having a low self esteem or being depressed, having anxiety issues will not lend itself to help her yearn for sex and she will refrain.
Sometimes if a woman thinks of herself as unattractive, that will really hurt her desire of sex until she gains more confidence or in many cases, her mood swings change. This is somewhat difficult for experts to understand because it becomes a psychological problem and individuals will react and act differently.
Should a past experience represent trauma or nightmares to her, such as an abusive relationship or a child abusive parent or guardian, this can certainly be an obstacle to overcome. Left untreated she may never want to have intercourse again because the past over rules her present.
Another possible reason for a woman to hate having sex is her partner. If she is losing respect or affection for her man this could also signal the end of that sexual relationship and their overall relationship too.
Sexual aids like Provestra could help the two of you improve your chemistry and maybe you will see the lust in her eyes light up!
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You may often hear the phrase “you are what you eat” and clearly there is some truth in that; we are constantly reminded by the media and government to eat healthily. However, what we think is more important and in particular, that inner critical voice which we hear all day long. Our inner voice either supports us and makes us feel good or undermines our self-esteem and self-worth causing us to feel down. With that in mind I have included in this article a common thinking error called labelling, which can make anyone feel lousy. The simple truth is “You are what you think!”
These days we are more brand aware than ever before. We may not all wear designer clothes or drive expensive cars or even eat designer food, but we are all aware of brands and labels. We make conscious and unconscious judgements about people, their identity and status based on the items they use. Consequently, we will then make judgements and evaluations about our own identity and self-worth.
We may also label others and ourselves by traits, behaviours and actions. Rather than look at the whole person and all their good and bad points, a specific evaluation is accorded to their whole being. For example, “He did a stupid thing, therefore he is stupid”. “She broke a plate, therefore she is clumsy”. It is more helpful to acknowledge when we and others have done something wrong or made a specific error. For example “that was a silly mistake” “that didn’t go down too well”, then we can distinguish between the actions and the person as a whole.
Labelling people makes it more difficult to get on with others and causes hostility if we see them as one-dimensional For example “that guy is a jerk”, “She’s an idiot”. I once worked in a company where one of the IT staff made an error that caused the network to temporarily crash, he soon became known as “TITI” (Titty – The IT Idiot). Needless to say this was very upsetting for the individual concerned – he left a short time afterwards. Labelling is more than name-calling; it is mud that sticks.
When directed at ourselves labelling can cause diminished self-esteem, guilt, self-loathing and depression. We will often acquire negative labels in childhood and early relationships; it is important that we challenge and dispel them rather than continue to wear them on the inside.
A useful exercise is to monitor your inner critic; that voice that you hear through the day that says things such as “I’m not smart enough”, “I’m boring and uninteresting” “I’m too old” “I’m unattractive”. Write these comments down and then dispute, challenge and replace them with more helpful and rational statements such as “I’ve learned a lot and continue to learn”, “I am as interesting as anyone; I have my unique style”, “Age is an irrelevance”, “I’m as attractive as anyone”. This takes a bit of effort, but “you’re worth it”. You will feel better about yourself, increase your self-esteem and discard unwanted mental baggage.
Choose your labels with care!
Regards
Phil Pearl DCH, DHP, MCH, GHR Reg
Clinical Hypnotherapist
Mental Toughness, Resilience & Hypnotherapy
10 Harley Street
London
W1G 9PF
Tel: 020 7467 8548
phil@mental-toughness.co.uk
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Hair loss is only permanent if the living part of the hair, the root, is damaged. Extreme hair loss is a widespread problem among the middle aged Americans, specifically among the men. Early hair loss is not caused by clogged pores, poor circulation, or lack of oxygen as some scam hair loss treatment products claim.
An increasing number of men are known to be suffering from hair loss problem. They are experiencing baldness at an early age. Losing hair is a matter of serious concern as it affects the self confidence and esteem of a person. This is true not only from an individual perspective but also from the way people perceive a person. It can affect the confidence of a person immensely.
Hair loss problem is prevalent in most of the people. It is known to affect both the sexes equally. The problem is known to affect a person psychologically. A person suffering from this problem suffers from low self esteem. Appearance matters to most of the people. When a person suffers from this type of situation, his self confidence suffers a serious blow.
Most of the people suffer from hair loss problem. Men, women and children are all equally affected by this problem. Stress and an unhealthy lifestyle have aggravated the situation. Hair loss is not an uncommon problem. The situation can be overcome with medication and a healthy lifestyle.
Hair loss during adolescence signifies ill health. Besides, improper diet can also lead to hair loss problem. Moreover, some medications or medical treatments, like chemotherapy treatment for cancer, can also cause hair loss problem. Certain hairstyles can also lead to this kind of problem. A hairstyle that pulls on the hair for a long time such as braids can lead to hairfall.
Poor Nutrition – Hair loss problem may also result due to poor eating habits. This affects the health of a person negatively. It may result in various kinds of ailments. Apart from the onset of various kinds of diseases, a person may also suffer from hair loss. Stress aggravates the problem. Insufficient sleep and rest can also affect the health of a person. Hence, a balanced diet is a must for general well being. A person should consume food that provides complete nourishment.
This is the most common cause of thinning and affects both men and women. Men generally have hair loss concentrated in a specific pattern from the front through to the crown. Women tend to have thinning throughout their head without being in any specific pattern. This type of hair loss is caused by the androgen DHT, or Dihydrotestosterone. Since everyone has DHT that is produced by their bodies and only some people suffer from hair loss there has to be another factor involved.
Some common activities may also leads in losing hair such as harsh shampoo usage, frequent use of blow dryers etc. In order to prevent hair fall, it is advisable to take up nature-based products. Most people carry out wrong methods and uses chemicals for treating their curls, which can be harmful in the long run. Some of the most effective ingredients are red tea or rooibos, apple polyphones and green tea.
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