When life seems overwhelming, the best thing we can do for ourselves is to let go of what we are hanging on to. The problem is, sometimes we don’t realize we are hanging on.  One sign to look for is an endless cycle of thoughts that get you nowhere other than where you began.  Another is physical symptoms. Our bodies are always talking to us.  Have you ever woken up with a stiff neck, yet there is no apparent reason for it? If you look a little deeper, often you will find you had a particularly stressful or challenging week.  These signs are our minds and bodies telling us to ‘back off’.  Instead of obsessing over the same problem over and over (which only makes things worse), try taking a walk, calling a friend, or doing something 'out of the box'. And always apply the 80/20 rule:  spend 20% of the time figuring out what the problem is, and 80% on resolving it.    Anything that is out of your control is best just tossed away.  Ask yourself - what am I holding on to?  What can I do TODAY to simplify?

Sometimes we get stuck in the middle ground of ‘should I – shouldn’t I’, unable to make a decision.  It is important to think through decisions carefully, especially big impact important ones.   However overanalyzing can be counter-productive. This can come into play with decisions such as changing jobs, moving to another city, trying something new, etc.  The other aspect that can work against us is getting bogged down in fear or the ‘why nots’.  This can happen with health related goals such as weight loss, quitting smoking, starting an exercise program, etc.  Sometimes it’s best to stop thinking, let go, take the leap and go for it. Just decide, and DO!

Back in my college days, I was known to seek out that “high” feeling on occasion. That euphoric sense that all is well, troubles and worries melt away and you are in the moment just feeling the buzz of wellbeing. Most of us soon come to realize that feeling is difficult to sustain with any substance, and yet, it seems so many of us remember it with fondness and would like to experience it again, without the substance.

I was curious when I heard about my neighbor Lynne told me about her experience in hypnosis and her success with Elite Hypnosis and Wellness. I had been suffering from insomnia and anxiety for some time and she offered to hypnotize me to help calm my nerves. Lynne is the consummate professional and from the time we began our session, I felt the calm that she carries with her wash over me. After asking detailed questions about what was bothering me, Lynne started the process of hypnosis. What followed was the deepest relaxation I have experienced in years, the noise of the world slipped away with each breath.  Lynne’s soft, calming voice was the only thing in my head and well, I was feeling good. 

During the time I was in an hypnotic state, Lynne offered suggestions for my subconscious to take in and guide me to a more peaceful state, a place with no anxiety or fear. I did not hear the sirens outside, or the hum of the air conditioning or any sound other than Lynne’s warm voice, with conviction, leading me to a deeper and greater feeling of peace.

After a period of time that I could not measure, she began to pull me out of the hypnotic state. Upon opening my eyes I looked around and out of the window and everything I saw seemed to have a new hue. My head was completely clear (unlike that of another kind of high) and I felt at peace and frankly euphoric. I was expecting the feeling to dissipate shortly thereafter, however it stayed with me. We went to share a pizza and the city street looked somehow more alive and people seemed friendlier. And the pizza was more delicious than ever before. That night I fell into a deep sleep as I did for most nights to follow. I did not wake with that anxious feeling. Although the euphoric (buzz) feeling did not stay with me, I knew that this was working! 

I look forward to another session soon to keep the jitters away and the sandman close but what I am really looking forward to, as an instant gratification kind of gal, is that amazing high when I opened my eyes!