Becoming Mentally Healthy by Paula Sweet at Absolute Mind (general)

Hello and welcome to today's episode of the Absolute Mind, Becoming Mentally Healthy podcast.

In today's episode, I'll be talking about emotions, are they normal? 

Remember to check out the Facebook group - Absolute Mind, Becoming Mentally Healthy to join a community of like-minded people looking to be mentally healthy.

Absolute Mind Becoming Mentally Healthy Group

Direct download: 191_-_Understanding_Emotions_For_Better_Mental_Health.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:36pm GMT

Hello and welcome to today's episode of the Absolute Mind, Becoming Mentally Healthy podcast.

In today's episode, I'll be talking about staying positive through traumatic experiences, hardships and tough days to help you stay mentally healthy.

Remember to check out the Facebook group - Absolute Mind, Becoming Mentally Healthy to join a community of like-minded people looking to be mentally healthy.

Absolute Mind Becoming Mentally Healthy Group

Direct download: 190_-_Dealing_With_Hardships_For_Better_Mental_Health.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:55pm GMT

Hello and welcome to today's episode of the Absolute Mind, Becoming Mentally Healthy podcast.

In today's episode, I'll be talking about letting go of negative emotions to better your mental health. 

Remember to check out the Facebook group - Absolute Mind, Becoming Mentally Healthy to join a community of like-minded people looking to be mentally healthy.

Absolute Mind Becoming Mentally Healthy Group

Direct download: 189_-_Let_Go_Of_Negative_Emotions_For_Better_Mental_Health.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:30am GMT

Hello and welcome to today's episode of the Absolute Mind, Becoming Mentally Healthy podcast.

In today's episode, I'll be talking about why having accountability is good for your mental health. How to change your story no matter what past experiences have happened to you. 

Remember to check out the Facebook group - Absolute Mind, Becoming Mentally Healthy to join a community of like-minded people looking to be mentally healthy.

Absolute Mind Becoming Mentally Healthy Group

Direct download: 188_-_Accountability_For_Better_Mental_Health.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:55am GMT

Hello and welcome to today's episode of the Absolute Mind, Becoming Mentally Healthy podcast.

In today's episode, I'll be talking about how I deal with feeling overwhelmed with daily tasks. 

Remember to check out the Facebook group - Absolute Mind, Becoming Mentally Healthy to join a community of like-minded people looking to be mentally healthy.

Absolute Mind Becoming Mentally Healthy Group

Direct download: 187_-_Stop_Feeling_Overwhelmed_.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:43pm GMT

Hello and welcome to today's episode of the Absolute Mind, Becoming Mentally Healthy podcast.

In today's episode, I'll be talking about why consistency is important for maintaining better mental health. 

Remember to check out the Facebook group - Absolute Mind, Becoming Mentally Healthy to join a community of like-minded people looking to be mentally healthy.

Absolute Mind Becoming Mentally Healthy Group

Direct download: 186_-_How_Consistency_Is_Important_For_Your_Mental_Health.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:41pm GMT

Hello and welcome to today's episode of the Absolute Mind, Becoming Mentally Healthy podcast.

In today's episode, I'll be talking about ways in which I deal with Stress.

Remember to check out the Facebook group - Absolute Mind, Becoming Mentally Healthy to join a community of like-minded people looking to be mentally healthy.

Absolute Mind Becoming Mentally Healthy Group

Direct download: 185_-_Dealing_With_Stress_For_Better_Mental_Health.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:29pm GMT

Hello and welcome to today's episode of the Absolute Mind, Becoming Mentally Healthy podcast.

In today's episode, I'll be talking about why I like to declutter for a calmer mind.

Remember to check out the Facebook group - Absolute Mind, Becoming Mentally Healthy to join a community of like-minded people looking to be mentally healthy.

Absolute Mind Becoming Mentally Healthy Group

Direct download: 184_-_Declutter_For_A_Calmer_Mind_.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:27pm GMT

Hello and welcome to today's episode of the Absolute Mind, Becoming Mentally Healthy podcast.

In today's episode, I'll be talking about foods to avoid to help with better mental health

Remember to check out the Facebook group - Absolute Mind, Becoming Mentally Healthy to join a community of like-minded people looking to be mentally healthy.

Absolute Mind Becoming Mentally Healthy Group

Direct download: 183_-_What_Foods_To_Avoid_For_Better_Mental_Health.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:43pm GMT

Hello and welcome to today's episode of the Absolute Mind, Becoming Mentally Healthy podcast.

In today's episode, I'll be talking about my tips for achieving better mental health. 

Remember to check out the Facebook group - Absolute Mind, Becoming Mentally Healthy to join a community of like-minded people looking to be mentally healthy.

Absolute Mind Becoming Mentally Healthy Group

Direct download: 182_-_My_Tips_For_Achieving_Better_Mental_Health.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:57pm GMT

Hello and welcome to today's episode of the Absolute Mind, Becoming Mentally Healthy podcast.

In today's episode, I'll be talking all about meditation, how to and why it can better your mental health. 

Remember to check out the Facebook group - Absolute Mind, Becoming Mentally Healthy to join a community of like-minded people looking to be mentally healthy.

Absolute Mind Becoming Mentally Healthy Group

Direct download: 181_-_Understand_Meditation_For_Better_Mental_Health.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:35pm GMT

Hello and welcome to today's episode of the Absolute Mind, Becoming Mentally Healthy podcast.

In today's episode, I'll be talking all about why taking labels off ourselves could help with Mental Health. 

Remember to check out the Facebook group - Absolute Mind, Becoming Mentally Healthy to join a community of like-minded people looking to be mentally healthy.

Absolute Mind Becoming Mentally Healthy Group

Direct download: 180_-_Taking_Labels_Off_To_Help_Mental_Health.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:14pm GMT

Hello and welcome to today's episode of the Absolute Mind, Becoming Mentally Healthy podcast.

In today's episode, I'll be talking about sleep and mental health. Discussing how sleep and a lack of it can affect your moods. 

Remember to check out the Facebook group - Absolute Mind, Becoming Mentally Healthy to join a community of like-minded people looking to be mentally healthy.

Absolute Mind Becoming Mentally Healthy Group

Direct download: 179_-_How_Can_Sleep_Affect_Mental_Health.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:23am GMT

Hello and welcome to today's episode of the Absolute Mind, Becoming Mentally Healthy podcast.

In today's episode, I'll be talking about nutrition and mental health. Discussing what a brain-healthy diet is.

Remember to check out the Facebook group - Absolute Mind, Becoming Mentally Healthy to join a community of like-minded people looking to be mentally healthy.

Absolute Mind Becoming Mentally Healthy Group

Direct download: 178_-_How_Does_Nutrition_Affect_Mental_Health.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:10pm GMT

Hello and welcome to today's episode of the Absolute Mind, Becoming Mentally Healthy podcast.

In today's episode, I'll be talking about my view on dreams and their meanings and how we can interpret them, can we change them? 

Remember to check out the Facebook group - Absolute Mind, Becoming Mentally Healthy to join a community of like-minded people looking to be mentally healthy.

Absolute Mind Becoming Mentally Healthy Group

Direct download: 177_-_My_View_On_Dreams_And_Meanings_.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:17pm GMT

Hello and welcome to today's episode of the Absolute Mind, Becoming Mentally Healthy podcast.

In today's episode, I'll be explaining how regular routines can help to improve mental health.

Remember to check out the Facebook group - Absolute Mind, Becoming Mentally Healthy to join a community of like-minded people looking to be mentally healthy.

Absolute Mind Becoming Mentally Healthy Group

Direct download: 176_-_How_Routine_Can_Improve_Mental_Health_.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:27pm GMT

Hello and welcome to today's episode of the Absolute Mind, Becoming Mentally Healthy podcast.

In today's episode, I'll be showing you 6 simple steps to begin creating happiness and positivity in your life. 

Remember to check out the Facebook group - Absolute Mind, Becoming Mentally Healthy to join a community of like-minded people looking to be mentally healthy.

Absolute Mind Becoming Mentally Healthy Group

 

Direct download: 164_-_Create_Happiness_And_Positivity.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:54pm GMT

Hello and welcome to todays episode of the absolute mind podcasts.

Today i'm talking all about motivation to exercise. This is something close to my heart as I know all too well how easy it is to lose motivation during different times of life. But if you can get yourself a well planned strategy you can keep your motivation levels up.  

If you like these podcasts and want to help keep me motivated and help other people find me then please do leave a review, the more reviews the more likely I am to be found by people who may need these types of podcasts.

You can also stay connected with me on my instagram account where I update daily with stories and photos so give me a follow and stay in touch :0) 

https://www.instagram.com/paula_sweet_absolute_woman/

Ladies, I have also created a facebook group just for women, its a platform for accountability, support, motivation, health tips, organisational tips you name it its on there and if its not give me a shout tell me what you want :0) so check that one out too 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/AbsoluteWoman

Check out the weight loss hypnosis packager here a highly reduced price of £19 just for podcast listeners:

www.absolutemind.co.uk/offer

Also check out the online Anxiety course 

Anxiety course www.absolutemind.co.uk/free-anxiety-course/

Bespokse Hypnosis £70 email direct paula@paulasweet.co.uk

Direct download: 173_-_Motivation_To_Exercise.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:48pm GMT

Hello and welcome to today's episode of the absolute mind podcasts.

Today I'm talking all about world mental health day and depression. 

If you like these podcasts and want to help keep me motivated and help other people find me then please do leave a review, the more reviews the more likely I am to be found by people who may need these types of podcasts.

You can also stay connected with me on my Instagram account where I update daily with stories and photos so give me a follow and stay in touch :0) 

https://www.instagram.com/paula_sweet_absolute_woman/

Ladies, I have also created a facebook group just for women, its a platform for accountability, support, motivation, health tips, organisational tips you name it's on there and if it's not, give me a shout tell me what you want :0) so check that one out too 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/AbsoluteWoman

Check out the weight loss hypnosis packager here a highly reduced price of £19 just for podcast listeners:

www.absolutemind.co.uk/offer

Also, check out the online Anxiety course 

Free Anxiety Course https://academy.absolutemind.co.uk/courses/the-free-anxiety-course

Bespoke Hypnosis £70 email direct paula@paulasweet.co.uk

Direct download: 172_-_Low_Moods_World_Mental_Health_Day.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:46pm GMT

Hello and welcome to today's episode of the Absolute Mind podcast.

In today's episode i'm covering all about keeping back or getting that motivation to exercise, as the summer is over and the holiday's are done with motivation levels are likely to drop but its not too late to get yourself back on track in time for those little black dresses or suits for the festive season!

If you like these podcasts and want to help keep me motivated and help other people find me then please do leave a review, the more reviews the more likely I am to be found by people who may need these types of podcasts.

You can also stay connected with me on my instagram account where I update daily with stories and photos so give me a follow and stay in touch :0) 

https://www.instagram.com/paula_sweet_absolute_woman/

Ladies, I have also created a facebook group just for women, its a platform for accountability, support, motivation, health tips, organisational tips you name it, it's on there and if it's not give me a shout tell me what you want :0) so check that one out too 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/AbsoluteWoman

Check out the weight loss hypnosis packager here a highly reduced price of £19 just for podcast listeners:

www.absolutemind.co.uk/offer

Also, check out the online Anxiety course 

Free Anxiety Course https://academy.absolutemind.co.uk/courses/the-free-anxiety-course

Bespoke Hypnosis £70 email direct paula@paulasweet.co.uk

 

Direct download: 171-_Exercise_Motivation_Hypnosis_.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:02pm GMT

Welcome to today's episode of the Absolute Mind podcasts.

Today's episode is another ask Paula Friday in which I answer your questions sent into me. Find out how and when I became a therapist in todays episode, a question sent in from a US listener. 

If you like these podcasts and want to help keep me motivated and help other people find me then please do leave a review, the more reviews the more likely I am to be found by people who may need these types of podcasts.

You can also stay connected with me on my instagram account where I update daily with stories and photos so give me a follow and stay in touch :0) 

https://www.instagram.com/paula_sweet_absolute_woman/

Ladies, I have also created a facebook group just for women, its a platform for accountability, support, motivation, health tips, organisational tips you name it its on there and if its not give me a shout tell me what you want :0) so check that one out too 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/AbsoluteWoman

Direct download: 170_-_Ask_Paula_Friday_.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00pm GMT

Welcome to today's episode of the Absolute Mind podcasts.

Today's podcast is all about mindfulness and how practicing being here and present in the now can help you to feel calmer, happier and at peace on a regular basis. 

If you like these podcasts and want to help keep me motivated and help other people find me then please do leave a review, the more reviews the more likely I am to be found by people who may need these types of podcasts.

You can also stay connected with me on my instagram account where I update daily with stories and photos so give me a follow and stay in touch :0) 

https://www.instagram.com/paula_sweet_absolute_woman/

Ladies, I have also created a facebook group just for women, its a platform for accountability, support, motivation, health tips, organisational tips you name it its on there and if its not give me a shout tell me what you want :0) so check that one out too 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/AbsoluteWoman

Direct download: 169-_Mindfulness_Hypnosis_.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:42pm GMT

Welcome to today's episode of the Absolute Mind podcasts.

Today i'm covering reducing your stress levels with hypnosis. Living with stress can impact many areas of your life from, work, relationships, health and performance.

If you're living with stress do something about it today!

If you like these podcasts and want to help keep me motivated and help other people find me then please do leave a review, the more reviews the more likely I am to be found by people who may need these types of podcasts.

You can also stay connected with me on my instagram account where I update daily with stories and photos so give me a follow and stay in touch :0) 

https://www.instagram.com/paula_sweet_absolute_woman/

Ladies, I have also created a facebook group just for women, its a platform for accountability, support, motivation, health tips, organisational tips you name it its on there and if its not give me a shout tell me what you want :0) so check that one out too 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/AbsoluteWoman

Direct download: 168_-_Reduce_Stress_With_Hypnosis_.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:15pm GMT

Welcome to today's podcast which is all about becoming more confident. I have chosen this subject again as its something I see on a regular basis and have seen crop up in my facebook group Absolute Woman. 

Living with a lack if confidence can have such a big impact on your life on a daily basis, why not break free from such a debilitating issue and become more confident today!

If you like these podcasts and want to help keep me motivated and help other people find me then please do leave a review, the more reviews the more likely I am to be found by people who may need these types of podcasts.

You can also stay connected with me on my instagram account where I update daily with stories and photos so give me a follow and stay in touch :0) 

https://www.instagram.com/paula_sweet_absolute_woman/

Ladies, I have also created a facebook group just for women, its a platform for accountability, support, motivation, health tips, organisational tips you name it its on there and if its not give me a shout tell me what you want :0) so check that one out too 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/AbsoluteWoman

Direct download: 167_-_Become_More_Confident_Hypnosis_.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:29pm GMT

Welcome to todays Friday edition of the podcast in which I answer questions sent in to me.

Todays Question is from Anon and "I've been listening to the podcast for 2 years and I have found it to be really helpful and motivational. I often wonder do you ever suffer with any issues or are you the wonder woman i've made you out to be"

Find out.......Am I really wonder woman? 

If you like these podcasts and want to help keep me motivated and help other people find me then please do leave a review, the more reviews the more likely I am to be found by people who may need these types of podcasts.

You can also stay connected with me on my instagram account where I update daily with stories and photos so give me a follow and stay in touch :0) 

https://www.instagram.com/paula_sweet_absolute_woman/

Ladies, I have also created a facebook group just for women, its a platform for accountability, support, motivation, health tips, organisational tips you name it its on there and if its not give me a shout tell me what you want :0) so check that one out too 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/AbsoluteWoman

Direct download: 166_-_Ask_Paula_Friday_.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:45pm GMT

Welcome to today's episode of the Absolute Mind podcasts.

In today's episode im covering being more positive, positive about yourself, positive about life! What you focus on increases and the more you look for the good the more you will see it happening right before your very eyes.

If you like these podcasts and want to help keep me motivated and help other people find me then please do leave a review, the more reviews the more likely I am to be found by people who may need these types of podcasts.

You can also stay connected with me on my instagram account where I update daily with stories and photos so give me a follow and stay in touch :0) 

https://www.instagram.com/paula_sweet_absolute_woman/

Ladies, I have also created a facebook group just for women, its a platform for accountability, support, motivation, health tips, organisational tips you name it its on there and if its not give me a shout tell me what you want :0) so check that one out too 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/AbsoluteWoman

Direct download: 165_-_Positivity_Hypnosis_.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:52pm GMT

Well i'm back....... I knows its been such a long time and I wanted to apologise and say thank you for the continued downloads in the time I have been away! 

The podcasts are changing, I recently ran a poll on my facebook account asking what listeners want and the popular vote was more hypnosis and less "waffle"/chat so i'm trialling this way out for a little while to see how it goes.

If you like these podcasts and want to help keep me motivated and help other people find me then please do leave a review, the more reviews the more likely I am to be found by people who may need these types of podcasts.

You can also stay connected with me on my instagram account where I update daily with stories and photos so give me a follow and stay in touch :0) 

https://www.instagram.com/paula_sweet_absolute_woman/

Ladies, I have also created a facebook group just for women, its a platform for accountability, support, motivation, health tips, organisational tips you name it its on there and if its not give me a shout tell me what you want :0) so check that one out too 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/AbsoluteWoman

 

Products available from Absolute Mind 

Anxiety Course https://www.udemy.com/freedom-from-anxiety-am

Weight Loss Package https://www.absolutemind.co.uk/offer

Bespoke Hypnosis 

https://www.facebook.com/commerce/products/1658917154191822/

 

Direct download: 164-_Anxiety_Releasing_Hypnosis.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:00pm GMT

This is episode 163 of the Absolute Mind podcasts and today I am covering being comfortable in your own skin. 

This is a request from our Facebook audience and once again thank you for sending in your requests if you have any please do send a message with your request.

http://www.absolutemind.co.uk/freeanxietycourse 

Please do bear in mind that we have created this podcast to be of some insight and some sort of assistance but by no means a way to treat conditions on their own.

If you do have any deep-rooted conditions or ailments that you'd like some assistance with on a one-to-one professional approach, then please feel free to contact either me or Michael on Facebook or directly through the website and we can arrange sessions that way or via Skype, whatever suits.

This episode is something that is personal to me as I spent a lot of years feeling uncomfortable with me and desperately wanting to be something/somebody else. Its only over the past few years that I truly feel comfortable in my own skin, who I am and what I do. 

It's actually quite common to struggle with feeling uncomfortable in your own skin and and can lead to self criticism and low self esteem especially these days of social media and the amount of pressure we out on ourselves to live up to other peoples standards of lives. 

It's far more important to have high regard for ourselves and our own self belief than to worry about what others think of us. Think of the last time you did something wrong or messed up slightly, what did you say to yourself? you might have said - "I'm a failure" "I always mess up". We generally say some pretty harsh things to ourselves but think about it, they way you speak to yourself, would you speak to somebody else in that way? 

So how can you stop this cycle and begin to love yourself and feel comfortable in your own skin?

  1. Be kind to yourself - show love and accept your faults, stop self criticising and when you do mess up think of what you learnt from the mistake and what you can do differently next time. This is a much more positive way of thinking. 
  2. Remember you are human - Nobody is perfect, We all have traits that we may want to change, we all mess up. When you can acknowledge this and be fine with it you will be able to accept yourself for who you are being comfortable with your personality, how you look, your career and so on. 
  3. Be mindful - being mindful of negative thoughts towards yourself and acknowledging them for what they are a negative thought and not the truth can allow you to notice those thoughts without them having an impact. Once you do this those negative thoughts wont be so important and wont be around much longer. 
  4. Practice some affirmations - Practicing positive affirmations can have a real benefit tell yourself tings such as - "I am worth it" "I am somebody" "I am good enough" "I like myself" 

Practising self love is important when trying to feel comfortable with who you are, for you to be able to love those around you, you firstly need to love and accept yourself. 

 

 

Direct download: 163_-_Being_Comfortable_In_Your_Own_Skn.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:10pm GMT

This is episode 162 of the Absolute Mind podcasts and today I am covering lying to yourself. 

This is a request from our Facebook audience and once again thank you for sending in your requests if you have any please do send a message with your request.

http://www.absolutemind.co.uk/freeanxietycourse 

Please do bear in mind that we have created this podcast to be of some insight and some sort of assistance but by no means a way to treat conditions on their own.

If you do have any deep-rooted conditions or ailments that you'd like some assistance with on a one-to-one professional approach, then please feel free to contact either me or Michael on Facebook or directly through the website and we can arrange sessions that way or via Skype, whatever suits.

Being lied to is one of the most aggravating things we can experience but when you lie to yourself and don't even realise you're doing it just think of the impact this can have. People lie to themselves all the time, we lie because maybe we are afraid of the truth, feel inadequate or ashamed. we lie because we believe our lives would be better, when in fact the best life you can lead is when we are completely honest with ourselves. So are you lying to yourself? 

Signs You're Lying To Yourself

  1. Emotions and words not matching up - Have you ever tried to tell yourself you're fine when actually your physically crying and emotions are all over the show. Yet you still tell yourself all is fine? your emotions may even catch you off guard, anger from nowhere? Emotional all of a sudden? So if your emotions and words are not matching up try looking at whats going on with yourself, are you lying to yourself about something you really want/need to discuss or work on? Acknowledge how you feel and deal with what presents. 
  2. You don't take on board other peoples words - quite often you don't want to admit that you're lying to yourself, you believe what you believe and thats that. Therefor you may find that you shut out all alternative ideas, comments form outside of your bubble. You don't want input, different opinions or alternative perspectives on situations as this could shine light on the fact that you are lying to yourself. Learn to accept feedback and listen to other opinions. 
  3. Alway's right - No matter what happens you are never wrong, even if it was your fault you truly believe and convince yourself that it wasn't. Break ups are never your fault, arguments always start because of the other person. The issue here is that you never right your wrongs, or learn from mistakes as you're lying to yourself that you are not wrong. Its ok to admit wrongs and to apologise, this can help you to learn from them and grow from our wrong doings. 
  4. Denying why you can't lose weight - This is something I hear/see a lot. lots of people lying to themselves as to why they can't lose weight as they simply wont acknowledge and lie that they "haven't eaten much" when in fact if they were truthful to themselves they would be able to see what they eat and how much they're over consuming. 

These are just some of the things to look out for when lying to yourself, the more we lie to ourselves the deeper of a hole you can get into. Living a life of openness, honesty, and acknowledging feelings, emotions and alternative views can be a real joyous life so give it a try stop lying to yourself and be happy with who you are in your own skin. Admitting you have a problem is the first step to feeing better. 

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Direct download: 162_-_Stop_Lying_To_Yourself_.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:36pm GMT

This is episode 161 of the Absolute Mind podcasts and today I am covering getting yourself back on track with fitness. 

This is a request from our Facebook audience and once again thank you for sending in your requests if you have any please do send a message with your request.

http://www.absolutemind.co.uk/freeanxietycourse 

Please do bear in mind that we have created this podcast to be of some insight and some sort of assistance but by no means a way to treat conditions on their own.

If you do have any deep-rooted conditions or ailments that you'd like some assistance with on a one-to-one professional approach, then please feel free to contact either me or Michael on Facebook or directly through the website and we can arrange sessions that way or via Skype, whatever suits.

So todays podcast is one for all those who have fallen off the wagon and are simply struggling with getting back on track. Ive done it myself, a week off eating what I want all day every day and i feel sluggish! But am I beating myself up for it? NO WAY!

Sometimes you just need a reset, a break, a chance to show yourself just how good it feels doing exercise and eating healthy and falling off track does just that, you realise how sluggish you feel not doing anything and eating everything in sight. But if your now struggling to get back to it don't worry you're not alone, they say that more than 3 days off and it can feel harder to get back into your gym routine but with some simple steps and todays hypnosis I'm hoping you can get yourselves back to your workouts and eating healthy once again. 

Simple Steps To Getting Back On Track

Ok first things first don't spend your day beating yourself up because you haven't yet managed to get back to it! You have two choices you can continue on with your daily battle of beating yourself up, walking backwards on your fitness journey and ignoring how bad you feel because you have in some way "failed" every day taking your further and further away fro you goal OR choose to accept that your human and not perfect (who is anyway) ditch the guilt trip and start thinking positively, thats 2 steps already down on that positive healthier track. 

Stop waiting for tomorrow, next week, Monday and start NOW. Start small to begin you're not going to go from working our every day, to nothing then back to every day you will notice your fitness levels will have dropped but they can be regained slowly and steadily again. Here's a few little steps to getting back to your current fitness level. 

  1. Try a short hiit workout, 10-15 minutes in the morning to get you up and moving, its quick, easy and gets that heart rate up quickly, and doesn't 10-15 minutes sound so much easier than a 60 minute class at the gym!
  2. Try new recipes, sometimes when we go to the dark side and eat all the yummy not so healthy food it can seem pretty harsh going back to chicken and broccoli! so try out a few new healthy but tasty recipes to entice you a little more.
  3. Drink up! Make sure you get plenty of water. I always find when I manage to get plenty of water down me i instantly feel healthier, less bloated and clearer in my head so ditch the coffees, juices or whatever you've been drinking an get back to good old H2o 
  4. Get some fresh air whilst working out, even going for a brisk walk can help with motivation levels. Pop on some headphones, grab your dog (if you've got one, if not it doesn't matter) and go for a good brisk walk in the fresh air. 
  5. Write down exactly what you're eating, we sometimes mindlessly eat and pick at things that we don't register in our heads especially after falling off track. These little picky mindless snacks can really dampen your ability to get back to it so get a journal and jot everything down. That way you can see exactly whats going on.
  6. Get specific about what you want, re-do your goals. What do you want, when by, how much, is that attainable, be specific when thinking about where you want to be. 
  7. Set your alarm, If you're a morning person set your alarm and put it across the other side of the room that way you have to get up and out of bed to switch it off and by that time you might as well get ready for the gym
  8. Gym clothes out and prepared. I always find that if I get my gym clothes out the night before I'm more likely to get up and going once my alarm goes off.

So theres some quick tips that have helped my not only my clients but myself to get back on track whenever I fall off, I've always found the biggest thing that helps me is to just admit I'm not a robot and I'm not perfect and sometimes life gets in the way causing us to slip up sometimes, but be fair to yourself and pick yourself up as soon as you can. 

 

 

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Direct download: 161_-_Getting_Back_On_Track_With_Fitness_.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:53pm GMT

This is episode 160 of the Absolute Mind podcasts and today I am covering ways in which you can remain positive around negative people. 

This is a request from our Facebook audience and once again thank you for sending in your requests if you have any please do send a message with your request.

http://www.absolutemind.co.uk/freeanxietycourse 

Please do bear in mind that we have created this podcast to be of some insight and some sort of assistance but by no means a way to treat conditions on their own.

If you do have any deep-rooted conditions or ailments that you'd like some assistance with on a one-to-one professional approach, then please feel free to contact either me or Michael on Facebook or directly through the website and we can arrange sessions that way or via Skype, whatever suits.

Do you find being around negative people has an effect on you and how you feel? No matter how positive you strive to be and keeping your positive mental attitude it can be difficult when surrounded by negativity to keep that positive outlook.

Being surrounded by negative people can be draining and make you into a person you don't like or want to be, it can make you feel frustrated and even begin to turn you into a negative/pessimistic person.

But no matter how challenging it can be to remain positive around negativity it is possible to keep your optimistic outlook.

How To Remain Positive

  1. Stay Focused On Yourself - When you are faced with somebody eases negative outlook, one of the best things you can do to help yourself it to stay focused on YOU! No matter what others do or say around you you should only really need to focus on yourself and control your own attitude and response. Ask yourself these questions: How am i reacting to the negativity, How can i make my reaction more positive.
    So if you find yourself feeling frustrated with somebody's negativity shift your focus on to how you are feeling and responding and how you could be more positive. You cant control others around you but you can control your actions and reactions.
  2. Switch Your Reaction - When dealing with difficult negative people a great tool is to switch your reaction, When somebody is acting negatively around you ie Yelling, arguing, passive aggressive, using negative language etc try acting in the opposite way. It can be challenging to not mirror somebody's behaviours but if you can manage this it can help in keeping you feeling more positive.
  3. Don't Take It To Heart - When around negativity it can be hard to remember that more often than not their negativity isn't completely about you. Perhaps they're having a bad day and dealing with lots of stress so feel they need to vocalise their stress. We can never know exactly what is going on in other peoples lives so try not to take any negativity personally.
  4. Be Grateful - Practising gratitude when dealing with a negative person can be very difficult but  if you can regularly practice gratitude even in times of negativity it can have a great effect on your mental state. It's easy to be positive when things are going well but when we can do it in times of negativity it can really strengthen your skills on positivity.

Staying positive around people especially negative ones can be tough but if you can put these few tips into practice you might just begin to notice how little other peoples attitude have an effect on you now.

Sponsors

    • Health IQ – A life insurance agency that uses science and data to secure lower rates on life insurance for health-conscious people. To see if you qualify, get your free quote today at HealthIQ/Paula

 

 

 

 

 

 

Direct download: 160_-_Staying_Positive_Around_Negative_People_.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:37pm GMT

This is episode 159 of the Absolute Mind podcasts and today I am covering ways in which you can stop negative thinking. 

This is a request from our Facebook audience and once again thank you for sending in your requests if you have any please do send a message with your request.

http://www.absolutemind.co.uk/freeanxietycourse 

Please do bear in mind that we have created this podcast to be of some insight and some sort of assistance but by no means a way to treat conditions on their own.

If you do have any deep-rooted conditions or ailments that you'd like some assistance with on a one-to-one professional approach, then please feel free to contact either me or Michael on Facebook or directly through the website and we can arrange sessions that way or via Skype, whatever suits.

Do you find yourself negatively thinking on a regular basis? 

Have you ever stopped to notice just how much those negative thoughts can impact your day to day? Overcoming negative thinking can be one of the biggest tasks you may face if you have gotten into the pattern of doing it regularly. 

Thinking the worst or expecting failure/betrayal convey a kind of life insurance "If i expect the worst then i wont be disappointed when it happens. Negative thinkers can live in the "I told you so" life feeling like its more important to prove right their negative predictions than to have good things happen and be proved wrong. 

Many negative thinkers may call themselves realists rather than pessimists but negative thinking or "being realistic" can have an impact on their outcome of events. Negative thoughts can plague us even when things seem to be going well saying things such as "it's too good to last" 

So how can you stop thinking so negatively and allowing those thoughts to impact your life. 

Way's To Stop Thinking Negatively 

  1. When you notice a negative thought or image begin to creep into your mind, try actually saying STOP to yourself out loud if you're alone or aloud in your head if you're not comfortable with this. When you abruptly interrupt the thought pattern it can help to shift your thought process quickly. If you'd rather say something other than stop create your own phrase such as "get out of my head" or create an image in your mind of stop signs, no entry and so on. 
  2. Break the cycle by changing the direction of your thoughts by counting backwards from 100-0 
  3. Start some positive affirmations, positive affirmations can be used in many different  ways and can be similar to the thought changing technique, when a negative thought enters your mind repeat your affirmation. Also begin to practice saying your affirmations on a daily basis which can help to re-shape your thinking creating the positive outlook rather than the negative. 
  4. Stop mind reading, Negative thinking stops us from being ok with uncertainty. This can then lead to trying to mind read for example if somebody doesn't respond to your text you may find that negative thinkers will see it as the person doesn't like them or they've done something to offend them when in fact there could be many reasons why they haven't responded such as lost their phone, battery has died, they're on a plane, they're busy or any other highly likely reason as to why they haven't responded. 

Being a negative thinker can be tiring, lonely and simply frustrating not only for the thinker but those around them. So if you are a negative thinker then try these few simple steps to avoid negative thoughts in the future. 

Sponsors

    • Health IQ – A life insurance agency that uses science and data to secure lower rates on life insurance for health-conscious people. To see if you qualify, get your free quote today at HealthIQ/Paula

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Direct download: 159_-_Ways_To_Stop_Negative_Thinking_.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:57pm GMT

This is episode 158 of the Absolute Mind podcasts and today I am covering ways in which you can reduce anxiety.

This is a request from our Facebook audience and once again thank you for sending in your requests if you have any please do send a message with your request.

http://www.absolutemind.co.uk/freeanxietycourse 

Please do bear in mind that we have created this podcast to be of some insight and some sort of assistance but by no means a way to treat conditions on their own.

If you do have any deep-rooted conditions or ailments that you'd like some assistance with on a one-to-one professional approach, then please feel free to contact either me or Michael on Facebook or directly through the website and we can arrange sessions that way or via Skype, whatever suits.

Note: If you feel you may be dealing with a serious anxiety disorder and need assistance please talk to a medical professional about your options of treatment. There are many options that are available to help with anxiety symptoms but if you are looking for ways that may help to reduce your levels of anxiety this podcast could help you on your way to becoming calmer and more relaxed on a regular basis. 

Anxiety is something that I see on a regular basis in my therapy practice, technically anxiety isn't a thing, its not something you can catch rather a apprehension over upcoming events, anticipating the future with scary predictions that don't have any basis in truth.

In our every day lives anxiety can create some physical and emotional symptoms such as increased heart rate, lack of concentration, sleep problems and over all low mood.

The anxiety response is similar to what the cave man would have experienced when in danger running from tigers or hunting/gathering. But in our modern world we're not running from danger or hunting our foods and its the small things that can tip us over the edge such as morning rush hour, losing keys and so on. These kind of things can create extra levels of stress which in turn increases the anxiety levels.

But there are a few simple steps you can take towards helping yourself feel better and hopefully allow you to feel more relaxed and calm on a daily basis.

  1. Get Some Sleep - Although trying to get enough sleep when anxious can be a tremendously hard thing to do lack of sleep can have some serious consequences. Lack of sleep can affect our physical health but can also contribute to overall anxiety and stress levels. Since anxiety often leads to lack of sleep it can seem impossible to break the cycle so try as many routes you can to sleep more, relaxing baths with magnesium salts, meditation before bed, particular foods known for aiding sleep such as bananas etc
  2. Have Some Fun - It can seem like a big task to take yourself away and have a smile or a giggle but when things are getting on top of you it can be a good idea to break away and smile. Research suggests that laughing can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety so check out some funny clips on the internet or surround yourself with fun friends to help make you smile.
  3. De-Clutter - De-clutter your physical spaces to help minimise any added stress or anxiety. Its suggested that a messy work place or home can make it feel impossible to complete work and its never ending. The clearer your space is the clearer your mind can be and will be able to think more rationally.
  4. Eat Well -  Anxiety can mean that our bodies go completely out of whack and appetites may change, you may find you crave different foods, or don't want to eat at all. But if you can try to give the body the support it needs it can help with feeling more human/normal as the body is in sync. Try eating nutrient rich foods containing vitamin B, Omega-3 etc. Your body may crave sweet sugary processed foods but studies show that these foods can in-fact increase levels of anxiety so try to stay away from these sugary processed foods.
  5. Breathe - A well known tool to help prevent panic attacks is to breathe diaphragmatically, in through the nose extending the belly allowing the air to flow then breathe out sucking the belly in, the chest should never need to move when doing this breathing as its all about breathing through the stomach.
  6. Meditate - I have spoken about meditation in the past and its many benefits and its no surprise that meditation can help to alleviate anxiety levels, it relaxes the body and helps to improve mood.

In an dream world nobody would experience anxiety and we wouldn't come up with these thoughts that creates stress or anxiety. But we are all human and we do worry about things. So when you start to worry or freak out a little try to remember to calm the brain, relax the body and re-centre yourself to get your head back in the game. And as always if you feel you need further help please do go to speak to somebody who may be able to help you further.

Sponsors

  • Health IQ – A life insurance agency that uses science and data to secure lower rates on life insurance for health-conscious people. To see if you qualify, get your free quote today at HealthIQ/Paula

 

 

 

 

 

Direct download: 158_-_Ways_To_Reduce_Anxiety.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:03pm GMT

This is episode 157 of the Absolute Mind podcasts and today I am covering meditation and how learning meditation can make you feel great!

This is a request from our Facebook audience and once again thank you for sending in your requests if you have any please do send a message with your request.

http://www.absolutemind.co.uk/freeanxietycourse 

Please do bear in mind that we have created this podcast to be of some insight and some sort of assistance but by no means a way to treat conditions on their own.

If you do have any deep-rooted conditions or ailments that you'd like some assistance with on a one-to-one professional approach, then please feel free to contact either me or Michael on Facebook or directly through the website and we can arrange sessions that way or via Skype, whatever suits.

Meditation has many benefits an if used can be a life changing ritual that you can partake in. Studies show meditation is essential to feeling well, eliminate negative thoughts, worries, anxieties and can help to block out all those factors that can prevent us from feeling happy within ourselves. Its believed that regular practice of meditation can mitigate the symptoms of stress and anxiety.

So if you're feeling a little off and not quite right then meditation could be your answer! But theres more....... theres more ways in which meditation can help you in your life.

What are the benefits of meditation?

The benefits of meditation is no secret, look at the highly successful people and you will no doubt find that a large number of successful people meditate. Meditation is known for its ability to relieve stress and anxiety and can have a positive impact on life.

 

  1. Reduces stress - To meditate means to take charge of our own nervous system and emotions. Studies show that regular meditation can improve our ability to regulate our emotions in the brain.
  2. Improved Concentration - Meditation has been linked to an increased  ability to focus, improved memory a clearer mind is a calmer mind and a calmer mind can concentrate much easier.
  3. Increased Self Awareness - Meditation can put you onto the right track of being happy within yourself. It can trigger the left side of your prefrontal cortex which is the part responsible for positive emotions.
  4. Better Sleep - It is suggested that regular mediation can help to alleviate sleep problems such as insomnia and can allow you to feel more relaxed going to bed, with less wake times during the night.
  5. Happier - Studies show that those who meditate regularly are overall much happier. when we meditate we gain an insight to our inner minds and can see negative thoughts without allowing them to impact us, knowing that they are simply just that "a negative thought"
  6. More Relaxed - Meditation allows your mind and your body to relax, which means those external stressors are no longer such a big thing. Regular practice of this relaxed approach allows the body and mind to respond to stressors in a relaxed way rather than the fight or flight approach.

When Should You Meditate?

If you are new to meditation, It may be beneficial to practice regular 5 minutes meditation a day for the first week or so working on regulating your breathing, focusing on the breath and becoming aware of bodily sensations. The more you practice the easier it will becomes to get into your "zone" of relaxation. once you become a regular meditator you will know you're own routine and what works bet for you, some people like to mediate first thing in the morning to help them start their day completely calm and zen like.

 

Sponsors

  • Health IQ – A life insurance agency that uses science and data to secure lower rates on life insurance for health-conscious people. To see if you qualify, get your free quote today at HealthIQ/Paula
Direct download: 157_-_Meditate_To_Feel_Great_.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:57pm GMT

This is episode 156 of the Absolute Mind podcasts and today I am covering feeling lost in life and how/why does this happen and how you can find your path again.

This is a request from our Facebook audience and once again thank you for sending in your requests if you have any please do send a message with your request.

http://www.absolutemind.co.uk/freeanxietycourse 

Please do bear in mind that we have created this podcast to be of some insight and some sort of assistance but by no means a way to treat conditions on their own.

If you do have any deep-rooted conditions or ailments that you'd like some assistance with on a one-to-one professional approach, then please feel free to contact either me or Michael on Facebook or directly through the website and we can arrange sessions that way or via Skype, whatever suits.

When we start to feel lost in life it can seem like everything is a muddle, theres no direction, no clear path of what we should chose and where to go. 

Now whether you have lost yourself in your career, relationship, your parental role or just lost in life in general you are not alone. This is something I hear a lot in therapy, "am I weird" "is there something wrong with me" NO you're not weird or have something wrong that you can't fix! 

Feeling lost in life doesn't mean your life is forever doomed and you're going to spend the rest of your days aimlessly wondering around never finding your self again. It simply means you are going through a stage in life that you can learn something from, theres no need to get stuck where you are you can help yourself get out from this state and start living to the fullest again. 

 

How Can You Find Yourself Again?

  1. Do what you love - Do you remember the last time you had fun in your life? What where you doing, what ignites your fire and makes you smile? When we do something we love its easy to go with the flow and be fully engrossed in the fun of the moment. As we grow we tend to lose sight of how fun and amazing life can be due to the number of increasing stressors from family, mortgages, careers, debt and mundane parts of life. But if you reconnect back to that inner child and do what you love do what makes you smile and creates that element of fun once more, don't allow any excuses anymore as to why you "can't" do the things you love make a commitment to yourself that you will do them and just see how much your life can begin to get more clarity and have more fun. 
  2. Have An Adventure - whether you can get out on a day trip or book a full excursion for a week or a few months go and explore. Taking yourself away from your "safe" zone which is generally our homes where we don't need to think about anything else and can dwell in how bad we feel, if you can explore you can free your mind and have time to re evaluate your life and where it is going. 
  3. Re-connect With Dreams - Have you ever aspired to do something big but always talk yourself out of it or you're just simply too busy? Well re connect with them, give yourself something to work towards, aspire to help yourself as much as you can to feel uplifted and awakened again. 
  4. Get Uncomfortable - Shake things up a little and make yourself uncomfortable every once in a while. We tend to get too comfortable in our routines and daily life that things get boring or mundane and theres no element of change or excitement. Albert Einsteins definition of insanity is to do the same thing day in day out and expect different results. If you're doing the same thing every day and wondering why you feel the way you do then mix it up and do something different to get different results. 
  5. Ask For Help - Theres nothing wrong with asking for help, simply opening up and letting people into your world is like a therapy in itself! Locking your feelings up so that nobody knows what you're going through only impacts you negatively, once you begin to open up you may notice everything feels a little bit lighter and easier. 

 

 

Direct download: 156_-_Why_Do_You_Feel_Lost_.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:45pm GMT

his is episode 155 of the Absolute Mind podcasts and today I am covering how to keep motivated when exercising.

This is a request from our Facebook audience and once again thank you for sending in your requests if you have any please do send a message with your request.

http://www.absolutemind.co.uk/freeanxietycourse 

Please do bear in mind that we have created this podcast to be of some insight and some sort of assistance but by no means a way to treat conditions on their own.

If you do have any deep-rooted conditions or ailments that you'd like some assistance with on a one-to-one professional approach, then please feel free to contact either me or Michael on Facebook or directly through the website and we can arrange sessions that way or via Skype, whatever suits.

I have decided to do this post today because I myself have not long since got back to my gym routine since the Christmas period and being back has brought back so many memories of when I would always try to start a new fitness regime and fail over and over again because I just wasn't quite ready or motivated enough to stick to it!

So if you want to remain motivated and stick to your healthy fitness conscious way of life then today's podcast could be the one for you, and if you're starting out then welcome, buckle up and get ready for a new way of thinking.

Why do we fail at exercise? 

If you're one of the many who make new years resolutions to loose weight and exercise more did you know that only 8 percent of the 45 percent who make them actually succeed?? now the most popular types of resolutions generally involve some level of fitness, weight loss or new healthy lifestyle. So why do we quit? How is it that we start the new year with motivation, enthusiasm to quit just a short period after?

1. Busy Life

Between having to work for a living and having a happy family life/personal life its easy to feel like you run out of hours during the day. Using this as an excuse is simply that, an excuse! The amount of times I used to say I have no time to work out but would then sit and watch TV or go on my phone, We all have time! Even a 15 minute brisk walk, jog, run, whatever you can manage to get your body fitter and stronger. The saying the more you do it the easier it becomes, well it doesn't get easier you get better at doing it! so stop telling yourself you have no time and make the time. Even if you "have" to watch your tv programmes do something in-between the adverts or whilst watching do some moving.

Get rid of all potential excuses, if you have 1 hour lunch break at work, cu it down to 30 minutes then spend the rest of it getting your heart rate up. This will have the added benefit of a midday energy boost to go back to work with.

Nobody ever regrets a workout, the only regret is the workout they didn't do!

2. Going it alone

Studies show that those who exercise alone are more likely to give up sooner than those who have a gym buddy, gym class, or workout with a partner. This is because when we go it alone there's no accountability. When we make a pact with ourselves its much easier to let ourselves down than a partner or buddy.

So if you find that you quit too easily and throw the towel in then perhaps start looking at who you could partner up with. Try some PT sessions, join some groups, theres so much out there from running groups, cycling, walking, dancing, cross-fit, the list is endless. Who knows you might meet some amazing friends at the groups who are all in the same mindset as you, wanting to get fitter, stronger and healthier. And they do say you become like the 5 people you spend most of your time with so surround yourself with health conscious people who help support you and keep you accountable.

4. Too much too soon

Too much too soon, or the burn out as i like to call it. Hands up how many of you started your new healthy life style aiming for 6 days a week, high intensity, full blown diet overhaul and found it all a little overwhelming. Don't think you can go from little or no exercise to marathon runner in a matter of a week.

Slow and steady, gradually build your stamina. Push yourself a little harder every time. experiment with food, nutrition and different types of exercise.

5. Not enjoyable

If you're exercising and finding that you truly hate every minute of it then try something new! Exercise should be fun, find something that you look forward to doing every single time and cant wait to go back for more.

If you ask a professional athlete why they do what they do they will tell you because they love it, they enjoy pushing their bodies to the limit, but that doesn't mean they enjoy every exercise, if you tell a cyclist to change to a runner I'm almost certain they wouldn't enjoy it as much and it would take a lot of time to adjust to it. so find something you enjoy!

How can you stay motivated? 

Ok so I have in the past talked about mindset, habits, and this is the same. To stay motivated you need to start thinking differently, tell yourself you can do this. Here's a few small hacks I find help me to stay motivated when exercising:

  1. Prioritise exercise just like you would anything else, make it a part of your daily routine
  2. Plan your workout, knowing what you're going to do when you get to the gym is much easier than getting there and winging it.
  3. Have a good playlist! This i find helps me so much, if i have good music i run faster and longer. Theres something about music and how it makes us feel so sort out your playlist!
  4. Ask for help, if you're unsure of what to do and how to use equipment then ask!
  5. Reward yourself for achievements, buy yourself something new when you hit milestones or personal bests.
  6. Join groups, classes etc working out with somebody is far better than doing it alone
  7. Sign up for a big event, plan for something a few months from now that you can work towards getting fitter and stronger for.
  8. Have goals, having a goal is key when it comes to changing your habits and lifestyles, what do you want and how do you plan on getting there.
  9. Experiment with new routines, there's so much in the fitness world that we don't need to stick to one method. Trial and error, if you love it continue.
  10. HAVE FUN - enjoy the feeling you get when you've done your workout and know that you're doing the right thing for your body.

Sponsors

  • Health IQ – A life insurance agency that uses science and data to secure lower rates on life insurance for health-conscious people. To see if you qualify, get your free quote today at HealthIQ/Paula

 

 

 

 

 

 

Direct download: 155_-_Keeping_Exercise_Motivation.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:17pm GMT

This is episode 154 of the Absolute Mind podcasts and today I am covering how to save a failing relationship.

This is a request from our Facebook audience and once again thank you for sending in your requests if you have any please do send a message with your request.

http://www.absolutemind.co.uk/freeanxietycourse 

Please do bear in mind that we have created this podcast to be of some insight and some sort of assistance but by no means a way to treat conditions on their own.

If you do have any deep-rooted conditions or ailments that you'd like some assistance with on a one-to-one professional approach, then please feel free to contact either me or Michael on Facebook or directly through the website and we can arrange sessions that way or via Skype, whatever suits.

I've decided to do this podcast as its come through from our Facebook audience and I hate the thought of relationships failing when they don't need to when all it needs is a little bit of work from both parties! Now don't get me wrong sometimes relationships can just naturally come to an end and both parties amicably agree to end their relationship.

So if your relationship is going through a bad stage at the minute don't throw the towel in just yet hopefully today's podcast can help you to turn it around and start afresh with your loved one.

Having a solid loving relationship is one of life's greatest joys. To have somebody in your life who you deeply love and build each other up can give the foundation of a meaningful life. But the truth of it is relationships don't just take care of themselves, they need work from both parties each and every day. relationships require commitment, self-awareness, willingness to change and grow and listen. You need to learn to shift from a thought pattern of "me" to "us" when you enter a relationship.

Relationships can survive life's ups and downs but when it comes down to behaviours and patterns is when it can have a more damaging effect on our relationships. Through my years as a therapist, I have seen many behaviours and patterns that would instantly raise alarm bells in a relationship that cause lasting damage and create lasting resentment.

Here are some of the behaviours I have come across and how you can begin to make some changes to save your relationship.

Damaging Behaviours And Patterns

  • Selfishness - Being selfish in a relationship can cause resentment and a feeling of unloved or uncared for by the other partner. Focusing on your own needs and not taking into consideration what they may want, need or desire can create this barrier between two people.
  • Unbalanced - When a relationship is unbalanced meaning one person always makes the decision on how money is spent or one partners extended family is always priority this can damage the ties that hold you together as a unit/partnership. Marriage and committed relationships are all about the partnership of two people, uniting two people as a couple and when this sense of partnership is tarnished this weakens that bond. When you disregard your partner's needs or wishes it signals a lack of respect for that person.
  • Not making the relationship a priority - When you enter a committed relationship, you have to start thinking differently and making the relationship a priority over certain things. Even when kids come along we must make our relationship a priority, after all a loving relationship and loving family life is important for your children to see, and not a family life full of resentment and arguments. Nights out with friends need a little more of a thought process and a discussion with our partners to show consideration for their feelings too.
  • Anger - It is normal for a couple to have discussions or heated conversations but when they result in raised voices, shouting and arguing is when it can begin to break down a relationship. In a relationship you should be able to discuss your feelings calmly and effectively so that voices don't need to be raised, doors slammed and so on.
  • Infidelity - Now this is something that I have found comes along with a relationship that is failing somewhere along the lines, generally infidelity happens because there is something lacking in the relationship and not always physically. A lack of emotional needs being met, simple compliments not being said, physical embraces not happening can lead to infidelity. However, a relationship doesn't need to get to this stage if you can correct all of the smaller steps that lead up to this stage.

As you can see there are many ways in which a relationship can fail but you can stop it, it doesn't have to get to the dreaded infidelity stage, there doesn't need to be arguments with raised voices, resentment doesn't need to be a part of your life! If you want to save your relationship and get back to appreciating your loved one then here are a few tips you can try to hopefully get your relationship back on track.

How Can You Save Your Relationship? 

  • Talk - Be aware of your partner's wishes, sit down and discuss with your partner what you both want out of your relationship. Be open and honest with both emotional and physical intimate desires that you want, we are not mind readers so can't guess what each other wants.
  • Make it equal - Everything in a relationship should be equal, housework, kids, money, activities, all of these things should be discussed and planned equally. It shouldn't be one person making all decisions whilst the other just plods along behind, you are a unit and you should work together in just that way united!
  • Prioritise - Your relationship needs to be a priority, now I'm not saying that you should drop your friends and no longer enjoy your time doing what you like. But when you are in a relationship a simple discussion with your partner about possible plans coming up with friends could save that resentment building.
  • Calm down - With any disagreement, it's important to respond calmly, if you have a disagreement with your partner sit down and discuss it together calmly. Let them know what they did that upset you, how you felt, where you both go from there also take on board each other's points and discuss how you can overcome the problem together. This calm way of dealing with things in a relationship can make you a solid couple knowing that there is no need for shouting, raised voices, ager doors slamming because you speak to each other.
  • Intimacy - It's natural for a relationship to go through a dip in intimacy levels, but the less you are intimate the less you get the desire. Make a conscious effort to take time out together and be close and intimate just like the first few months of your relationship, it doesn't have to be complete intimacy, a simple embrace, a kiss, a gentle touch anything to keep you connected on an intimate level helps to keep that spark alive. If you find yourself tempted to go astray STOP, look at your relationship and try to figure why you're feeling this way, what can you change to make you feel loved, wanted, respected, appreciated again?
  • Switch off - We are unfortunately at a stage where our phones, pads, tv, media has taken over our lives and it's having a drastic impact on our relationships. It saddens me when I go for a meal with my husband and look around to see couples on their phones taking no notice of each other! Turn them off, put them away, social media, emails, all of these things that distract us from whats in front of us are damaging our relationships. Try having a ban for a few hours a day and fully embrace time with your partner, notice things about your partner again that you forgot. You'd be surprised just how much time we spend looking at our phones and not our partners.

So there you have it! Give these a try and put some effort into your relationship before throwing the towel in, it can be saved you just have to work at it. Reationships dont have to be hard work they just need some work.

If you feel you need more help with your relationship issues please do look for your local relationship counsellor and try to work together on the issues you're facing, excluding your partner and not talking to each other only causes more issues.

 

 

 

 

Direct download: 154_-_How_To_Save_A_Failing_Relationship.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:24am GMT

This is episode 153 of the Absolute Mind podcasts and today I am covering how to stay focused on a task whatever that may be.

This is a request from our Facebook audience and once again thank you for sending in your requests if you have any please do send a message with your request.

http://www.absolutemind.co.uk/freeanxietycourse 

Please do bear in mind that we have created this podcast to be of some insight and some sort of assistance but by no means a way to treat conditions on their own.

If you do have any deep-rooted conditions or ailments that you'd like some assistance with on a one-to-one professional approach, then please feel free to contact either me or Michael on Facebook or directly through the website and we can arrange sessions that way or via Skype, whatever suits.

Staying focused on your goals, to stay focused on whatever you set out to achieve is imperative for you to be successful. This can be anything from life goals, career goals, relationships, home tasks, fitness, whatever you want to be able to achieve you must stay focused. Staying focused means allowing time and dedication to things that are important, the smaller things outside of your goal become less important.

But, there's a balance that is needed, the phrase my husband's lovely nan said to him once "all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy" has always stayed in the back of his mind an when he needs to focus on his work I make sure to remind him every now and again of Nan's words. Hopefully, today's podcast can give you some tips on how to remain focused to achieve your goals but to also have that work/home life balance.

Studies say that the average human has an eight-second attention span, less than that of a goldfish. Over the years this has reduced due to our abundance of digital devices and always seeking and searching to find out whats new and whats upcoming. How many times have you "logged on" with all intentions of writing your exam paper, or finishing off a project to find that you have somehow landed on some random page with useless information that has nothing at all to do with your paper?

Well, youre in luck! You can train yourself to become more focused, see it as focus is like a muscle, the more you train it the stronger it becomes. Once you drop the belief that you simply "can't focus" you will see just how easy it is to keep your mind on track.

Here are some tips and trick to help you to stay focused and eliminate distractions.

How To Stay Focused.

  1. Prepare yourself - Before sitting down to any task, clear and calm your brain. Practice some relaxation, I always say a clear mind is a calm mind and a calm clear mind can face and tackle anything!
  2. Know where your focus needs to be - Being able to focus involves an understanding of what is worthy of your distraction. Take some time before starting to identify what deserves your focus and then block out time in your diary for that particular task.
  3. Switch off - If you have a task that you need to complete and remain focused on be sure to log off, switch off emails, social media all of these things that can distract you quickly and easily. Anything that pops up on your screen to tell you that you have a new email, or a new "comment" switch them off. The second you allow yourself to be distracted by emails you're affecting your ability to complete your task whilst actually helping the person who emailed you to tick off their to-do list first! Emails and social media can wait for at least 30 mins
  4. External factors - Simple things such as the temperature in the room being too hot or too cold can have an impact on your ability to remain focused, so make sure the thermostat is set to a comfortable temp.
  5. Listen to some music - Having too much background noise can be distracting, but according to studies having low music playing in the background can help you to focus on your own thoughts. Have music that you enjoy and get settled ready to work!
  6. Take some breaks - Rather than allowing yourself to be distracted during your allotted work time, why not build it into your schedule. Allow a certain amount of time to switch off the distractions and get work done but then also allow time for social media, emails, etc as long as you stick to your time frames, and allocated time blocks for each thing. Treat those distractions just like you would your workload. There are studies out that show taking a short break in the middle of long tasks can re-energise the brain and help you to re focus.
  7. Know when to finish - This one is an important one for those with families and who need to switch off at the end of the day. Have a "finish" time for your day, taking work or exam stress home and allowing it to continue into the evening can have an impact on your home life. Before you finish your tasks for the day be sure to sit down and write your tasks for the following day so that you can go home mentally knowing that you are already prepared for the morning.
  8. Have you time - This goes back to lovely Nan's words, all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. It's important to fully switch off at times, embrace some fun, let off some steam, laugh, pamper yourself, anything that makes you feel good/positive allocate time for this too!

So there are some useful ways you can begin to start focusing more and doing more to achieve your goals, have fun with it and trial ways of helping yourself.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Direct download: 153_-_Staying_Focused.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:24pm GMT

This is episode 152 of the Absolute Mind podcasts and today I am covering how to be less angry.

This is a request from our Facebook audience and once again thank you for sending in your requests if you have any please do send a message with your request.

http://www.absolutemind.co.uk/freeanxietycourse 

Please do bear in mind that we have created this podcast to be of some insight and some sort of assistance but by no means a way to treat conditions on their own.

If you do have any deep-rooted conditions or ailments that you'd like some assistance with on a one-to-one professional approach, then please feel free to contact either me or Michael on Facebook or directly through the website and we can arrange sessions that way or via Skype, whatever suits.

Ok, so today's podcast is all about anger and how if you are an angry person how can you stop being so angry and annoyed all of the time. Perhaps you don't realise you're an angry person? How can you tell the difference between feeling upset and being genuinely angry at a situation? Well here is some of the signs to find out if you are an "Angry" person.

Signs Of An Angry Person

  1. Getting mad at little things - Anger can in some cases have a positive effect, "most of the time our anger tells us we need to take action but when it's unnecessary to react in an angry way is when it could be classed as anger issues. So for example, somebody who gets very angry at being cut off by another driver or having to wait for an elevator is highly unnecessary.
  2. Interrupting - Angry people tend to be impatient, often they have trouble waiting for somebody to stop talking or to get the point of their conversation. Even when letting other people speak they might not actually be listening to what that person is saying and just pretend, in some cases, this can be very evident that they're not listening.
  3. Complaining - People who spend a lot of time complaining about other people and situations may have an anger problem, you may notice that they will get progressively louder when complaining or visibly more irritated. Some may complain about politics, neighbours, the local PTA but the venom that is evident comes from the same source......Anger.
  4. Holding A Grudge - When somebody has trouble forgiving/forgetting someone who has wronged them in the past. Angry people sometime can't seem to let things go and instead continue to re-experience the anger, frustration, pain and resentment each time they recall the wrongdoing that happened. when in fact if they were able to just let it go they would feel no resent, no hatred and their own life would benefit from it.
  5. Overly sensitive - Generally angry people are very quick to take offence to something said or done. Comments that others may be able to laugh off sometimes can get under the skin of an angry person again being unable to let it go.
  6. No Empathy - It's likely that an angry person will struggle with empathy or compassion for others around them although this isn't
  7. always the case and some non-angry people can also struggle with empathy and compassion.

So are you an angry person? Being angry most of the time can become exhausting and can alienate you from social gatherings as people will tend to want to stay away from angry people. But don't worry if you are angry there are some ways you can begin to be less angry

How Can You Become Less Angry? 

Well to start thankfully because you are reading this or listening to the podcast you're already aware that you may have an issue which is the first step to becoming less angry, the fact you know you have a problem means you're closer to wanting to make a change. But here are some useful tips that have worked for my clients in the past to allow them to start feeling less angry:

  1. Think before you speak/react - When in the heat of the moment and in the midst of feeling angry its easy to say something you may regret at a later date. Before reacting or saying something take a few moments to collect your thoughts and calm yourself down from the initial angry response.
  2. Once calm express yourself - As soon as your thinking clearer and the initial red mist has passed, express your frustration then. Explain to that person what they did and how it made you feel without the need to raise your voice or to hurt somebody.
  3. Exercise - It's well documented that physical exercise can help to release stress and high emotions, so if you're in a situation that you can feel your anger rising go for a brisk walk or a run if possible.
  4. Take some time out - During the day try taking short breaks during the time you would feel yourself getting more stressed and frustrated. A few moments of quiet may allow you to clear your mind and think about the situation more rationally.
  5. Look for triggers - Being able to identify what makes you angry can make it easier to either avoid them as much as possible or to find a workaround that suits you and those around you.
  6. Don't put the blame on somebody else - Now this can be a tough one for most people, when we feel angry its easy to blame somebody else, saying things such as "you make me angry because" when in fact nobody makes you feel anything. The fact you're angry at something or somebody is your fault, it's your fault you respond in an angry manner, not the other person.
  7. Forgive - Drop the grudge, forgive and forget! When you hold a grudge the only person affected is you! I use the term "nobody ever dies from a snake bite, it's the venom inside that kills" And wow does it! Your venom inside that you hold onto causes you upset, causes you to feel angry and impacts your life.
  8. Relax - Practice some relaxation techniques to help in remaining calm in situations, mindfulness, meditation, diaphragmatic breathing. these can all help when needing to relax.

 

 

 

 

Direct download: 152_-_How_To_Be_Less_Angry.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:55am GMT

This is episode 151 of the Absolute Mind podcasts and today I am covering how to curb those pesky sugar cravings.

This is a request from our Facebook audience and once again thank you for sending in your requests if you have any please do send a message with your request.

http://www.absolutemind.co.uk/freeanxietycourse 

Please do bear in mind that we have created this podcast to be of some insight and some sort of assistance but by no means a way to treat conditions on their own.

If you do have any deep-rooted conditions or ailments that you'd like some assistance with on a one-to-one professional approach, then please feel free to contact either me or Michael on Facebook or directly through the website and we can arrange sessions that way or via Skype, whatever suits.

Sugar Cravings

Sugar Sugar Sugar, One of the most highly addictive substances this world has to offer! I myself spent years being addicted to sugar and when I would get a craving no matter what time it was I would get my fix and either get in the car and drive to the shops for some sweet stuff or raid the cupboards and find whatever I could to ease the craving.

Eating sugar and processed foods containing lots of sugar can create a vicious cycle creating that addictive behaviour. Sugar gives that instant feeling of happiness, energy, all the pleasure our bodies crave we can get it too easily nowadays, whereas our predecessors did not have sugar in abundance and they had to work for it, hunt for it. But when we give our bodies that quick instant fix this can, in turn, have a negative impact on the system after that sugar crash that happens, it can leave you feeling tired and irritable.

As hormones change the body attempts to raise levels of the feel-good hormone serotonin, sugar triggers serotonin release which then can cause that sweet craving.

How Can You Curb Those Cravings? 

  • Take it slowly - Become aware of what sugars you are eating including the processed foods with added sugars, sweets, chocolate etc and start to gradually reduce these amounts. Reducing them gradually can help with the intense cravings are you are not completely going cold turkey which some people find very difficult. If you can do cold turkey GO FOR IT!
  • Have a new mindset - Rather telling yourself all of the things you can no longer eat, think of the things you can eat instead of sugar, make it fun trying new things that are naturally sweet.
  • Make your own sweet treats - There are so many ideas out there now on how to make your own sweet treats using dates, avocado and cacao to make brownies, stevia as an added sweetener etc there are so many ideas that you could try out and enjoy making.
  • Remind yourself why you want to cut sugar -  With all things like trying to make a difference to your life it's always important to remind yourself why you're doing it, have a goal board look at all the positives and benefits to making this change.
  • Don't buy it - Start right! by not having it in you can't mindlessly just grab it from the cupboard! there's a 2 step thought process that has to go into acknowledging the craving then thinking about putting your shoes and coat on getting in the car and driving to the shops and having this 2 step process can allow you to reprocess that initial craving and talk yourself out of it.
  • Acknowledge the changes - Acknowledge how good you're beginning to feel after a few weeks of not eating too much sugar.
  • Expect to feel moody - As with any addiction, as you begin to cut down its imperative you are aware and expect to feel slightly moody or grumpy as your body adjusts to the lack of sugar.

Take your time in the process and allow for setbacks its really not that bad if you ave a day where you eat more sugar than you had planned, a day in the scheme of things is nothing!

 

Direct download: 151-_Curbing_Sugar_Cravings.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:42pm GMT

This is episode 150 of the Absolute Mind podcasts and today I am covering positive thinking.

This is a request from our Facebook audience and once again thank you for sending in your requests if you have any please do send a message with your request.

http://www.absolutemind.co.uk/freeanxietycourse 

Please do bear in mind that we have created this podcast to be of some insight and some sort of assistance but by no means a way to treat conditions on their own.

If you do have any deep-rooted conditions or ailments that you'd like some assistance with on a one-to-one professional approach, then please feel free to contact either me or Michael on Facebook or directly through the website and we can arrange sessions that way or via Skype, whatever suits.

Positive Thinking

Would you class yourself an optimist or a pessimist? Do you look for the good or always see the bad?

In life, we can quickly become dragged down by our negative internal thoughts when all we seem to see or hear or experience are negatives, when we allow these thoughts to consume us it can seem very difficult to change them and we can begin to believe that, "that's just our luck" "I'm just unlucky", "bad things always happen to me". But you can change the way you look at things and the things you look at will begin to change all with a little practice and seeing the world in a new light.

How Can You Begin To Think Positive?

A few years ago I read a book called "The Secret" and this really opened my eyes to how what we think and believe is happening to us because of our "bad luck" when in fact those things are happening to us because we wait for them, we look for them sometimes without even realising we are, I've seen many people in my practice who wake up asking themselves whats going to go wrong today, or when they stump their toe they ask "what next"

How can you expect a positive outlook when you proactively look for a negative?

Have you ever tried to stop thinking that way? Have you ever just stopped yourself midway through your internal thought and tried to look for a positive in what just happened? No?

Here are a few tips I find have helped my clients to change the way they think and to start thinking more positively.

  1. Observe your thoughts, when a negative thought comes in stop allowing it to consume you and become a part of you. observe it and look for an alternative positive way of looking at it.
  2. Gratitude lists, have a list of things you're thankful for in life.
  3. Transform negatives into positives there is always a positive in any situation you just have to look for it.
  4. Surround yourself with positivity, they say that we become like the 5 people we spend most of our time with. So if you are surrounded with negative people try to limit the time with these people, if you cant avoid the time with them for work example be sure to avoid negative discussions and crack on with work instead. If social media makes you feel negative about yourself avoid it as much as possible or have a cull of "friends" on there that you feel negative about.
  5. Look for opportunity, in any negative situation look for what positive opportunity you can have from it, what have you learnt from it.
  6. Stop yourself mid flow of any negative thought, shout out in your head STOP shake that thought process, and when you have disrupted that thought process breathe and reprocess that thought.
  7. Exercise, always on my list of feeling good and feeling positive is exercise. When you exercise you release endorphins, those happy hormones which let's face it that's the aim of today's podcast is to feel good and feel happy so get yourself moving more.
  8. Start your day positively! You have two choices when you wake, you can either be positive or be negative. Everybody should be waking in the morning thankful. Thankful for life, thankful for being able to breathe, thankful for one little thing. Have a nice morning routine that makes you feel good, don't snooze until you have little time to get ready, when the alarm goes get up, move, eat breakfast, and enjoy your morning instead of rushing around annoyed you have "no time" in the morning. We all have time.

Trying to change your mindset will take time but take some steps to start doing more positive things and you will start to feel different. You weren't born negative, you've learnt this behaviour and you can learn a new way of doing things and thinking.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Direct download: copy_150_-_How_To_Think_More_Positively.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:40am GMT

This is episode 149 of the Absolute Mind podcasts and today I am covering how to sleep better.

http://www.absolutemind.co.uk/freeanxietycourse 

Please do bear in mind that we have created this podcast to be of some insight and some sort of assistance but by no means a way to treat conditions on their own.

If you do have any deep-rooted conditions or ailments that you'd like some assistance with on a one-to-one professional approach, then please feel free to contact either me or Michael on Facebook or directly through the website and we can arrange sessions that way or via Skype, whatever suits.

Sleep! 

Bedtime should be something we all look forward to, being able to lay back forget the troubles of the day and rest, allowing our bodies to recharge, rejuvenate and let go of any stresses or strains. But when you struggle to drift off into a nice deep sleep its can have a massive impact on our everyday life.

How Does Lack Of Sleep Affect You? 

Sleep deprivation can leave you brain feeling exhausted meaning it cant perform its duties as well as it would with a good night sleep. In some cases, if sleep deprivation continues for long periods it's possible you could experience hallucinations, seeing or hearing things that aren't actually there but this is an extreme case of sleep deprivation. The most common side effects people experience are:

  • Exhaustion
  • Forgetfulness
  • Fatigue
  • Sadness
  • Stress
  • Pessimism
  • Anger/snappy
  • Overeat/comfort eat
  • Weight gain
  • Irritability
  • Lower libido
  • Physically affects appearance

Now, these are just a few of the symptoms that most people experience and you may not experience all of them. Sometimes lack of sleep and anxiety go hand in hand and most anxiety sufferers find that bedtime is their worst time as all of their negative internal thoughts are in full swing at this time of the day.

How Can You Start To Sleep Better? 

There are many ways in which you can help yourself to sleep from taking action and changing how you do things and your routines, to natural remedies that I use in my own home to help my family sleep.

What you do affects your sleep, our lifestyles are busy, hectic, fast-paced, stressful and so on. We have so many things spinning around in our heads on a daily basis, that sometimes we feel there's just not enough hours in a day to get rid of all the burdens of life. When we cant offload we try to go to sleep with stressful thoughts, emotions all still spinning around in our head and at this time of the day there are no distractions to take our thoughts away from whats bothering us so we spend hours trying to will ourselves to sleep, getting more and more frustrated that were not yet in the land of Nod. So how can you change that?

  1. Relax - Begin to practice some relaxation techniques to allow the stress and the frustration to ease a little, a clear mind is a calm mind and a calm mind is able to switch off when needed. Things like meditation, mindfulness, diaphragmatic breathing (breathing through the belly and not the chest)
  2. Switch off - and by switch off I mean switch off all those ipads, laptops, phones, social media, emails, anything that stimulates your brain and keeps it on alert. Switch them off at least 1 hour before bed your brain and your body needs time to start the natural process of winding down.
  3. Change your light bulbs - around your home have dim orange lights that emulate a natural sunset for your body. Bright stark lights don't allow your body to realise its night time and can restrict the natural process of hibernation mode. even lights from laptops and tv's can prevent the natural process.
  4. Blackout - Have your room as dark as possible, this again will emulate the natural process of night time. So if you have any lights shining through your window try to get some blackout blinds or curtains and ditch any bright LED alarm clocks. Give your body a chance to do what it naturally needs to do.
  5. Ditch Caffeine - no caffeine after 1pm at the latest! caffeine is said to have a half-life of 5-6 hours meaning that after 5-6 hours of having a caffeinated drink there is still half of that caffeine in your system. caffeine is a stimulant and can prevent sleep as it stimulates the body and the mind keeping it on alert. Allow your body to get rid of any caffeine in its system before you go to bed.
  6. Exercise - Try exercising in the morning, getting up earlier and exercising can help when trying to sleep in the evening. it can also help with making you feel more awake and alert throughout the day when having exercised first thing, your body will be filled with the endorphins from a workout keeping you in a good mood throughout. Then come evening you will be feeling more tired than usual from getting up and moving!
  7. Plan - If work or jobs that need completing spill over into your night time and your finding that you are constantly thinking about what needs doing tomorrow when trying to sleep then try having a process where you plan the next days' jobs. Have a plan and allocate what jobs need completing in priority, how long you're going to spend on that job etc. This can allow your brain to switch off as you have already planned and know what to do.
  8. Magnesium - This is something I personally use for me and my family to help with a natural deep sleep. Magnesium salts in a nice warm bath can help to relax the body. MAgnesium is well known for its ability to relieve insomnia, studies have found that it helps to decrease Cortisol the stress hormone that can keep you awake at night. It also helps to relax muscles which can give you that calm sleepy feeling helping you to unwind at the end of the day. You can find the salts I use for my family here

These are some techniques I have personally used and also given to many clients to help them to sleep better which have given drastic results. If you begin to change how you do things you will start to see results.

Sleep is such a big factor in our health and our mindset so if you are struggling to sleep then try some of these techniques to hopefully allow you to start sleeping better.

 

 

 

Direct download: 149_-_How_To_Sleep_Better.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:17pm GMT

This is episode 148 of the Absolute Mind podcasts and today I am covering mentally preparing for weight loss.

http://www.absolutemind.co.uk/freeanxietycourse 

Please do bear in mind that we have created this podcast to be of some insight and some sort of assistance but by no means a way to treat conditions on their own.

If you do have any deep-rooted conditions or ailments that you'd like some assistance with on a one-to-one professional approach, then please feel free to contact either myself or Michael on Facebook or directly through the website and we can arrange sessions that way or via Skype, whatever suits.

Ok so mentally preparing for weight loss! I have decided to cover this topic because its something that I have struggled with in the past and having spent year after year on faddy diets and doubting myself or hating myself because I "couldn't" lose weight. 

It's only now after losing weight and keeping it off and understanding more on nutrition that I can look back and see that although I thought I was ready and prepared to lose weight all those years ago in fact I wasnt! Mentally I was not prepared.

So if you have decided that 2018 is your year to lose weight then you need to get mentally prepared for it!

This time of year is when most people have a spike in their motivation levels to lose some weight, you've probably spent most of November/December enjoying food, relaxing a little and telling yourself its fine ill diet come January, Summers not that far off now and Bam January is here you thought you were ready but something just hasn't clicked internally and you're struggling to leave the starting blocks? 

Now experts say that long term weight loss starts in your head, they say that having the right attitude can help you to think yourself thin. If you want to be succesful in your weight loss regime first things first you need to cut the mental fat. 

How Can You Cut The Mental Fat? 

Firstly look at patterns and habits in your lifestyle, what do you do that are dragging you down, getting in the way of your success?

Everyone has their own excuses in life and when its comes to improving your health most people will do swimmingly until something happens that knocks them off course things like work, family issues, relationships and so on we are a nation of emotional eaters and when something happens we comfort ourselves with food, we tell ourselves things like "oh its ok to eat unhealthy because im stressed it helps me to cope" but really? Does eating unhealthy help you to really cope?

Are you an emotional eater? 

Be Patient

This is something I was never good at, I always wanted result too quickly and wanted too much!

Its part of our society now to have instant gratification with instant messages, digital cameras (no more waiting for the negatives to be done) weight loss is for most people too slow to satisfy our need for that instant gratification. 

We want instant results, when in actual fact how long did it take you to gain excess weight? It wasnt over night so how can you expect to lose weight quickly? But i'm sure you have all heard the term slow and steady wins the race, slow weight loss is better. If we lose weight too quickly its generally water weight or lean tissue and not the body fat we want to lose. 

Ways To Start Thinking Thin

  1. Picture yourself thin -  This is something I use a lot in hypnosis allowing the subconscious mind to visualise being thinner, healthier, happier but you can do it consciously too! Picture yourself say 6 months from now or a year from now and think of how good you will feel fitting into the clothes you desperately want to wear, being able to do activities without getting uncomfortably out of breath. If you've been the size or weight you want to be get pictures out and put them somewhere that you look everyday as a daily reminder of what you are working towards. Think back to when you were that size what did you do differently then to what you do now and what could you incorporate again. 
  2. Be Kind To Yourself - Being positive about yourself can have a drastic impact on how you feel. To break old habits you need to be able to see yourself in a positive light. 
  3. Realistic Expectations - Whenever I ask somebody how much do they want to weigh I ask them to think realistic and think about what is attainable for them. I spent years hoping to be a UK size 8 and around 8 and a half stone but now I know that is no where near attainable for me! I've finally come to an agreement in my own head that i'm happy at a UK size 10 and around 10 stone, at this weight and size I feel comfortable in my own skin. 
  4. Set Smaller Goals - Something I have done many times before is set a goal that feels too far away or completely out of reach, but when I broke it down to smaller bite size manageable chunks it felt that it was something I could achieve and not just a dream. These small goals should be things that you can do easily without completely taking over your life things such as eating more veg, drinking more water, moving more, It doesn't need to be solely focused on how much weight you need to lose. 
  5. Have Support - It's always better to do something with a partner or friend, and this goes for dieting too. If you have the support around you it doesn't feel as difficult. When we have support for example a gym buddy or diet buddy we suddenly become accountable to that person, we don't want to let them down if they turn up to the gym and we don't, or if they've stuck to their diet and we haven't. Having support takes away those opportunities for excuses. Studies show that dieters who have support do much better than those who do it alone. 
  6. Plan - The saying "those who fail to plan, plan to fail" is so true! planning your meals the night before or on a Sunday evening for the week ahead is 80% of the battle. Make your health a priority just as you would any other plans and schedules you have.
  7. Reward Yourself -  Give yourself some credit, even if its a 1lb loss give yourself a pat on the back! as mentioned previously we love gratification and feeling good so its important that with every milestone or every weight loss, or physical health improvement we reward ourselves, whether that's a pamper session, or a new pair or trainers, whatever you enjoy reward yourself with it. 
  8. Try New Things - And by this I mean ditch those old habit and create new ones! You need to make changes to see changes and by doing new things you will see results so instead of sitting in front of the TV watching your favourite soap get up and move! Try to look at your behaviours and habits that are stopping you from losing weight, tell yourself you do have time, you have time to prep, you have time to exercise there is 24 hours in a day and to plan your meals will only take a fraction of that 24 hour period, working out will take maximum 1 hour! what things do you do that take 1 hour that you could ditch or swap for exercising instead? 
  9. Have A Diary - Track your success, when you are losing weight its too easy to lose track of where you started. You may have an off day and not feel as fit and healthy as you did and fall of track but being able to look back from where you came can instantly help to give you the motivation boost you need. 
  10. Have FUN - Yes last but not least have fun! make this journey fun, do activities that mentally stimulate you so if you enjoy exercise with music on get some good headphones and crank the music up, if you prefer exercising in groups join some local groups, whatever you can do to make this whole thing fun then do it! 
Direct download: 148_-_Preparing_For_Weight_Loss.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00pm GMT

This is episode 147 of the Absolute Mind podcasts and today I am covering how to cope with a loved ones terminal illness.

This is something that I saw on a UK TV programme last week, in which a UK celebrity is currently dealing with her mum being diagnosed with a terminal illness and how she has struggled coming to terms with it.

http://www.absolutemind.co.uk/freeanxietycourse 

Please do bear in mind that we have created this podcast to be of some insight and some sort of assistance but by no means a way to treat conditions on their own.

If you do have any deep-rooted conditions or ailments that you'd like some assistance with on a one-to-one professional approach, then please feel free to contact either myself or Michael on Facebook or directly through the website and we can arrange sessions that way or via Skype, whatever suits.

When a loved one develops a serious illness it is normal for all family members to experience a feeling of deep sadness, grief or loss and if the illness is terminal it can be something we really struggle to come to terms with and find it hard to plan for the outcome.

Anticipatory Grief

When we find out a loved one has a terminal illness sometimes its normal to experience anticipatory grief meaning you begin to experience grief and feelings of loss before it actually happens. Just as with grief after death family and friends may experience an array of different emotions as you begin to adjust to this new idea of what is to come. Typical emotions you may experience could be:

  • Sorrow
  • Anger
  • Anxiety
  • Acceptance
  • Depression
  • Denial

Depending on the amount of time your loved one has left and the relationship you share with that person you may experience a feeling of being close and have a determination to make their last days, weeks or months count. On the other hand you may feel anxious about whats to come or focus on last resort treatments or what could you have done differently that you push away any thoughts of the inevitable.

Although some people may not experience anticipatory grief it is normal for people to experience some of these emotions and feelings.

What Can You Do? 

  • Make time to say good bye -  As painful as this statement may sound it can be really beneficial in helping you to feel a sense of acceptance of what is about to come.
  • Talk to your loved one - Talking it out with your loved one could help both of you, you may find that your loved one isn't that scared and have actually come to terms with it which may in turn help you to come to terms.
  • Treasure the time left - make the remaining time your loved one has left a rememberable one that you can always look back on in a positive light rather than "I wish I'd have acted differently"

Seek Help

The loss of anyone can be difficult and sometimes the grief can consume us making us feel there is no way out of these sad feelings we are experiencing. If you are currently going through this or have lost a loved one and are struggling then please do seek help, whether that be counselling, therapy sessions or helpful groups in your local area. Talking to somebody can be really beneficial in these cases and just simply feeling that you have somebody to turn to and your not alone can sometimes be enough to get you through this.

Direct download: 147_-_Coping_With_The_Illness_Of_A_Loved_One.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:28pm GMT

This is episode 146 of the Absolute Mind podcasts and today I am covering fear/phobia of driving.

This is another request from our Facebook audience so once again thank you for your continued support an requests being sent in.

http://www.absolutemind.co.uk/freeanxietycourse 

Please do bear in mind that we have created this podcast to be of some insight and some sort of assistance but by no means a way to treat conditions on their own.

If you do have any deep-rooted conditions or ailments that you'd like some assistance with on a one-to-one professional approach, then please feel free to contact either myself or Michael on Facebook or directly through the website and we can arrange sessions that way or via Skype, whatever suits.

If you are experiencing anxiety or fear around driving then hopefully today's podcast can help you to start feeling more confident when driving.

What Causes Driving Anxiety/Phobias? 

With any phobia or fear it's hard to be precise on what causes it, sometimes it can be an unpleasant experience which triggers the fear. Long dark journeys, being in a car accident or just seeing one these kind of things could all be triggers. Although some people find that their fear of driving can come on gradually or can come and go over a long period of time and no particular triggers are involved.

It could simply be anxiety caused by focusing on the activity gradually rising the anxiety levels around it. Now it may be useful to understand your trigger and the cause to the anxiety you feel but this isn't vital. I like to say focus on feeling right rather than focus on whats making you feel so terrible, more solution focused rather than problem focused.

How Can You Start To Feel More Confident? 

With any phobia or anxiety the solution is generally always the same. Remember the term what you focus on increases and the more you focus on how terrible your anxiety levels are around driving the more you will increase those feelings.

When we have a fear we become conditioned to produce that fear response in situations that aren't dangerous at all, so to begin making a change in how you feel you need to re train "de-condition" your response to driving.

You can do this by gradually exposing yourself to the things you fear so if its night time driving gradually drive a little more each time in the night, if its motorways try driving on large roads first with somebody you feel confident and safe with, then progressively get to motorways. The more you practice this type of de-conditioning and experience those original fears without actually running away from them you eventually should become less sensitive to it.

Create yourself a plan, where are you now and where would you like to get to and when would you like to get there by?

As for all fears or phobias everyone experiences them in different levels of severity so you need to work at your own pace gradually expanding your travel bit by bit. These gradual exposures can be as small or as large as necessary but keep in mind that each step should challenge your anxiety a little bit.

Relax

Its important to be able to relax in any anxious state, so learning useful relaxation techniques can be really beneficial for you. Techniques such as diaphragmatic breathing, mindfulness and so on.

These kinds of techniques can be used a fast acting relaxation, allowing you to regain control over your thoughts quickly stopping that fear response.

As always if you feel you require more help please do speak to somebody, self help groups or 1-2-1 with a therapist or GP could all help in these cases.

 

 

Direct download: 146_-_How_To_Overcome_A_Fear_Of_Driving.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:59pm GMT

This is episode 145 of the Absolute Mind podcasts and today I am covering Toxic Relationships and having the confidence to walk away. 

This is another request from our Facebook audience so once again thank you for your continued support an requests being sent in.

http://www.absolutemind.co.uk/freeanxietycourse 

Please do bear in mind that we have created this podcast to be of some insight and some sort of assistance but by no means a way to treat conditions on their own.

If you do have any deep-rooted conditions or ailments that you'd like some assistance with on a one-to-one professional approach, then please feel free to contact either myself or Michael on Facebook or directly through the website and we can arrange sessions that way or via Skype, whatever suits.

Now if you're reading this or listening to the podcast then there's a chance you know somebody who is or are in a toxic relationship yourself, or perhaps you're not sure if your relationship is toxic? hopefully after today you will have a better understanding of your own relationship or have the confidence to finally do something.

What is a toxic relationship?

A toxic relationship is a relationship in which behaviours carried out by the "toxic" partner are emotionally and sometimes physically damaging to their partner. Having a toxic relationship damages self esteem and can be physically and emotionally draining. 

A toxic relationship is the total opposite to what we would class a healthy relationship in which you feel respect, caring, have an interest in your partners welfare and happiness a feeling of safety and security. In a toxic relationship it is generally characterised by feelings of insecurity, dominance, control by our partners and we risk our own mental and physical safety by staying in such toxic relationships. 

Toxic Behaviours 

There are many ways in which a relationship or person can be classed as toxic however the typical aspects of this behaviours are:

  • Inappropriate controlling
  • Manipulative
  • Physically or mentally abusive
  • Belittling 
  • Bad temper
  • Over reacting to situations
  • Posessive

And these behaviours are pretty much on a daily basis. Typically a toxic partner to the outside world behaves in a exemplary and normal manner, its at home that these behaviours tend to show. 

A toxic person behaves in the way they do essentially for one main reason which is to be in complete control and to have all power over the relationship. Power sharing does not occur in a toxic relationship. Now do bear in mind that these behaviours may not be apparent in the early stages of the relationship which is why most people in toxic relationships don't even realise they're in one until it becomes dangerous for them.  

What To Do?

If you are in a toxic relationship the first thing to understand is that you cannot change your partner, and unless they see that there is a problem with the way they are behaving you will be fighting a losing battle staying with them to help or change them. However with that being said, if you are not willing yo give up or leave the way you can help your partner is to change yourself and how to respond to situations with your partner which could in turn make them decide to change their behaviours. 

Now if you are at the point of no return and feel you need/must leave but are too scared or don't feel strong enough mentally then there are a few things you can do to help yourself along the way:

  • Surround yourself with people who care and love you for support
  • Remember why you want to leave
  • Be wary not to fall for sob stories or promises of changing
  • Do things for YOU, hobbies, things that make you feel good
  • Cut as many ties as you can from that person. 

I have helped many people in toxic relationships who have finally decided enough is enough and with a little support from people around them and keeping occupied and strong mentally they have managed to break free from their toxic relationships. 

If you are currently in a toxic relationship and need help please talk to people around you and look for that help, relationships don't need to be hard work or make you feel insecure, small, or unsure. With the right support you can do something about it. 

 

Direct download: 145_-_Walking_Away_From_A_Toxic_Relationship.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:13am GMT

This is episode 144 of the Absolute Mind podcasts and today I am covering New Years Resolutions

http://www.absolutemind.co.uk/freeanxietycourse 

Please do bear in mind that we have created this podcast to be of some insight and some sort of assistance but by no means a way to treat conditions on their own.

If you do have any deep-rooted conditions or ailments that you'd like some assistance with on a one-to-one professional approach, then please feel free to contact either myself or Michael on Facebook or directly through the website and we can arrange sessions that way or via Skype, whatever suits.

So its that time of year.......... New Year New You? Or are you ditching the resolutions this year? 

Every January the world is filled with people starting their new years resolutions whether that be losing weight, exercising more, be more active, start a new career, be more positive the list is endless when it comes to resolutions.

But why does it have to happen only in the new year? are you fed up of giving yourself a restriction on starting new things only at the new year? why not February resolutions, March resolutions and so on. Do our goals only really matter if it's a "resolution"

This year i've decided i'm not putting a label on my goals of resolutions, instead i'm going to continue being the person i want to be and continue working on new goals and aspirations that present themselves through out the year.

The amount of time we put too much pressure on ourselves of starting these resolutions in January, pronouncing to our loved ones our plans and feel like a failure if we haven't stuck to it. 

If you have a goal, a target, a plan it doesn't matter when you start as long as you start some time. 

Take the pressure off yourself of it being a resolution and start planning and goal setting to ensure you feel like you can complete it. 

 

Direct download: 144_-_New_Years_Resolutions.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30pm GMT

This is episode 143 of the Absolute Mind podcasts and today I am covering Misophonia

This was another request from the Facebook audience so thank you so much appointment through and allowing me to create content that will hopefully help you in some way.

http://www.absolutemind.co.uk/freeanxietycourse 

Please do bear in mind that we have created this podcast to be of some insight and some sort of assistance but by no means a way to treat conditions on their own.

If you do have any deep-rooted conditions or ailments that you'd like some assistance with on a one-to-one professional approach, then please feel free to contact either myself or Michael on Facebook or directly through the website and we can arrange sessions that way or via Skype, whatever suits.

So let's get to Misophonia, what is it and how can you deal with it?

The very fact you are listening to this podcast means that you should have an awareness of what misophonia is or may have heard about it in some way.

What Is Misophonia?

The definition of misophonia is somebody who hates sounds, but not necessarily all sounds. People who suffer from misophonia have triggers and specific sounds that they find hard to deal with and are sensitive to only certain sounds.
Now there are probably sounds that we all find hard such as fingernails down a chalk board, or squeaking of a balloon, but this is only a fraction of what a sufferer will experience when they hear their specific trigger sound. sufferers can experience an intense strong negative emotion towards their trigger sound and in some cases can create an urge to lash out at the thing or person creating that sound.

What Are Triggers? 

There are many different trigger sounds but here are a select few that I have found:

Eating, loud chewing, burping, crunching, gulping, chewing gum, licking, throat clearing, breathing, nasal, grunting, sniffling, sneezing, raspy voices, nose whistling, wheezing, nasally voice, keyboard tapping, clocks, tv remote, pen clicking, papers rustling, feet shuffling.

This is just a select few that i have seen and heard of but there are many many more!

How Can You Overcome Misophonia?

It is said that techniques such as CBT can help with overcoming Misophonia, allowing you to react differently to trigger noises and rationalise your response more effectively. Noticing how your thoughts create intense feelings and changing those thoughts.

Hypnosis can also be a great tool to help you to overcome this issue.

Remember I am not a GP so cannot diagnose and the details in this podcast are ideas and tips that i have used with clients to help and aid them in their progress, if you are unsure or need to have any issues diagnosed please do visit your GP or talk to a professional on a 1-2-1 basis.

Direct download: 143_-_Dealing_With_Misophonia.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:22pm GMT

This is episode 142 of the Absolute Mind podcasts and today I am covering Panic Attacks and how to deal with them.

This was another request from the Facebook audience so thank you so much appointment through and allowing me to create content that will hopefully help you in some way.

http://www.absolutemind.co.uk/freeanxietycourse 

Please do bear in mind that we have created this podcast to be of some insight and some sort of assistance but by no means a way to treat conditions on their own.

If you do have any deep-rooted conditions or ailments that you'd like some assistance with on a one-to-one professional approach, then please feel free to contact either myself or Michael on Facebook or directly through the website and we can arrange sessions that way or via Skype, whatever suits.

So let's get to panic attacks and how you can begin to control those attacks.

The very fact you are listening to this podcast means that you should have an awareness of what a panic attack is or may have heard about them in some way.

What Is A Panic Attack?

A panic attack is very similar to an anxiety attack, it can be described as an abrupt feeling of intense fear or discomfort that reaches a peak within a few minutes.

It can include some of the following symptoms:

Palpitations
Pounding heart
Accelerated heart rate
Sweating
Trembling
Shaking
Shortness of breath
Feeling smothered
Feeling you are about to collapse or worse.

As you can imagine this can be a very traumatic and scary experience for those who suffer. Some times these panic attacks can seem to come from nowhere.  Those who suffer from panic attacks generally fear them happening again which can in turn cause a negative loop of constantly trying not to have a panic attack which can create that panic attack happening again, a bit like telling yourself not to think of a purple elephant, your brain has to firstly think of that purple elephant to imagine not thinking about it. you simply cant do a don't.

What Triggers A Panic Attack

This is something that is unique to the sufferer, however generally panic attacks and anxiety go hand in hand. Too much stress or anxiety can create that intense feeling of panic quickly escalating into a full blown attack.

Things that cause an abrupt shift in how we feel can sometimes create a panic attack such as the death of a loved one, divorce, job loss. Panic attacks can also be triggered by medical issues or physical ailments.

 

How Can You Stop Panic Attacks

Firstly recognising that intense feeling as a panic attack is your first step to gaining control. Understanding that although sometimes it feels like something bad is going to happen when in fact it is not. you are already making progress by just understanding these points.

Now what you can do in the midst of a panic attack to try to bring those levels down is to breathe! Diaphragmatic breathing is the technique you should be using to allow the correct levels of oxygen and carbon monoxide in your body. now this wont necessarily stop a panic attack but it can help to bring those intense feelings down to a more manageable level.

Next is to focus on your surroundings and not whats going on inside, focus on sights, sounds smells, you'll be surprised how quickly you can take your focus off those horrible feelings once you start to notice around you.

Another useful tip is to try to notice any patterns or triggers that cause your panic attacks, once you know these patterns or triggers you can feel more empowered and in control to avoid them or to change things that cause them.

Remember I am not a GP so cannot diagnose and the details in this podcast are ideas and tips that i have used with clients to help and aid them in their progress, if you are unsure or need to have any issues diagnosed please do visit your GP or talk to a professional on a 1-2-1 basis.

Direct download: 142_-_Dealing_With_A_Panic_Attack.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:15am GMT

This is episode 141 of the Absolute Mind podcasts and today I am covering Mindfulness and the benefits of using it. 

This was another request from the Facebook audience so thank you so much appointment through and allowing me to create content that will hopefully help you in some way.

http://www.absolutemind.co.uk/freeanxietycourse 

Please do bear in mind that we have created this podcast to be of some insight and some sort of assistance but by no means a way to treat conditions on their own.

If you do have any deep-rooted conditions or ailments that you'd like some assistance with on a one-to-one professional approach, then please feel free to contact either myself or Michael on Facebook or directly through the website and we can arrange sessions that way or via Skype, whatever suits.

So let's get to mindfulness and how you could benefit from using it in your every day life. 

The very fact you are listening to this podcast means that you should have an awareness of what mindfulness is or may have heard about it in some way.

What Is Mindfulness?

Well, Mindfulness is a mental state achieved by focusing your awareness on the present, being in the moment and embracing every day. Being able to calmly acknowledge and accept your feelings thoughts and emotions during this awareness. 

It's the basic human ability to be fully present aware of where you are what you're doing without getting overwhelmed about whats going on around you.

What Can Mindfulness Do For You? 

 

Being able to be mindful and present can help in many ways, it can relax and open your mind to new things, things that we let slip by every day because we are too worried or anxious about situations that don't need that much energy or focus on. 

It can bring you to a state of zen almost allowing you to clear your mind and become more open to rationalise those internal thoughts. Releasing feelings of stress, worry, anxiety and many more troublesome feelings. 

Mindfulness can not only help with your mental well being scientists have also found a link between mindfulness and physical health being improved too such as 

  • treat heart disease
  • lower blood pressure
  • reduce chronic pain
  • improve sleep
  • alleviate gastrointestinal difficulties

How To Do Mindfulness

  • Sit quietly and focus on your natural beathing
  • allow thoughts to come and go without judgement
  • Notice bodily sensations such as an itch or tingling and just let them pass
  • Notice each part of your body and their different sensations.
  • Notice sounds, smells, external things around you, without judgement and let them pass 
  • Allow emotions to flow and be present without judgement and let them pass

Just remember if you are new to this just go with the flow and enjoy what mindfulness can give you. 

Remember I am not a GP so cannot diagnose and the details in this podcast are ideas and tips that i have used with clients to help and aid them in their progress, if you are unsure or need to have any issues diagnosed please do visit your GP or talk to a professional on a 1-2-1 basis.

Direct download: 141_-_Mindfulness.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:52am GMT

This is episode 139 of the Absolute Mind podcasts and this show is all about increasing your self esteem.

This is part of the feel good Friday series that is starting on the podcasts and it's all about finishing the week on a good positive note helping you to feel good about yourself that will hopefully help you in some way.

http://www.absolutemind.co.uk/freeanxietycourse 

Please do bear in mind that we have created this podcast to be of some insight and some sort of assistance but by no means a way to treat conditions on their own.

If you do have any deep-rooted conditions or ailments that you'd like some assistance with on a one-to-one professional approach, then please feel free to contact either myself or Michael on Facebook or directly through the website and we can arrange sessions that way or via Skype, whatever suits.

So let's get to some tips on how you can become more self aware and self confident. 

The very fact you are listening to this podcast means that perhaps you are in need of some ways to feel more confident about yourself, your abilities or you daily decisions. 

I have always said that in order for you to love somebody in your life or to give somebody 100% in a relationship/friendship you must firstly love and accept yourself. 

Now this isn't a selfish thing this is something everyone needs to be able to do, self love and self confidence can have a massive impact on the way you live your life. 

 

Tips To Increasing Your Self Esteem

There are many ways in which you can increase your self esteem and here are just a few that may give you the kick start you need:

  1. Think about what is affecting your self-esteem.
  2. Avoid negative self-talk.
  3. Connect with people who love you.
  4. Learn to be assertive.
  5. Set yourself a challenge.
  6. Focus on your positives.
  7. Take care of yourself.

 Start to practice these new ways now and just see how much of a change you can make on your self esteem levels.

Direct download: 140_-_Increase_Self_Esteem.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:00pm GMT

This is episode 139 of the Absolute Mind podcasts and this show is all about Trichotillomania, what it is and ways that you can help yourself to stop pulling hair.

This was another request from the Facebook audience so thank you so much appointment through and allowing me to create content that will hopefully help you in some way.

http://www.absolutemind.co.uk/freeanxietycourse 

Please do bear in mind that we have created this podcast to be of some insight and some sort of assistance but by no means a way to treat conditions on their own.

If you do have any deep-rooted conditions or ailments that you'd like some assistance with on a one-to-one professional approach, then please feel free to contact either myself or Michael on Facebook or directly through the website and we can arrange sessions that way or via Skype, whatever suits.

So let's get to some tips and understanding about Trichotillomania and ways to assist in overcoming the urge to pull hair. 

The very fact you are listening to this podcast means that you should have an awareness of what Trichotillomania is and perhaps you yourself or somebody you know is suffering from this habit.

What Is Trichotillomania?

People who have Trichotillomania have an irresistible urge to pull out their hair, usually this is on their scalp but can also be pulled from eyelashes, eyebrows, genital areas, beards or moustaches. It is a type of impulse control disorder similar to OCD obsessive compulsive disorder. People who suffer from this condition know that they are causing damage to them selves but the urge to pull is too strong.

Tips To Aid In Stopping 

Trichotillomania can be treated using CBT techniques such as habit reversal this is aimed at helping you to replace the bad habit with a new habit that is not harmful.

Some useful tips to assist in this can be:

1. Keep a diary of your hair pulling looking for triggers such as emotional states, feeling low, feeling stressed or anxious, 

2. Once you know your triggers try to avoid them

3. Replace the hair pulling with a stress ball or elastic band around your wrist, every time you feel the urge pull the band.

4. Talk to people, your loved ones could be the emotional support you need and by involving them you may feel a burden has been lifted and its not so much a secret anymore. 

 

Remember I am not a GP so cannot diagnose and the details in this podcast are ideas and tips that i have used with clients to help and aid them in their progress, if you are unsure or need to have any issues diagnosed please do visit your GP or talk to a professional on a 1-2-1 basis.

 

Direct download: 139_-_Trichotillomania.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:20pm GMT

This is episode 138 of the absolute mind podcasts and in today's podcast i'm going to be recapping over how you can remain calm over the festive period.

It's the most wonderful time of the year........ Or not? 

For some people Christmas can be a very stressful time of year with family members staying over for prolonged periods of time, feeling under pressure to provide and be the host with the most and buckling under the pressure when small remarks or comments are made. In turn ruining your experience and creating that negative association for next year!

But there are a few points to remember when you are trying to deal with the added Christmas stress:

1 - It's only a few days

2 - Those family members don't want or mean to hurt or offend you

3 - Things only seem bad if you allow yourself to catastrophise them

4 - How you respond is what matters

5 - Breathe!! 

6 - Relax and remain calm

7 - Embrace it all, be mindful and be sure to enjoy yourself. 

Direct download: 138_-_Remaining_Calm_Over_Christmas.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:20pm GMT

This episode is 137 of the absolute mind podcasts and its a hello from me Paula. 

I have been away for 2 years since the birth of our daughter Daisy being mummy, she is now in full time nursery which gives me more time to come back to producing these daily podcasts.

Find out what we have been up to over the past 12 months and what is to come from these podcasts.

Direct download: 137_-_Were_Back_Whats_To_Come.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:09pm GMT

This is episode number 136 of the Absolute Mind podcast and this show is all about dealing with fear and unhelpful emotions

This was another request from the Facebook audience so thank you so much appointment through and allowing me to create content that will hopefully help you in some way.

http://www.absolutemind.co.uk/offer

Please do bear in mind that Paula and I created this podcast to be of some insight and some sort of assistance but by no means a way to treat conditions on their own.

If you do have any deep-rooted conditions or ailments that you'd like some assistance with on a one-to-one professional approach, then please feel free to contact either me or Paula on Facebook or directly through the website and we can arrange sessions that way or via Skype, whatever suits.

So let's get to some tips and understanding about dealing with general fear.

Awareness:

The very fact that you're listening to his podcast means that you should have awareness of the U have some irrational fears or unhelpful thoughts that you'd like to deal with. The key here is to be aware that fear is just a feeling. That sounds strange but we've been having them for years, and feelings perfectly safe.

What Scares You?

This is time to identify and understand what is specifically that scares you. think about the situations where you have become fearful and emotions begin to run high, and see if you can notice patterns and really identify what is the actually scares you.

Talk to Someone

Here is an interesting angle. If you're fearful about something you have some unwanted emotions, open up and speak to someone you trust them like. The interesting part is if you feel silly by talking about these fears then perhaps you already know, that there is nothing to fear because even you know it's rational. however, running it passed someone else can really help you give perspective.

In fact, you are able to get some perspective even on your own. Think about someone who you like and know and someone who is on the surface at least a balanced thinker. Ask yourself, "what would x  be thinking about the situation?"

This technique is a wafer you to delve into another person's perspective. It can be remarkable how different the answer becomes. Ultimately this will allow you to begin to relieve some of those fears.

You Are What You Eat

I hate to always bring diet into psychological and emotional issues. But there is a direct correlation to how a person feels and what is they put into their body. have a think, is your body in a state of nourishment where it's able to repair and look after itself? Or is your body being challenged in battle, bombarded every day with foods that it's difficult to process and rebuild from?

The body is an amazing thing, but the body and mind are one thing. We all know that what we eat we become. I haven't met a balanced controlled thinker who lived on beige or fried foods, sugary snacks and energy drinks. The two simply don't go hand-in-hand.

Caffeine

I know I sort of touched on caffeine in the paragraph above, by really can't say this enough. Anything that stimulates you, caffeine, energy drinks etc, in dramatically affect the way a person feels and thinks. caffeine is a known mental stimulant, and if you're in the habit of thinking negatively or fearfully, then caffeine will only exacerbate the issue. I'm not suggesting that caffeine is the cause. But absurdly suggesting that if you are feeling anxious fearful or full of emotion, the caffeine can have a negative effect.

Use The Right Questions

If you've heard this podcast before, you'll know how much I recommend using an understanding the right kinds of questions when dealing with any issue.

Let's dive into a little touch of science. whenever you ask yourself a question, whatever it is, there's a part of your brain (Reticular Activating System) that seeks to answer your questions and make you right.

Let me give you an example. Perhaps you're talking to a friend about an old 1980s movie, the name of the main actor simply slips out of your mind, you're going over and over saying what's the guy's name, what was he called again?....Your memory seems to have failed you, but wait a minute something very strange happens hours and sometimes even days later. The answer seems to appear like a bolt out of the blue. This is your RAS answering a question that you've asked.

Your memory seems to have failed you, but wait a minute something very strange happens hours and sometimes even days later. The answer seems to appear like a bolt out of the blue. This is your RAS answering a question that you've asked.

So it's time to start to get clever with your questions. questions like:

What can I do today that will make me feel less fearful?
What resources can I find inside to help me deal with this irrational fear?
What small dietary changes can I make right now that will allow me to feel less fearful?

questions really are the answer, so really have a think about the types of questions you're asking yourself. Questions like will this ever go away, can I take this much more, is this can get worse, these are all examples of questions that now you understand how your brain works will be more can prove disastrous.

It's time for you to take control of your own questions and therefore your own emotions. I'm not suggesting the questions are the be all and end all. But I am suggesting it's something you can start to do right now and have a dramatic effect on the way you feel.

Direct download: 136_-_Dealing_With_Fear_And_Unhelpful_Emotions.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:11pm GMT

This is session number 135 of the Absolute Mind podcast and this was a request. You know who you are so thank you and I really do hope you receive value from it. This show is all about recovering from a break up with your partner.

Weight Loss Offer

Some Ideas of How To Get Over a Break-Up

1. Remind Yourself of Everything and Be Real

It's very easy to think back to an old relationship and only thing of all of the amazing times. This is catastrophizing thinking and only leads one way.... To feeling worse. Be honest about the good of course and be pleased about it, but also remember the bad and the downright ugly and embarrassing.

2. Allow Yourself Some Time and Space

When you think about all of the emotions that come up after a relationship breakdown. You really need to bear in mind that this will take some time to recover. Give yourself some breathing space, your brain will be going over thinking about things like the frustration, the anger to hurt or the pain.  all of these are not helpful in any way, but they will present themselves in the early days the time and space really are your friend.

People work through emotions in various different ways, but one thing is sure in the early days the feelings are most present will be sadness and upset. Expect this, but don't beat yourself up about it an important fact to understand about this grieving process for an ex is that as each day passes, those feelings will begin to subside and you will begin to feel better.

3. Time for You

Relationships mean that two people come together in some way. Now there must be a benefit in being on your own and finding yourself once more! What I'm suggesting here is that there is time to rediscover yourself, and find the you that you really are.

Relationships are all about finding a happy medium, and doing what's right for you, your partner and overall the relationship. when you not bound by these restrictions you can really begin to find the true you. You may be fortunate enough that the true you is the one you see every morning in the mirror now. But in most cases, people hold back in certain ways and don't find their true self when they're in a relationship.

So spend some time to find the true, real you.

4. Time for You Time for Change

We are creatures of habit, this is one of the problems where the relationship breaks down because a part of our habits and our routine suddenly disappears. The phone doesn't ring when it used to, the texts don't ping at lunchtime and life changes cried dramatically.

This sudden change in circumstance and situation means that your life does change, but if the breakdown was not your choice, then it can feel like your life is falling apart around you.

So it's time to take charge, spend some time doing things that you wouldn't normally do, or didn't used to have the time to do. They could be things like salsa dancing going to the gym learning a new skill. Now don't see these as ways to distract yourself, is more like ways to improve and become a better version of yourself, because you're actively using your time as you choose to.

5. Questions Are The Answer

The quality fo your questions defines the quality of your feelings. Beware of faulty questions loops.

Why Me?
Who will they go out with now?
Will they be better?

Change those types of questions to:

Why am I better because of that relationship?
What have I learned about myself?
What changes do I want to make in my next relationship?

Direct download: 135_-_Tips_and_Hypnosis_To_Get_Over_An_Ex.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:42pm GMT

This is session number 134 of the Absolute Mind podcast and this show is all about the Best Mans speech. Even though being the best man is only a token part of the wedding, for those given the task problem of performing the speech, it's undoubtedly a nerve-racking time.

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Okay, so your friends getting married, and they've done you the justice or disservice of asking you to deliver the best man speech. As well as all the important stuff like organising the stag do in various other hilarious events that you'll probably choose not to tell about. You also have to get prepared to deliver a speech and do your best friend, the Groom, the honourable duties. Let's face it, the pressure does seem to be mounting for you.

Some of the fears about delivering a best man speech.

Generally, the biggest fear about delivering a best man speech is about doing a good job and not looking stupid. With the attendance of weddings generally being in the hundreds, there are lots of nervous eyeballs watching and listening to every word. Making a fool of yourself is not something anybody wants to do.

What if the words simply do not come out? This is quite strange fear but very real nonetheless. Because most people don't practice standing up delivering speeches to large groups of people, we often find ourselves imagining doing that but the worst possible thing happens. No word that you come out of our mouths, were blank, stuck, paused in time with everyone nervously watching. Not knowing what to say, or not having the right words come out is a very common fear.

Will the bride and brides family like it? The only way to know is to ask afterwards. Truth be known, if you are thinking this way before delivering your speech then at least you got a heads up. You should be able to tailor your speech so that you feel it will fit. Why start a speech with any preconceived anxieties about how certain part will go? Perhaps run some of the content past a friend or colleague and get them to sense check it.

Some tips in delivering a great best man speech

The biggest problem is usually fear, and that fear is anxiety. Therefore as with all anxieties and fears, it is highly recommended that you reduce any other external stimuli. These are things like caffeine drinks, energy drinks tea’s and coffee’s for at least 48 hours before the big day. If you do drink lots of these drinks normally, then I'd highly advised that you begin to reduce these are a good few weeks before the event so that you don't crash on the actual day that you need to perform.

Creating anxiety and fear will be easy on the day. Make life easy for yourself and get rid of those external forces which build anxiety.

Practice makes permanent. Therefore if you practice your content and know your content it with far more likely that you will be able to deliver your content in just the right way. A great tip for that content, break it up into multiple sections that are easy to remember, and remember each section, each chunk, each part so that you are able to pull it all together on the day. Also, the segregation of the content allows you to miss a piece and then come back into another paragraph or another chunk quite easily.

Whenever you practice your speech make sure you're practising it realistically. Make sure you're standing and projecting and talking out to the back of the room to make sure that your voice is being heard. You need to make it as real as possible so that when you do come to do the real task you've practised what it is that you'd like to make permanent.

What is your body saying?

Your body language will play a huge part in the role of delivering successful best man speech. Even if you know the content, if your body is closed off and not expressive, it will be very difficult for people to engage with you, warm with you, most of all deemed it as a success. Interestingly though, by acting confident in using your arms and projecting, pausing all the right times you find that your audience really connects and engages with what you're saying. Have a little look at the Amy Cuddy TED talk about power poses and use these tips to your advantage. Also………. Pausing to emphasise different sections is a very effective method while delivering your speech.

And I wouldn't be authentic here if I didn't include the use of hypnosis to allow you to calm your nerves and build confidence way before the event. Hypnosis is a fantastic tool for you to memorise certain processes but also to allow you to build confidence for a particular event.

Acting as if! From now on, act as if this is something that you really want to do. You start to bring yourself into a state of confidence, and this will also help to mitigate any unwanted banter from the rest of the groomsmen. Showing your confident and not fazed about doing the event because you are practised, will inhibit some of the unnecessary and certainly undesirable comments and statements that you would normally have received. After all, that's what friends are for. Lol

Direct download: 134_-_Best_Mans_Speech_Tips_and_Hypnosis.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:09pm GMT

This is session number 133 of the Absolute Mind Podcast and this show is all about Body Building with Hypnosis. Becoming more muscular and physically stronger as a result of resistance training with the right mindset and having you conscious and subconscious mind on board.

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It's May 2017 and bodybuilding for both men and women seems to be at an all-time high. Strong is the new skinny, and strong is perceived as sexy. Instagram, twitter and Facebook are full of men and woman scantily clad showing off their bodies. Bodybuilding is a new health fad that seems to be on the rise.

But how can hypnosis help with Bodybuilding, surely it's just about lifting weights right?

There are a number of ways Hypnosis can help you on your body building journey. Let's start with the most practical ones first.

Bodybuilding is hard! In order to get the body you want you have to work very hard at the gym keeping in mind safe limitations. It's well documented that your body changes due to external stressors put on the body. Your mindset needs to be right. You have to maximise your sessions in the gym.Those last few repetitions are the ones that can make the difference to your body, and ultimately, they are the hardest ones to do because it's too easy to give up.

So hypnosis can be used to allow you to push yourself hard while in the gym.

Belief

Hypnosis can it also be used to begin to imagine the kind of results that you are looking for a while bodybuilding. If you read any book about goal setting or achieving your goals, you will find that having a desired clear outcome in your mind very important.

There is no better way other than hypnosis to create an internal state, a picture in your mind of what it is that you want to create in your body. Having that very clear picture in your mind allows every nerve fibre and tissue of you to focus on the outcome.

In order to grow muscles, calories are needed. Lots of bodybuilders all people new to bodybuilding struggle with the dietary aspects required.

It's not easy to build muscle, it takes hard work in the gym, as well as hard work in the kitchen. This is where being structured and methodical pays off.

Direct download: 133_-_Better_BodyBuilding_With_Hypnosis.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:02pm GMT

This is session number 132 of the Absolute Mind podcast and this show is all about overcoming the fear and anxiety around eating more fruit and vegetables.

This show was decided upon due to a request on Facebook so thank you for that. You know who you are. Remember guys, we are real people, we do reply, and we do exist. Come and connect with us on Facebook www.Facebook.com/absoluteminduk

The Offer from The Podcast

Interestingly, those of you who are regular listeners probably don't realise quite how much of a tribe you are all a part of. The Absolute Mind podcast has been downloaded over 820,000.00 as of the 9th March 2017 and we are currently on a growth rate of 3200 extra downloads per day.

So here is my ask, Who do you know who you can share this podcast with? I don't care if you like us on Facebook and share it with your friends or tell them, email them and ask them to become a part of the Absolute Mind community.

So one things for sure, this podcast is extremely popular and I think is about time we all get connected on Facebook. So check us out at absoluteminduk

Eating more fruits and vegetables, is not just about taking a healthy decision. It really is about building your health from the core. Now this isn't a health and fitness related podcast, far from it. But those of you who know Paula and myself, we are extremely dedicated to building health and wellness in all those people around us. Eating fruits and vegetables is absolutely essential for your body to repair, and function in the way it needs to. It's not really a matter of choice, it's more a matter of necessity.

So this is a very serious podcast, and for those people who do suffer with the anxiety and fear around fruits and vegetables, the implications are more than just being fussy with food. The science tells us, though well rounded balance diet including fresh fruits and vegetables is essential for our bodies to grow, repair, create and feel the way that they need to feel.

This ties into the first point, if your body is not operating efficiently, it will start to produce feelings and symptoms to let you know something is wrong. Ironically, anxiety and fear are induced or exacerbated whenever a body is starving. And when I say starving, I don't mean physically hungry, I'm on about nutrient deficient.

Many people can eat lots of food but still be nutrient deficient, therefore your body will start to cry out to react in different ways. Anxiety fear symptoms that will definitely become apparent.

So you can see the first issue here. If a person feels anxious or fearful around eating fruit and vegetables, there is a small chance, that if they were to eat those foods more regularly the body will begin to function in a way and balances its own stress levels and perhaps, some of the anxiety and fear around those foods would begin to diminish.

As a bit of a sidetrack, there are two words that surround food and healthy eating. Those words are health and diet. Have you ever heard the saying that the closing the question? Or how about the message is in the word? The first four letters of health are heal and the first three letters of diet die.

What we put in our mouth directly affects whether our body is slowly healing, or slowly dying. Either way, it's a slow and gradual process, a little bit like producing a garden or allotment. You need to pull all the right ingredients and nurture them in the right way to create the right outcomes. Fruit and vegetables are those right ingredients to allow your body to heal to grow and regenerate.

So how does a person who is fearful and repulsed by fruits and vegetables even begin to start.

Remember what I said earlier, the clue is in the question, or the answer is in the statement? The right answer here, is simply to start the process.

Start small, and add the least repulsive fruits or vegetables to your dish every single day. Get used to having them around, used to seeing them, touched, squeeze them, squish them. The more you surround yourself with those things that you fear, the more you'll be able to overcome the repulsion and begin accepting.

To give you something can properly connect with here, if you go to a smelly farm, all you can smell for the first half an hour are farm smells. After a short while, your body begins to react and adapt, and you soon don't recognise those repulsive smells.

It's all about doing something different, and bringing into your reality those things that you once feared and allow you to overcome them. Keeping them at a distance will only make them more elusive and powerful to you.

The next part here is all about stopping the excuses. In most cases, those who fear or don't eat fruit or vegetables, never have done. Those people can begin to associate with that as part of their being and say things like “I've never eaten vegetables, I just don't like them”. That association, and belief pattern will begin to form and the chance of you allowing fruits and vegetables into your life and later date diminishes.

The thing is, this is just a habit that is forming, but not only is it forming, your nurturing it along the way. There are many habits that we have as children, that we grow out of, taking our nose biting your nails just generally lots of repulsive things that as adults we grow out of.

To take the first step, it is recognised that just because you've never done something doesn't mean you can't, it's all about learning to grow in doing things differently, you feel stronger for it and your ability to overcome challenges later on in life will be greatly improved as you overcome this seemingly massive obstacle.

Your first reaction will begin to set the tone. What I mean by this, is you're far more likely to experience a phobia, fear or repulsion against something if you at first expect to. Therefore, you really need to become versed in experiencing vegetables, fruits and notice your initial reaction. I dare say at first, your nose will be turned up your head may be frowning and you'll be pulling pulling a funny faces. If you're attempting to try fruits and vegetables when you're in that state, you simply will not stand a chance. If you've listened to this podcast before, you'll know that I say regularly that your expectation defines your reality.

So again, in order to tame your initial first reaction. To do this you buy those foods, play with those foods, cook with those foods and experience those foods to become more associated with them in and not positive way, but at least a neutral way.

Because food phobias and dislikes can generally be all in your head, hypnosis can be extremely effective at helping you along that path. But don't expect miracles just listening to this session once.

I'd strongly advise, that you listen to this hypnosis session every other day for the next couple of weeks. Include some of those useful tips about handling and buying fruits and vegetables. Also notice what your face does whenever you hold or get close to fruits and vegetables. You really are working on avoiding building up feelings of anxiety and fear. And as the book says Feel The Fear And Do It Anyway by Susan Jefferson. There really is no better cure to overcome anything than simply, doing it.

Direct download: 132_-_Start_Eating_Fruit_and_Veg_for_Better_Health.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:06pm GMT

This is session number 131 of the Absolute Mind podcast and this show is all about overcoming OCD and getting on with your life normally.

Obsessive compulsive disorders can be extremely limiting. The impulse or feeling that OCD creates around different areas of our lives can make a living day to day normally feel impossible.

In this podcast, I outline some simple tips and strategies that you can actively begin to work on to aim to overcome OCD.

The end of this podcast, also has a hypnotherapy session to help guide you through this process.

Before we dive into this podcast, Paula and I have been actively promoting a weight loss package offer on this podcast. The most popular podcast out of all of these so far, has been the weight loss Hypnosis session with 48220 downloads to date.

Here is the Podcast Weight Loss Offer Page

Also Connect with us on Facebook.com/absoluteminduk

But so many of you contacted us to say that you'd like a bit more help with weight loss, and asked for a more rounded weight loss program. This is exactly why Paula created the weight loss download offer.

This package has been extremely successful over the past few months and has helped many of you, and thank you so much for sending the personal messages on Facebook and emails to myself and Paula, telling us your successes and journey so far we really do appreciate them.

We decided, that as of the end of March we will be pulling this Weight loss offer as we feel we want to create some more packages around other extremely popular podcasts. We will cover anxiety, depression, building confidence and also relationships.

Again, we aim to create a 10 session hypnosis package for you to listen to directly on your phone without the need to download the tracks for simplicity.

So, those of you who are interested in the current weight loss download offer. I'll put a link in the show notes so you can get to it there. Or alternatively, visit absolutemind.co.uk/offer and purchase this package now for only £19 UK pounds. Remember, if you're listening to this after March 2017. This offer will have expired.

So, let's go on with the tips to help you overcome OCD.

Tip 1: It’s trying to be helpful

This one may be quite difficult to swallow, but usually an OCD is there to protect you in some way shape or form. There is a part of us that feels that we need to carry out the certain task or ritual in order to be safe and in some cases happy. The OCD process has been fabricated through some strange and passed habit, but is there now to protect and preserve you. So understand that your OCD is not a foe but it is trying to be a friend.

Tip 2: Don’t fight it

Whenever our OCD is kicking, don't try to actively fight that thought. If you think about it, by trying to avoid the OCD, you're simply adding fuel to the issue by telling your brain this is something to be fearful of, something you don't like, something you want to get rid of. Therefore, it will begin to create an anchor which is a point in time to reference a later date to bring back quickly the negative feelings associated with it. So in simple terms just let it be a strange is that maybe.

Tip 3: FEAR

The word fear, has been broken down into many different acronyms to help a person understand. But if you use the acronym Face Everything And Recover for fear then you can begin to apply the methodology to your OCD. This ties in slightly to the above tip which is don't fight it, face everything and recover is all about dealing with what presents and working to overcome it. The more you practice this, the better you will become it it and the more likely you will be to overcome that particular OCD.

So practice on the small stuff first, in ways that your OCD may not be a strong, and face it, deal with it, and notice how you begin to feel better that you've done so. Remember, don't fight it, and don't get frustrated because it's there to try to be helpful.

Tip 4: Reduce your general anxiety levels

You won't find a calm and relaxed person who has a debilitating OCD. Your general anxiety level, is a gauge of how quickly, and easily you can become anxious to a point of reaction. OCD is our level of reaction to anxiety, and therefore if you're able to reduce your overall anxiety levels, then you will notice your ability to deal with your OCD becomes far easier. This is why hypnosis is extremely good at dealing with OCD, because a large part of hypnosis is about creating relaxation and calmness.

Tip 5: Feelings are safe

It can be quite difficult to stomach, the saying that feelings are safe, and they can't hurt you. Because those people who are suffering from anxiety, fear, OCD’s and depression, can't relate to that comment. Let me put it this way, out feelings are created from within, no one does them to you know one gives them to you, they are all self generated. Another fact about feelings is we've been having them from millions of years and is part of our genetics and I will make up therefore they are completely natural and a big part of life. The big part here for you, will be about controlling the negative thoughts and feelings to ensure you feel more balanced.

So keep that in mind, feelings are perfectly safe, we've been having them since the dawn of time.

Direct download: 131_-_Overcoming_OCD_and_Getting_on_With_Life_Normally.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:53pm GMT

This is session number 130 of the Absolute Mind podcast, and this show is all about getting things done and getting closer to your goals.

We all have goals that we want to achieve, or things that we absolutely would love to get done. However our life seemed to be bombarded with things that we need to get done, rather than things that we want to get done.

I'm going to outline 8 tips here for you to feel more focused and get the things that matter to you done. After all, if you do that, you're far more likely to achieve your goals.

Tip 1: Plan

Okay, sorry to start with the most boring one, but you've heard the saying, if you fail to plan then you plan to fail. But look at it this way, when you plan, you set your intention on what is that you want to do. There's another caveat to planning which is also beneficial. Whenever you plan an activity ahead of time, your brain will carry on looking for ways to maximise the output of what you plan, before you carry out that work. Therefore, not only are you being more productive, but you will also be more accurate and there I say creative.

Get quite specific when you plan also. Make sure what you plan to do, is within the realms of possibility in the timeframe you have set. If you start on the habit of setting goals and plans, and not completing them, you will build up a negative association which will prevent you from achieving what you want to.

Tip 2: Avoid distractions

A friend of mine explained that we now live in a world full of WMD. But when I say WMD, I'm not referring to weapons of mass destruction, more like weapons of Mass distraction.

Weapons of Mass distraction are things like, emails, text messages, social media and phone calls. We are being bombarded every single day with things that require small amounts of our time, but pull us off our train of thought. These distractions massively cut into our time, flow and creativity.

So any given time when you are setting out to work on something that's important to you, make sure you have switched off all notifications and any form of distraction to allow you to get done, what is you need to do.

Tip 3: Set a schedule

In just the same way that exercise in the gym becomes easier when we schedule it, and stick to it. Working on things that we want to is also the same. If you schedule to work on your one thing, your goal each and every day for a specific amount of time, at a specific time, you'll be far more likely to fall into a habit and a routine and carry on producing.

Imagine having a schedule time when you get into flow, and as practice makes permanent, as you continue with this you will find that it feels natural to do.

Tip 4: Multitasking is a myth

It's not big or clever to work on more than one thing. It just makes you procrastinate, and perform poorly. This is part of the planning and scheduling piece but you must ensure that you are working on one very clear piece of work at any one time.

Being a multitasking master is a bit like being a procrastinating plonker. You don't want to be either of those to get focused, get clear, and get done what it is you set out to do.

Tip 5: Pomodoro technique

Developed in the late 80s, this technique is based upon breaking down intervals of work, normally into about 25 minute chunks and separated by about 5 minute breaks. It has been suggested, that your peak state of creativity and work last about 25 minutes. So using this Pomodoro technique can really allow you to maximise your time, whilst even scheduling in small breaks. Sounds perfect right? You'll find lots of resources to use as a time on YouTube if you search for it.

Tip 6: Look after yourself

In order to perform at your best and get those things done that are important to you, you willing to look after you. This seems slightly oxymoronic you need to spend time on yourself to give you more time for yourself. But the science is clear, if you look after your mental and physical well-being, you'll be more productive, creative and proactive. Watch what you drink, watch what you eat and get some exercise and of course sleep.

Tip 7: Can you do this in the morning?

If possible, find the time you need every morning before everything else starts. There are a number of reasons for this. Firstly, motivation and willpower are a little bit like a muscle, and they wear down throughout the day as you use them. So in the morning, when your fresh, start the work that you want to do and that you want to be focused in.

There is a great book written by Hal Elrod called the miracle morning where he outlines why first thing in the morning is your most productive, creative and the best time to you to get closer to your goals.

Tip 8: Don’t stop until the timer says

I'm working on something for yourself, give yourself the time that you had planned and scheduled in. Even if you find your creative juices aren't flowing, use that time to brainstorm, mind map and break out. But do not quit and give up until the time says so. Again, this is a bit like training muscle and the better you get at sticking to your schedule, the more creative during those times you will be.

All tips and ideas are fantastic, but unless you apply some of them, you really will see no benefit.

The hypnosis part of this is really about you clearing your mind setting your goals and intentions are really being rigid with the goals that you have set yourself for all those reasons you have chosen.

Direct download: 130_-_Getting_Closer_to_Your_Goals_by_Getting_More_Done.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:48pm GMT

This is session number 129 of the Absolute Mind podcast and this session is all about becoming a better version of you.

Now this seems to be quite an abstract title and reason to want to listen to this, but you'd be extremely surprised that there are large numbers of people who just want to be better, yet they can't seem to describe what better is. So a better version of yourself really does sum it up.

I'm going to give you six tips here of things you can do to try and make yourself a better, more enhanced version of yourself. Remember, don't try and think this as you are becoming perfect, it's simply a matter of improving and pushing yourself, because so much in life is about pushing yourself. Take education, exercise, and even mental quizzes are all ways of pushing ourselves beyond our own boundaries. And I think from a healthy psychological point of view this is a good thing.

Tip 1: Be nice to yourself

The very first part about becoming a better version of yourself is stopping the negative self talk. Sure, doubts and negative perceptions of yourself will creep in from time to time. But it's important to recognise when that happens and stop it in its tracks.

Most of us, talk about ourselves negatively without even thinking about it. But as you’re problem you already aware by now have to listen to this show you'll understand that the brain does not recognise the difference between an imagined event or a real one. Therefore talking to yourself negative, and thinking of yourself negatively can only produce one thing. A negative you.

Tip 2: Focus on what you want

Now in order to consider creating a better version of you, you'll first need to know what is you want to better at or certainly achieve. Like all things in life, we improved by knowing the outcome and working towards that.

Get clear on what it is you want, and more importantly why you want it, and what that will do for you when you have it.

Tip 3: Use the power of I am

We use the term “I am” all of the time without giving it a second thought. But there is power in that statement, power that you need to harness for all the right reasons. We know the negative connotations and how powerful they can be when a person says things like I am useless, I am rubbish, I'm stupid. They're not nice things to hear, because you realise by using the term I am people are really connecting with what they are saying.

So as you can see, there's magic in that statement as long as you use that in the right way. so try terms like “I am in control” “I am confident” “I am learning” “I am always discovering new opportunities” “I am growing” “and I am becoming a better version of myself”

Tip 4: Stop procrastination

There's a saying that perfectionism is the mother of procrastination. Put simply, procrastination is just laziness but with a really nice word. Procrastination, or laziness is very easy to discover if you have no direction or focus on what is that you want.

So get very clear on your goals, get very clear on your outcomes, and also get very clear on your schedules and make sure that you deliver on your outcomes and goals. Like anything, getting going on this is not easy. But everything that is worth doing isn’t.

Tip 5: I never did mind about the little things

This was a sentence I heard back in the late 90s in a film, and it really stuck with me. In its simplest terms, it means stop worrying about all the small things that life throws at us. And just get on with it. I know what you're saying, it's easier said than done, trust me it happens to me every day to. But it's about reframing, and recognising when it is happening because the small things are those that can drain us of our passion, tenacity and purpose.

So don't sweat the small stuff and get on with your goals your purpose and what you want from life.

Tip 6: Get comfortable with being uncomfortable

This is all about learning new things. Doing things we've never done before, and really pushing our own boundaries. This really builds a sense of power and self-control that were achieving things that we have never tried before. There is no better feeling than achieving something that you've never tried, or even thought you could never do.

I believe it's one of the meanings of life that we continually overcome challenge and adversity. To get used to setting yourself tasks where you feel uncomfortable, and get comfortable with that.

Have some fun implementing some of the tips to become a better version of you.

Direct download: 129_-_Becoming_a_Better_Version_of_You.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:22pm GMT

This is session number 128 of the absolute mind podcast and this show is all about letting go of frustration that we have when we are in relationships.

When relationships are brand-new we feel quite relaxed about another person's quirks and personality. But as time goes by, and we lived with our partners, the smallest of issues can really begin to grate us. This frustration over the smallest things can ultimately ruin a relationship.

In this podcast I'm going to go through several tips and techniques for you to become more forgiving, and not put so much emphasis on those small quirks that really do make you become frustrated.

The interesting part is most people in relationships do feel frustrated by their partners for the tiniest little things. So much so, in that if you were to talk to another person about what bothers you, it might seem really insignificant, but to you, there's nothing more frustrating.

Tip 1: Does it really matter?

Does it really matter, is an interesting question because of course it matters that moment that the toilet roll is put on the wrong way. But in the grand scheme of things, that wasn't an issue again this time until you've seen it again. The reason why this is interesting, is because you seem to let it go, in between times and that this little quirk happens.

So you're not permanently angry that the toilet rolls put on the wrong way, or that the toothpaste is squeezed from the middle of the tube, or that their shoes left at the door and not in the cupboard. Rather you become frustrated and angry again when that happens again. So that there are large periods of time in between that were it simply doesn't matter. So you need to ask yourself the question. Will this matter to me in two hours? Hopefully the answer is no and that should allow you to reduce your frustration.

Tip 2: They are not trying to annoy you

Frustration usually bills because one of the partners believes that the other is doing their quirk just to get on their nerves. Aren't we such funny beings, that we really think that someone would go to the extra effort, just to annoy us time and time again, to cause an argument that they wouldn't want either.

The little bit of understanding here that we are not all the same, if we were life would be extremely boring. So whenever you think that they're being annoying, which means actively trying to annoy you by doing those quirks that you don't like. Your most probably wrong.

Tip 3: Snake bite

If you're a regular listener to Absolute Mind podcast, then you will have heard myself and Paula talk about the principle that no one ever dies from the snakebite, it's the venom inside that kills.

Put simply, this means just let go of the anger or frustration. The venom that courses around you is doing you harm and is absolutely nothing helpful about it. You put the venom there, so the quicker you allow that venom to subside, the better you will feel.

It's a bit like poking and opening a cut, and then complaining about it not healing and hurting.

Tip 4: Be nice

There's another great saying in relationships that if you get the chance to be right or kind, choose kind. Now of course there is an element here that you can become extremely boring and not challenge or question your partner in a relationship. But there's also a piece here that so many people in relationships, constantly challenge and unnecessarily question their partner's views or opinions.

So if you find yourself with something on the tip of your tongue about to correct or object about something your partner is done. Remember, you have a choice here, you choose to be right and comment or you choose to be kind and enjoy the rest of your evening?

Tip 5: If they don’t want to, why should I

So many relationships are built on giving and taking. You have heard this so many times while growing up also. However there is a massive problem with this. If you wait to get before you'll receive, and both people in a relationship do the same, then you're both never get or give anything.

So get used to giving first, and giving again, and expecting nothing in return. Take control and plan the nights out, planned the birthdays, and give without expecting. This way, you will more than likely find that the favours, helpfulness will come back. If not, remember one of the other tips that were all different? Just enjoy the process.

Tip 6: People are all different, so relationships

Don't base your relationship on someone else's model of a relationship. We are all different, and therefore each relationship has to be different. So don't expect the same as what someone else has. However, you really do need to expect to have love, trust, openness and a connection. But remember to tie this into the other tips, and don't just show love, trust, openness and connection as long as you get in return. Show it, and do it anyway and notice how your relationship will flourish.

Direct download: 128_-_Better_Relationships_by_Letting_go_of_Frustration.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:05pm GMT

This is session number 127 of the Absolute Mind podcast and this show is all about how to Control the Amount of Alcohol You Drink.

As most of you know Paula and I are therapists and deal with people's one-to-one issues on a regular basis. Drinking is something that comes up frequently because it can be so detrimental whenever a person relies upon alcohol.

The purpose of this podcast though, is to give you some tips and insights on ways you can control the amount of alcohol you drink. The reason I think this is important is because our society uses alcohol in many ways to celebrate and be joyful, and in the right amounts, is not harmful or dangerous to most people.

So the aim of this podcast is to allow you to regain your control over alcohol. It's also for those who feel that you have a dependence on alcohol, and for those of you who not only drink alcohol when you're happy, but also do when you're sad, stressed, excited, celebrating and even drowning sorrows.

So here are 7 quick tips to allow you to regain control over drinking alcohol.

Tip 1: Write down your reasons

Even though we all know the general reasons around wanting to control alcohol, putting down on paper what personally important to you can be massively beneficial. It's been documented that when a goal is written it is far more likely to be achieved. The same goes for when a problem is scribed, it's far more likely to feel real in your mind, and most importantly, give you the motivation to make changes. Things like; you'll feel healthier, happier, more relaxed, more in control are just some of the things that you may discover. But make your list, and really hone in on your reasons to want to control the amount of alcohol you drink.

Tip 2: How much is too much?

In order to achieve any goal, or make any change, you need to understand exactly what the boundaries are. For example if you say that you want to reduce the amount of alcohol that you drink, by how much, what will change? etc. It’s time to get clear on what is the actually want. You need to get specific here because if you say things like I only want to drink twice a week, the creative side of you may think, I'll drink once for three days and once for four days. Specificity that you might look something like I will allow myself a bottle of wine on a Saturday night and two cans of lager on a Friday night.

Tip 3: Make it real and keep track

It's a fact, we lie to ourselves all of the time. Therefore, it's very important that you begin to keep a record of how much and how often you are drinking. It doesn't need to be a full-blown diary. When you keep track, you are able to understand the reality, rather than a jaded perception built over time. Documenting and journalling is a fantastic way to understand your habitual patterns, which will ultimately allow you to feel more empowered going forward.

Tip 4: When is willpower required?

I hear this all the time, from people telling me that they feel that the alcohol just calls them from the cupboard whenever they've had a bad or stressful day. My response to that is simple, who puts in the cupboard in the first place? Willpower has been proven to be like a muscle, we have far more willpower at the start of the day when the feeling more energetic, but as we use our decision-making process throughout the day, our willpower wanes. So now you know this there is no problem, you're now able to make the right choices whenever your shopping, because your shop at the right time, with a focus on all the things that you want, all your reasons for wanting to reduce alcohol consumption. Don't wait for your willpower to fail you, make sure you make those right choices when you're shopping first.

Tip 5: Nature fills a vacuum

Basically, this means that whenever you remove something from your life, you're more than likely replace it with something else. This could be fine, but it also could be problematic. The issue with nature filling a vacuum is that you can never quite be sure what it will fill it with. Unless you plan to. My suggestion here would be to actively planned to drink something like sparkling water, or an Artisan water in replacement for alcohol. So when you're going to the shops you can actively go and purchase a bottle of liquid that you can drink, just as you done so over the years but this time you're replacing the alcohol with something far more healthier and more conducive to your goals.

Tip 6: There is no wagon and you can't fall off it

Metaphors can be extremely helpful to understand the given situation. But they can also be massively problematic as they can cause blockages that we cannot metaphorically undo. Metaphors can make us believe something is true even when it isn't. Take “falling off the wagon” as an example for those of you who have tried to reduce drinking before. This is simply an excuse for when you do fail once you carry on failing. There is simply no valid reason to drink more on the days following a time that you failed. You can see this as a reset point and a clean sheet to start on the journey once more. Just because you've had a blowout one time, doesn't mean that you're more likely to do that again.

Tip 7: Buy-In

For those of you with families at home you need to get those people to buy into your goals too. If you let those around you know what you're on a mission to achieve, then they can help you along the way. It's easy to loved ones to treat you with alcohol if they think you've had a busy week. Just make sure you set the scene and get the buy-in from those around you who may push you off the metaphorical wagon.

I hope these tips and insights will be useful for you. It's all about commitment though, it will be absolutely useless to you unless you adopt some of the ideas and run with them. Remember, if you fail after three or four days, there is no wagon, you haven't fallen off, and therefore you just carry on with your plan as you set out. As you go you'll find it's more easy to stick to this because what you practice does become permanent.

For those of you who can listen, check out the podcast audio at the bottom of this and enjoy. But do remember do not listen to this part any time you're driving, operating any machinery, or at any other time you need to remain fully alert for you wake. So only listen to this podcast hypnotherapy part if you're in a safe and comfortable place to do so.

Direct download: 127_-_Control_The_Amount_of_Alcohol_You_Drink.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:43pm GMT

This is session number 126 of the Absolute Mind podcast and this session is all about finding your happy. For so many happiness eludes them, in this show I'll share some tips and insights into happiness and how you can apply them.

Surely, happiness needs to be everyone's number one biggest goal. Because if you're able to achieve happiness, then nothing else matters. Is an interesting though, that so many people seem to value things like success, recognition, outcomes, and even financial recognition over happiness?

This podcast I'm going to go through several principles and proven ideas that could allow you to feel more happy, more often.

Tip 1: Find your uniqueness!

This has to be first and foremost because I believe that different things make different people happy. Therefore it's absolute paramount you discover what it is that you so desire that will allow you to feel happy. Think about it for a moment but don't pay any attention to what you think others might feel, or judge about what you uniquely feel would make you happy. This really is personal and has opposed the irony of this podcast is that if it's personal, how is it possible that I can view any tips? haha

Tip 2: Goals

When you decide what it is that would make you happy, you then need to make a plan of how you will achieve those goals. Goal setting is also another way that the science shows us that we can begin to feel more happy once with achieve those goals, albeit for a short period afterwards. But really think about this, what is your plan look like, what you need to do to make yourself happy, what's standing in your way of happiness?

Tip 3: Only the lonely

The science also tells us that people who surround ourselves with other people, who are said to be achieving and happy will also be happy. So think about who you surround yourself with, what are they like, what is their state like? another way I like to think of this is imagine you're like a magnet and you're going to begin to absorb the energy of those around you, are those people close to you the kind of energy is that you need to feel happy?

Tip 4: Ability to change direction

Life isn’t clear. Things don’t always go to plan. So why don’t we plan to things not being clear and not going the way we want to? Most of us find happiness when we achieve the things that we want, and get what we desire. But life gets in the way so the present and always keep in mind that you may need to change direction. Don't find yourself mulling over the negativity of what's been delivered. Embrace the change set a new goal and work towards achieving it.

Tip 5: Bookmark your day

Bookmarking your day really means starting your day and finishing your day with very clear points and intentions. I cover this more in the influence psychology and persuasion podcast, but in a nutshell you need to ask yourself certain questions at the end of every night that direct your attention to what you've achieved. Questions like, what I done today, what I learned today, who has impacted me positively today, why am I better because of today? Questions like this will allow your brain to go and find answers which will be conducive to you feeling happy.

Morning questions are things like: what am I looking forward to much today? Who can I connected today? Whose happiness is going to impact me today? Really have a think to how you can bookmark your day to make yourself feel happier.

Tip 6: Treat yourself

The reason why mothers put their oxygen masks on themselves on a plane first, is because they are the most important person. This is why, you also need to treat yourself like the most important person and reward yourself and look after yourself as much as you can. That can be a treat, something nice, some time out for yourself to enjoy. A treat now and again will allow you to recharge your batteries and allow in more happiness.

Tip 7: Laugh

Who can write a post about happiness without including laughter? Not only is laughter contagious, but it also breeds happiness and humour. The first step here is to include things in your life that do make you laugh. Comedy films, being out with friends and generally anything that you find humorous. the next piece though is about finding humour in other situations where perhaps you would normally. We call this reframing in NLP terms and it really is about generating a humorous situation about an event that has happened to you. This will immediately allow you to feel differently about it.

Tip 8: Accept yourself

In order for all of the above to be helpful it needs to be built on a foundation of acceptance and worthiness. You need to feel that you are worthy of feeling happy. This is a block where some people feel stuck. Remember, you're the one in 1 billion creation who won the first race of your life, and you battled on to get a point were you listening to this now. It really is about learning to love and appreciate yourself and everything you do, will do and have done.

Without exception, happiness is just a feeling. Most people give themselves conditions about feeling certain ways. Like I'll feel happy when I have X or I’ll feel why when I've done Z.

And remember, people think that they want things in order to make them feel happy but actually all we really want are the feelings we think those things will bring us. But feelings always come from within, and you always able to create these whenever you need to. So don't make happiness conditional just feel happy now.

 

Direct download: 126_-_Find_your_happy__Tips_for_happiness.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:50pm GMT

This is session number 125 of the Absolute Mind Podcast and this show is all about overcoming fear associated with Public Speaking.

Public Speaking, also called (Glossophobia) is said to be the thing most people fear, it's so bad, public speaking ranks higher than dying in the top list of phobias. Wow.

Public speaking fear is complex, but the very first issue is the biggest. Whether petrified, nervous, anxious or even excited, non of these feeling are conducive to effective public speaking. But everyone, regardless of their experience will have some of these feelings before giving a speech.

Here are a list of just 5 of the reasons people struggle

1. Nerves

Everyone will feel then to some level. Expecting to feel nothing is not possible.

2. Judging you

Regardless of your audience, regardless of how many people you are addressing. you're just not that important that people will sit and judge you. Everyone is in their own world. Plus, would they want to address the worlds biggest phobia?

3. Performance

If you're nervous of public speaking you won't have been practicing much, this means you will most likely be worried if you are able to actually do it. But, they actually want you to do well.

4. Forgetting what to say

Can you imagine what it would be like to stand there in silence and not be able to get a single word out? The great news, no one knows what you were going to say anyway.

5. Imposter

People can feel like speaking isn't for them. "It's not my thing". Many, can see people speaking as a job, skill or natural talent. But it's only talking.

Let drop the reasons and excuses and get down to businesses.

5 Tips on improving at Public Speaking

  1. Be you
  2. This is for you, enjoy the process
  3. Ditch the caffeine and stimulants
  4. Slow down your pace
  5. Talk with feeling and passion.

 

 

Direct download: 125_-_Public_Speaking_Hypnosis_Masterclass.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:35pm GMT

This is session number 124 of the Absolute Mind podcast and this show is all about being lazy. This is something we can all feel like from time to time. But, for those of us who have this in a bad way. Life is hard.

Where to start with Laziness. The first thing is first. You get what you expect. If you think you are lazy, then, ta daa. you will be. It's impossible to hold a belief about yourself about being lazy, only to find you start to get more things done. We're not wired that way. Your expectation creates your reality.

So, in order for you to get past this, you have to give yourself a way out. This isn't talking positively to yourself, it isn't about positive affirmations. You're too clever for that the other voices will kick in and bring you right back down to level ground, quicker that you can say, "lazy butt".

It's about reasons and changes. These can and will act as a placebo. You see, if you decide as of Monday (all new things start on a Monday). That you will start to drink 2L of water per day, because that will give you more energy and allow you to become more productive. This is a way you can generate a new belief that is in line with popular beliefs so you'll probably find that agreeable.

Changes create changes. This means in order for you to make a sudden change, You, need to make a sudden change. the change you make doesn't need to be directly in relations to the desired change. Things like, cold or cooler showers are easy to do and make great "excuses/beliefs" to allow you to create other changes. Sayings like "since i've been doing X, i've found that Y".

We're hard wired to accept X and Y saying and beliefs. So, use this and create them.

Getting disturbed is a great motivator. Procrastination and laziness are symptoms of comfort. A strange saying but very true. Those who are "On the ball", use a belief held dear to them that keeps them pushing on. Top sports people keep pushing on because they decide once they are number one that a real world class number one would need to hold that title for several years to make it real. This keeps them pushing on. You see, it's nothing real, simply a story/reason that has the power.

Acknowledge and accept

This is another great way to just get stuff done. Don't fight it and question it. Simple acknowledge the lazy thinking and say "OK let's just get this done". Also, set yourself small targets but always hit or over achieve them. Think, if you ran 10k and felt tired, would YOU slow down or speed up on the final straight? Some of us take our foot off the gas. So, as I always say, practice makes permeant. Practice becoming a person who completes things.

The accept part of this is really useful too. The voices in our heads can be a real bummer. Don't get into a fight with them, they will win. always have and always will. When a lazy thoughts about yourself comes in, simply think, "Up to know I would have don't x behaviour, but now I simply do y. Don't go too elaborate though. Just make a small impact for now and build upon it.

Diet and exercise. Probably the worlds biggest paradox. If you eat highly nutritious foods, and exercise, you'll have more energy and motivation. Strange because calories are energy, but the wrong ones will sap our energy. Drink plenty of water and eat lots of good foods and notice how much better you begin to feel.

Direct download: 124_-_Extreme_Laziness_and_Procrastination.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:21pm GMT

This is session number 123 of the Absolute Mind podcast and this show is all about quitting smoking using hypnosis.

Using hypnosis to quit smoking is probably the 2nd most popular reason people enquire for 1-2-1 sessions.

In the past 20 years people all over the world have quit their lifelong smoking habit in only a few short hypnosis sessions. The results can seen very miraculous. But, there needs to be a strong desire to quit before you look to hypnosis as a real solution. Its there to offer you help and assistance and not "make you quit."

So, desire is the key, hypnosis is a tool to help you on your way.

There are several main reasons people decide to quit smoking. And as you may expect, there is a common theme.

The main reasons to become a non-smoker are as follows:

  • Health - the science is clear now. Smoking is super bad for our health. In the very early days of cigarettes. Smoking was shown to be sexy, smart, and even beneficial to our health. Damn those marketeers. Lol.
  • Money - 10, 20 and even 40 per day now means some smokers are spending over £7000 per year. Its amazing because this money would easily pay the lease on a brand new car. Plus a membership to a good gym and leave change for a 1 week family holiday.
  • Social - interestingly, smoking was taken up to be social. It was a habit people would do to feel a part of something. O, how times change. Now smokers feel anti-social. They are cast outside in any weathers to stand alone in lots to kill themselves. Smokers now feel like they are looked at for having such a dirty, smelly habit.
  • Family - So many parents accept for a short time that they have this habit. But when children start to see and notice whats happening. The need to set the standards kicks in. Parents want to be a role model to their children. This is also compounded by a sense of achievement.

Smokers can spend up to £7000 per year

As I suggested above hypnosis isn't this fix all solution. So, to get the best from this session i'd like you to grab a pen and paper and answer these few questions:

  • On a scale of 1-10 how much do you want to be a Nonsmoker?
  • In the context of becoming a Nonsmoker, what's important to you?
    What else?
    What else?
    What else?
  • What would happen if you don't give up smoking?
  • What will happen when you do?
  • Is there anything you might lose as a result of becoming a Nonsmoker?
  • Other than the health, money and social aspects. Why else is this your time to become a nonsmoker?
  • Is there any reason why you can't do this now?

Please do spend a few moment documenting this. Writing things down dramatically helps you achieve your goals.

Direct download: 123_-_Quitting_Smoking_With_Hypnosis.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:59pm GMT

This is session number 122 of the Absolute Mind Podcast and is the second one of 2017. I've already heard people say how fast this year is going. Scary, but true.

Another year has gone and as we all say, "that went fast". The older we get the faster the years seem to pass.

And as morbid as it seems we really only get one go at this. As technology increases we find ourselves living in a virtual world. Our social lives are becoming very anti social. We turn to screens before we think to turn to people. This is the world that's becoming real to us all. So what's the answer?

For the last few years you will have heard how Mindfulness is on the rise. The idea of mindfulness is simple to bring all of the benefits of meditation, simply to all. Mindfulness is a small practice of becoming the observer.

This very simple practice allows us back to the now. And as we all know the now is where we all are, and most importantly, where we should spend more time and gain all we can from this one and only live.

There are a few things I'd like to suggest now. These are merely ideas and take from them what you will.

5 Tips to live in the now

  • What you focus on increases! Whatever you are experiencing in your life now is a result of what you have been focussing on. It really is that simple. Focus becomes reality.
  • Feelings are perfectly safe, we have been having them for years. Don't let your mind race thinking about feelings, when real life is happening.
  • The quality of your life is related to the quality of questions are ask yourself. And, your questions create your focus.
  • Take 1. You plan your breakfast, travel times, bedtimes and TV schedule. So how about planning your noticing time and being in the now.
  • No one ever dies from a snake bite, it's the venom inside that kills. Hate, envy, dislike, and other negative feelings towards someone or something is a certain way to take you into the vortex and away from the now.

It's surprising how a few minutes a day can impact your life.

When will you start to stop for a moment and notice all there is around?

The hypnosis part to this podcast can give you a step up into this world. Or, should I say your new world.

Direct download: 122_-_New_Year_Living_In_The_Now.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:38pm GMT

Welcome to session number 121 of the Absolute Mind Podcast. This is the first of 2017 and its only right we start off with the most topical subject. Weight Loss. This is without a doubt the biggest new year's resolution this year as it is every year. People all over the world will be setting themselves goals to get the body of their dreams. Well, at least lose a few pounds and get into those old clothes. So why if weight loss is so important do so many people fail in their diet attempts.

Well, I certainly won’t be answering that question because that really is the million dollar question. But, I certainly can help give you some hints and tips of why weight loss is so difficult and perhaps what you can do in order to stack the odds in your favour.

Let’s have a look at some of the reasons and why, and what we can do about them.

Direct download: 121_5_Weight_Loss_Tips_for_2017.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:05pm GMT

OK don't shoot the messenger just yet. I'm about to tell you depression may not actually be real.

Let me add some more clarity to this seemingly ridiculous statement. Being depressed is real and is detrimental to anyone. But, having depression isn't real. This paradigm is also really helpful if you are dealing with times of depression.

From a Psychological point of view have a think about the difference between, feeling depressed and having depression? If you have depression it somehow seems more fixed and something that you own, but being depressed has an element of temporary to it. You can be too cold, you can be too hot and we all know that its not a permanent thing.

If you are have depression, how do you not have it? We are wired to understand how to gain and lose things. If we want to not have something, how do we rid ourselves of it?  We have to sell it, lose it, transfer the rights to it and so on. And I bet my bottom dollar you'd struggle to find a buyer for your depression!

So, the first and most important step of depression is the right label. From now on you don't have depression, you simply feel depressed. And you most definitely don't label it as yours. Its not your depression, you just feel depressed.

Exercise:
The thought of getting up and exercising when you're feeling depressed and down seems like a bridge too far. But the science is simple and there is no conflicting studies that show exercise to be detrimental. It's a clear winner, exercising and moving your body dramatically changes the way you feel. Is not some mystical magical way that it just makes you feel better, chemically you change wherever you exercise, sweat, endorphins, movement, motion and exertion all allow your body to chemically change for the better. After all this is what we're trying to do when taking antidepressant type drugs. Were looking to alter a chemical in balance. The thing is, your body is a factory which creates chemicals but sometimes that factory to shake up, and exercise is exactly what needs to be done.

Don't panic and think you need to start running marathons every week, because that certainly won't help. But walking 2 to 3 times a day if you normally sedentary, and like exercise to 3 times a week we move your entire body workup a sweat have your heart• rate pumping and push muscles to create that chemical shift.

Spend a few moments to do research on how exercising your body will dramatically change the way you feel and also the way you look.

Contrast showers! I case you're feeling down and feeling depressed sometimes all we need is a warm blanket, a warm cuddle and somewhere cosy to sit. But the science tells us opposite. Contrast showers are a method whereby you have a warm shower as normal, and then you'll switch that warm water to cold, cool your body down for a minute or two, and just when you become used to it increased tempter back to warm again for a few minutes and then back down cold.

This seems like absolute torture and this doesn't work because comparatively is the worst thing that ever happened to you so whatever you are depressed about seems insignificant, it works in the same way as exercise. Cold bursts have the ability to optimise our hormones and chemicals very quickly. It also changes fat composition and allows body to burn more fat as fuel and increase our metabolism.

Pop over to Dr Google lol and have a hunt around about the benefits of contract showers and you may be surprised to find that the things you feel you don't want actually could help you in so many ways.

Diet and water! There's a pattern emerging here I keep talking about hormones, and chemicals. And the fact that your body is a factory that can create those hormones and chemicals to balance the environment that its in. Means that you need to provide it with all of the tools and materials it needs to do the job in hand.

Foods that are inflammatory, foods that cause insulin spikes, foods that dramatically change moods are certainly not something that we beneficial if you're feeling depressed. But isn't it strange that we seem to dive for those foods whenever we do feel low the foods that make us feel the worst tend to have the strongest impact on the chemical imbalance within our body, they can dramatically spike our emotions and feelings albeit temporarily which is why we strive for them whenever we are feeling low and depressed.

Again, it's all about breaking the cycle, providing your body with all the foods nutrients and vitamins that it needs from wholefood sources is a proven scientific way to help begin the battle the feelings of depression.

Water, your body is pretty much made of the stuff, the grey matter that we talk about is nearly all water. So which thing happens when the dehydrated? Studies have shown that even dehydration can dramatically affect the way we function cognitively. Need to make sure that you get in the right amount of water every single day if you do feel depressed and low. Let's face it, water is around us and its abundant. We're pretty much made of the stuff, and without it we would perish. However most of us don't realise the effects that simply drinking not enough has.

The sunshine vitamin D3 the body needs vitamin D3 in order to function. We pretty much only get the desired amounts of vitamin D3 when we have some exposure and light exposure directly onto our skin. Vitamin D3 is actually a hormone, it's made when the sun hits the skin and that's converted to vitamin D3 which body needs so many functions especially cognitive functions and growth. Vitamin D3 is also responsible for a number of hormonal interactions and therefore, if you're staying indoors because you're feeling low, there is a chance you're feeling low because you're staying indoors. Thankfully, supplementation of vitamin D3 has become very simple due to the studies and growth in knowledge and understanding about D3 over the past 10 or so years. During the winter months I personally take 2500 IU per day, and then during the summer months I'd make sure I get plenty of sun and plenty of daylight on my skin on my body. It's by no coincidence that we do feel better while we are on holiday basking in the sun. Have a chat to your doctor about supplementation with vitamin D3, the effects can be noticed very quickly and it said that in cooler countries, D3 supplementation is essential.

Have you ever had a gut feeling? so, if you know about depression and being depressed, your problem of heard the word serotonin. Serotonin is known as the happy hormone. And as this post seems to be largely about hormones and chemicals in the brain where do you think serotonin lives largely within the body? What actually I've got a gut feeling you don't know the answer to this. Serotonin largely resides and is made within the gut. That's right, not the brain, your happy hormone is made within your digestive tract. Now they can see the importance of consuming the right water and foods moving your body because we know that movement helps the digestive tract too. So if your gut is healthy and happy you are a great path to ensuring that depression is a thing of the past for you!

 

Direct download: 120_-_6_Things_You_Need_To_Understand_About_Depression.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:38pm GMT

This is episode number 119 of the absolute my podcast and this podcast is all about meditation and mindfulness. And how spending some time on these will actually give you more time back.

There are so many reasons why meditation on mindfulness should be incorporated into your daily life. Not only will the time invested be repaid back in many more ways, but you also begin to feel differently to.

There are so me celebrities, and people within the public eye who initially didn't think that mindfulness or meditation would be for them. But once they tried it, they realised that not only is it simple to adopt, but it's not a case of whether it's for you or not, mindfulness meditation has a place in everybody's life, and it's absolutely worth adopting into yours.

In this episode I give two examples of mindfulness meditation is for you to begin to adopt into your daily routine. The first one is just over a minute long so you really do have no excuses. lol

The second is a bit longer, however it's a nice simple process to you to begin to follow and please don't get hung up on any of the details. All that matters here is that you are spending time thinking about a limited thought process and relaxing at the same time.

Please do keep us posted how you're getting on, would love to hear all your feedback at @absoluteminduk on Facebook.

Remember, if you are serious about weight loss and would like to find out if hypnosis could be for you, check out the podcast offer at http://www.absolutemind.co.uk/offer for over 90% off a 10 session hypnosis weight loss package.

Direct download: 119_-_Meditation_and_Mindfulness_-_Spending_time_to_make_time.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:05pm GMT

Hypnosis for fertility. Really?

Naturally, as a hypnotherapist, I really regard hypnosis as a serious treatment for infertility in many cases.

Some would go as far as saying hypnosis can complete cure infertility regardless of the reason. For me personally, I find that too much of a stretch to contemplate at the moment.

The first question I get asked, is how can hypnosis really help improve fertility?

The first angle to this is simple. Extreme stress and anxiety makes it very difficult to fall pregnant. Let's face it, the body is clever enough to realise that if it's busy fighting extreme stresses and anxious situations that it's probably best that a new life is brought into that. So simply put hypnosis is amazing at producing relaxation and calming the central nervous system, this in turn reduces anxiety and overall levels of stress. This gets rid of one of the reasons people struggle to fall pregnant, stress.

Direct download: 118_-_Hypnosis_for_Fertility.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:51pm GMT

Probably one of the most embarrassing times in any man's life. Suffering with erectile dysfunction is no laughing matter, however, it does seem to be a problem that most men will face at some point during their lifetime.

Suffering with erectile dysfunction is more than just a physical issue, it massively mental effects the person too. And if the man who is suffering is a relationship, then it will definitely have a detrimental effect on the other person also, we can't help ourselves, and it would only be natural for the partner to begin to blame themselves too.

There are quite a few things that you need to know about erectile dysfunction. First and foremost, erectile dysfunction is largely based psychosomatic condition. Thus dealing with the temporary psychological parts as well as attending to the physical connection is absolutely imperative.

Direct download: 117_-_Erectile_Dysfunction.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:47pm GMT

Nailbiting is one of those habits that can affect your life in so many areas. If you're sat at home watching TV biting your nails on your own then fill your boots and chomp away. After all, the only real side-effect there is grotty picked looking nails and sore nail beds.

But, for those people who bite their nails while they're out on dates, during meetings at work, standing in line in the shopping centre, nail-biting can become a real big problem.

This isn't necessarily factually correct, but I bet most people have bitten their nails at some point in their life, is quite a functional thing to do, a quick chomp on and it and we can have that extra long nail back down to size in no time at all. But when you bite your nails every single day, and they sore and you are aware that your fingers are always in your mouth then this seemingly small habit needs to change.

 

Direct download: 116_-_Stopping_Biting_Your_Nails.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:43pm GMT

The world loves coffee. It's amazing how popular coffee has become. Coffee is the most popular drink worldwide and around two billion cups are drunk every day. 

Are you a coffee addict? Is it time you feel like you again but without the help of coffee. Do you even remember when you were last caffeine free for a 2/3 weeks or more?

Caffeine withdrawal symptoms are real and the process can be very challenging. This hypnosis audio can be a companion on your journey to be caffeine free. 

Using caffeine just to operate your day to day is a sure sign that things need to change. Once rid of caffeine, assuming you're medically and clinically fine. You will begin to feel more energised and vibrant. 

Resetting your internal chemicals and hormones is not a simple task, but it's very worthwhile once you come out of the other side.

Direct download: 115_Beating_Your_Caffeine_Addiction_Main.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:20pm GMT

Welcome to podcast 114 covering insomnia and sleep problems. Did you know that a lack of sleep can cause many problems not only to your mental state but to your physical health too? Insomnia is one of the biggest issues we deal with in our practice with 1-2-1 sessions and we have helped many clients overcome this issue with techniques you can do easily yourself allowing you to gain control over your sleep patterns.

AMAZING OFFER CHECK OUT THE SLEEP PLAN www.absolutemind.co.uk/sleep

With easy techniques and hypnosis, you can begin to sleep better and feel refreshed every morning ready to take on the world head on!

The podcast cover a hypnosis session as always but to allow us to offer you some real value we have also compiled a package for you to purchase which gives you 2 x hypnosis session both with binaural background tracks, 2 x mindfulness tracks, a 10 step actionable plan for the best possible chance of a great nights sleep.

You can see this sleep plan here www.absolutemind.co.uk/sleep

 

 

Direct download: 114_Better_Sleep_Insomnia_Hypnosis.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:15pm GMT

As you all know were over 110 shows and downloaded all over the world, which is amazing. But we know we're aren't offering the value we want to be. Hypnosis can only be so effective in isolation, and over the years me and Paula have accumulated 1000's of hours or 1-2-1 therapy sessions and now is the time for us to offer you more value.

This session also has a relaxation audio which starts at 11.00 minutes into the audio.

Keep posted for the new offers and the new podcast all upcoming.

Remember, Do not listen to this podcast anytime you're driving, operating machinery or any other time you need to remain fully alert and awake.

Direct download: 113_Bonus_-_Whats_New_and_Whats_Coming_from_Absolute_Mind.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:42pm GMT

Today's podcast has been requested and it is all about being more mindful avoiding wasted time on mobile phones and social media. I have included a mindful meditation session at the end. This is based upon a process called Halalau and is a Hawaiian practice.

What Todays Podcast Will Cover

  • What is Mindfulness
  • Dealing with Weapons of mass distraction
  • Understanding
  • Changing mindset towards taking time out
  • Meditation

Thanks For Listening

Many thanks for downloading today's podcast, if you would like to suggest or recommend a topic then please feel free to contact me through this website, twitter or Facebook the links to the pages are at the top and bottom of this webpage.

Direct download: 112_-_Be_Mindful_And_Remove_The_Need_For_Social_Media_And_Phones.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:12pm GMT

Today's podcast has been requested and it is all about stress. How we can deal with it, what its really is and why does it cause so many issues. 

What Todays Podcast Will Cover

  • What is stress
  • Dealing with stress
  • Understanding
  • Changing mindset towards stress
  • Hypnosis

Thanks For Listening

Many thanks for downloading today's podcast, if you would like to suggest or recommend a topic then please feel free to contact me through this website, twitter or Facebook the links to the pages are at the top and bottom of this webpage.

Direct download: 111_-_Stress_and_what_we_can_do_about_it.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:50pm GMT

I'm.... We're back!

I really do need to start by saying Thank you all so much for your continued support. The podcast has been increasing in downloads month on month even though I have not been providing you all with fresh and new content.

I explained last May that I was waiting for the birth of our baby girl. Since then, as you can imagine, life has been busy, busy, busy. But I have loved every minute of it so far.

My days are now spent with my little baby girl "Daisy" and on a Monday, I have the full day doing 1-2-1 therapy sessions. She goes to nursery and it's so cute to think she's getting new friends and experiences. I think I find it harder than her but at 9 months old I know this will help with separation anxiety and being with others. My "Step Kids"I hate that terms but its the simplest way to explain it, who are now 6 (twins)! Went to nursery from 9 months too and they are so well balanced and play well with others, so I hope history can repeat itself. Or I hope even more that this was actually something to do with their progress. LOL.

It's been nearly 10 months since the last show, and as well as having baby brain I have also battled with my own image. Those of you who know my story know I was 6 stone heavier than my "ideal weight" in my younger years and I had just managed to lose that before `I then got pregnant.

I know I should know better by my mind ran with thoughts of what if I can't get my shape back! I wasn't after perfection or wasn't overly obsessing, but I did want to prove to myself that being fat and having a baby, looking after twins and running a therapy business didn't mean that I couldn't look the way I wanted too. This has sparked a new fire inside me.

My passion now is not only helping people with Hypnosis and coaching, but I want to be more specific than that. I now want to help people who have been overweight for long periods, who don't have the right advice, will power or plan to get to their ideal body size. And, mums who have lost their way and want to get back to them again. Fat Girl Fit Mum is coming very soon.

Direct download: 110-_Im_or_Were_Back_-_Absolute_Mind_Podcast_Is_Back_For_You.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:34pm GMT

Todays podcast is one that I have decided to re visit, weight is a big issue across the globe these days and it was a programme all about sugar that I recently watched that has made me want to go back to this. Find out some tips to help you getting started losing weight and continue with hypnosis for longer results.

Direct download: 108-_Losing_Weight_With_Hypnosis_new.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:33am GMT

Todays episode is a requested subject through Twitter. In this episode I discuss what bipolar is and the mood swings bipolar sufferers experience. I will discuss some basic ways of helping you to cope with such mood swings to enable to to continue life much happier and in control.

Direct download: 107-_Coping_With_Mania_Bipolar_Mood_Swings.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:50am GMT

Todays podcast is another requested topic through Twitter. Today I discuss dealing with being diagnosed with a chronic illness, what emotions to expect and the possibility of losing friendships/relationships.

Direct download: 106-_Dealing_With_A_Chronic_Illness_Diagnoses_.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am GMT

Todays podcast is this weeks requested podcast. I have been asked to cover impulsive racing thoughts. In this podcast I discuss the cause of these, the types of thoughts you may have and how to overcome them to make your life that little bit easier.

Direct download: 105-_Overcome_Racing_Impulsive_Thoughts_.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am GMT

This weeks requested podcast came from Twitter and it was requested that I discuss all about speaking confidently in groups of people. Today I give you some tips and techniques to help you to speak confidently and clearly when standing in front of a larger group.

Direct download: 104-_Speaking_Confidently_.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:43am GMT

Todays podcasts is another requested podcast in which I will be covering excessive drinking, using alcohol to cope and how to rid yourself of that demon that tells you to continue drinking.

Direct download: 103-_Stop_Excessive_Drinking_.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:00am GMT

Todays podcast is the second week of requested podcasts and the discussion is about grief. I have covered this in a previous podcast but wanted to go back over the stages to help you understand them a little more. 

Direct download: 102-_Understanding_And_Overcoming_The_Stages_Of_Grief_.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:35am GMT

Todays podcast is the first of the requested podcasts. This request was about abandonment and how to over come those feelings of rejection by the one you love.

 

Direct download: 101-_Dealing_With_Abandonment_.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am GMT

Todays Podcast is the final instalment on the regular daily podcasts, today I re visit the importance of letting go of issues for a happier life. 

Direct download: 100-_Letting_Go_Of_An_Issue_.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:39pm GMT

Todays podcast is a recap on relaxation techniques to help you when trying to sleep. Learn about Buddha Belly Breathing and how I relax myself for a good night sleep.

Direct download: 99-_Relaxation_Recap_.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:56pm GMT

Todays podcast is this weeks fifth instalment on the discussion of anorexia. Today I discuss how to help a loved one stay on track during their treatment for anorexia.

Direct download: 98-_Staying_On_Track_When_Getting_Help_For_Anorexia.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am GMT

Todays podcast is this weeks fourth instalment on the discussion around anorexia. Today I discuss the treatments that are available for people suffering from anorexia to help you understand more of what treatment will involve.

Direct download: 97-_Treating_Anorexia.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am GMT

Todays podcast is this weeks third instalment on the discussion around anorexia. Today I discuss how to help somebody who is suffering with anorexia, as a family member or friend it can be difficult to know where to start.

Direct download: 96-_Helping_Somebody_With_Anorexia.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:46pm GMT

Todays podcast is this weeks second instalment on the discussion of anorexia. Today I discuss the causes of anorexia and how it takes a hold of a sufferers life.

Direct download: 95-_Causes_Of_Anorexia.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:24pm GMT

Todays podcasts is this weeks first instalment on the discussion around Anorexia. Anorexia can quickly ruin a healthy persons life and feel like it has taken control. Find out how to recognise if you have the signs of anorexia or if somebody you care about has the signs.

Direct download: 94-_Recognising_Anorexia.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:40pm GMT

Todays podcast is the final instalment on the discussion of OCD tendencies. Today I discuss the OCD type known as intrusive thoughts to help you decide if you have a problem with your thoughts and define if you require further help. 

Direct download: 93-_Intrusive_Thoughts_OCD_.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:08pm GMT

Todays episode is this weeks third instalment on the discussion of OCD. Today I discuss the obsession of hand washing and help you to define if you're washing too much.

 

Direct download: 92_Hand_Washing_OCD_.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:13pm GMT

odays podcast is this weeks second instalment on the discussion around OCD. Today I discuss the signs to look out for to determine whether you have OCD.

Direct download: 91-_Signs_You_May_Have_OCD.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:26pm GMT

Todays episode is this weeks first instalment on the weeks discussion around OCD (obsessive Compulsive Disorder) Today i discuss the differences between an actual OCD and a habit.

Direct download: 90-_Understanding_What_OCD_Is.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:45pm GMT