Tag: anxiety

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STOP Anxiety: 3 Simple Steps

Stress: The Good, The Bad and the Ugly

Anxiety the Good, the Bad and the UGLY

Anxiety can be a normal part of life. In the short term, stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol can be helpful. For example, you may have felt anxiety before a deadline or in a job interview. Anxiety can help you overcome fears and obstacles by increasing your heart rate, focus, and concentration. These stress hormones are designed to be in the body for a short time to keep us safe, not to persist long-term.

However, when anxiety becomes too intense or lasts too long, persistent exposure to these stress hormones can have devastating effects on our physical and mental health.

Anxiety: The Bad

Persistent anxiety can lead to several negative effects on the body:

  • Sense of doom and difficulty concentrating
  • Panic attacks
  • Depression, including feelings of helplessness, loss of interest, and social withdrawal
  • Headaches due to constant worry
  • Irritability
  • Pounding heart and rapid, shallow breathing
  • Loss of libido
  • Upset stomach, nausea, and diarrhea
  • Extreme fatigue and sleep issues

Anxiety: The Ugly

Chronic exposure to stress hormones can worsen symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and depression, and lead to serious health problems affecting immunity, heart, and digestive systems.

High and prolonged levels of stress hormones reduce our immunity and ability to heal. It’s crucial to maintain relaxation and calmness to increase feel-good hormones like serotonin and dopamine, enhancing the body’s healing power.

Chronic anxiety can also lead to heart issues, high blood pressure, digestive problems, and IBS, placing significant stress on our heart and digestive systems.

Three Steps to Find Relief from Anxiety

Here are three steps to combat the negative effects of anxiety:

Step 1: Develop Body Awareness

Developing body awareness involves learning to recognize when our body is under stress. This may require practicing meditation or mindfulness to understand what relaxation feels like amidst stress symptoms. Recognizing stress signals allows us to take timely action.

Step 2: Take Deep, Slow Breaths

When anxiety strikes, immediately take slow, deep core breaths. Repeat as needed. This simple practice can provide instant relief from anxiety symptoms, preparing the mind and body for further steps. Why? Because our subconscious mind believes that it is impossible to be in a state of fear while breathing into your core. The simple act of breathing into your core, TRICKS mind and body that you are calm. You are literally taking back control of your life!

Step 3: Address the Source of Anxiety

Depending on the type of anxiety, consider walking away to a safe, calm space, taking a walk for clarity, or talking out the stress. Face the source of anxiety by asking questions like: What is causing this anxiety? What aspects can I control? Facing fears often diminishes anxiety.

Practice these steps and observe how they work for you. 

For more tips, check out my other blog:

“Five Steps to Stop the ‘What Ifs’”

“I’m passionate about helping people take control of their stress and anxiety. If you’re ready to explore how powerful hypnotherapy can be in overcoming these challenges—or any others—schedule your free 20-minute consultation using my online calendar. It’s the perfect way to discover if hypnotherapy is the right choice for you!”

https://tidycal.com/hypnosisbyart/15-minute-consultation-call

Art Breaking Day Hypnotherapy

Hi, I am Art Kuhns Owner of Breaking Day Hypnotherapy.

I am a certified Hypnotherapist from Hypnosis Motivation Institute (HMI) and a Reiki Master/ Teacher

My roots being in energy healing, I know that true healing is holistic. The healing must be Mind/Emotion, Body and Spiritual to be complete. My motto became, “Reiki Infused Hypnotherapy for your Ultimate Success”

I am members of these associations:

Toastmaster member since 2014 / currently officer of local club

International Certification Board for Clinical Hypnotherapists (ICBCH)

National Association of Transpersonal Hypnotherapist (NATH)

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Mindfulness & Hypnosis: The Dynamic Duo of Wellness

Discover the magic of hypnosis & mindfulness & explore the synergy between stress management, mindful living, & your inner healer to create wellness

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, our minds and bodies often find themselves out of sync, leading to stress, pain, and a weakened immune system. But fear not! There are powerful tools at our disposal to reestablish harmony between the mind and body. They include mindfulness and hypnosis, two of my favorites. Reiki is another favorite and that is for another blog.

Studies show this stuff works!

Extensive scientific research has explored the effectiveness of these two practices, yielding truly impressive results. Let’s dive into some key findings and consider practical ways to incorporate these techniques into our daily routines and boost our overall well-being.

Want to learn more about how to incorporate mindfulness and hypnosis into your life? You will want to check out my class….”Mindfulness & Hypnosis: Holistic Path to Wellness & Peace” April 24th at 6 pm – Centennial Park, Paso Robles

Click here to learn more about upcoming class

Who has Stress?

Stress is like a silent intruder, sneaking its way into our lives and wreaking havoc on both our mental and physical health. Mindfulness meditation has emerged as a potent antidote to stress, helping us cultivate a state of present-moment awareness and a state of calm even while we are experiencing storms of life. Studies have shown that regular mindfulness practice can lower levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, leading to reduced anxiety and improved mood. Cortisol isn’t good: check out more here: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress/art-20046037

Can one hypnotize themselves?

Hypnosis, with its ability to tap into the subconscious mind, offers another avenue for stress reduction. By guiding individuals into a deeply relaxed state or using self-hypnosis, you can help unravel the knots of tension stored in the body and reframe negative thought patterns that contribute to stress. [I have a quick, step by step, self-hypnosis at the end of the blog] You can also calm the storm by creating what you want to happen.  It is all about energy and intention.

Imagine a life with less pain

Pain is often a signal from the body that something is amiss, but it can also become chronic and debilitating. Mindfulness-based pain management techniques teach us to observe our sensations with curiosity and non-judgment, allowing us to develop a healthier relationship with pain. Research suggests that mindfulness can reduce the perception of pain by altering the way our brains process sensory information.

Relaxation promotes healing

Similarly, hypnosis has been shown to be effective in alleviating both acute and chronic pain. By tapping into the power of suggestion and visualization, hypnotherapy can help individuals change the way the brain registers pain, reducing the pain levels and promoting  relaxation in the body.

The dynamic duo of wellness

The mind-body connection runs deep, influencing not only our mental and physical well-being but also our immune system. Chronic stress weakens the immune response, making us more susceptible to illness. Mindfulness and hypnosis offer promising strategies for relaxation, bolstering our body’s defenses which creates an environment for our bodies to heal naturally. Relaxation promotes healing.  A body in stress heals very slowly.

Mindfulness increases resilience

Mindfulness practices have been linked to improvements in immune function, including increased activity of immune cells that help fight off infections. By fostering a sense of inner calm and resilience, mindfulness can help fortify our immune system against the onslaught of stressors.

Hypnosis increases wellness

Hypnosis, too, has been shown to kick start your immune system, with studies demonstrating improvements in immune markers following hypnotherapy sessions. By harnessing the power of the mind, hypnosis can help activate the body’s innate healing mechanisms and promote overall wellness.

How to get started

Now that we’ve explored the profound impact of mindfulness and hypnosis on the mind-body connection, how can we incorporate these practices into our daily lives?

Mindful meditation

Start by carving out a few minutes each day for mindfulness meditation or self-hypnosis. Set aside a quiet space where you can relax without distractions, and experiment with different techniques to find what resonates with you. Whether it’s focusing on your breath, practicing body scan meditations, or listening to guided hypnosis recordings, consistency is key.

Mindful activities

Additionally, look for opportunities to infuse mindfulness into your daily activities, such as mindful eating, walking, or even washing the dishes. By bringing a sense of presence and awareness to each moment, you can gradually cultivate a deeper connection between your mind and body.

Self-hypnosis in a nutshell

Entire books have been written on self-hypnosis and I have read several of them. I used to think self-hypnosis had to be difficult since so many pages were devoted to it. IT’S NOT DIFFICULT!

Easy Self-Hypnosis technique

1.Start with a simple mindful breathing meditation- focus on your breath for a few minutes and when you feel relaxed, 

2.Introduce an affirmation. I like a short affirmation that can be repeated easily. Begin repeating the affirmation over and over and then when you are ready, and you will know when that is.

3.Begin to imagine the affirmation in your life…As if it has already happened and begin to allow yourself to feel the emotion as if it is already in your life. 

4.Keep with the visual and the emotion for as long as you want. Longer the better.

That is self-hypnosis.  Try it!

In conclusion, by embracing mindfulness and hypnosis, we have the power to nurture a harmonious relationship between our mind and body, promoting overall health and well-being. So why wait? Start your journey towards healing and wholeness today!

Want to learn more about how to incorporate mindfulness and hypnosis into your life? You will want to check out my class….”Mindfulness & Hypnosis: Holistic Path to Wellness & Peace” April 24th at 6 pm – Centennial Park, Paso Robles

Click here for more information about Upcoming Class

Or Schedule your free 20 min consultation today:

Hi I am Art Kuhns Owner of Breaking Day Hypnotherapy.

I am a certified Hypnotherapist from Hypnosis Motivation Institute (HMI) and a Reiki Master/ Teacher

My roots being in energy healing, I know that true healing is holistic. The healing must be Mind/Emotion, Body and Spiritual to be complete. My motto became, “Reiki Infused Hypnotherapy for your Ultimate Success”

I look for ways to empower my clients, to find and unlock their own inner healer. Once this power is found and unleashed, a life of intention, awareness and harmony can unfold.  Reiki infused hypnosis enables the client to connect intuitively and heal holistically.

I am members of these associations:

  • International Certification Board for Clinical Hypnotherapists (ICBCH)
  • International Hypnosis Federation (HFI)
  • Toastmaster member since 2014 / currently president of local club

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3 Steps: Worry Less & Live With Confidence

3 Steps to Worry Less and Live Confidently

Life is a journey, filled with moments of joy and, at times, challenges that can leave us feeling overwhelmed. Worry and stress often sneak in, stealing our peace of mind and shaking our confidence. But here’s the good news—you can turn those daily worries into a lifestyle of calm and empowerment. I know. I used to be controlled by high general anxiety. Now, I use practical easy techniques that restore my peace, my confidence and my control in any situation.  

Here are three easy, actionable steps you can take to create a life filled with peace, confidence, and harmony.

First Technique: Cultivate Mindfulness and Present-Moment Awareness

Mindfulness is like a gentle pause button for life. Mindfulness is so powerful in my life.  It allows you to fully experience the present moment, free from judgment or worry. By practicing mindfulness, you can calm the mental chatter that often fuels stress and anxiety. Mindfulness is so easy and natural to use and only takes a moment to be effective.

Try This:

  • Mindful Breathing: Set aside just a few minutes daily to focus on your breath. Close your eyes, take a deep inhale through your nose, and into the core of your belly. Then exhale slowly. Then begin to breathe naturally. Feel the sensation of the air as it flows in and out. If your mind wanders (and it will!), gently guide it back to your breath without judgment.
  • Body Scan Meditation: Start from your toes and move slowly up to the top of your head, noticing areas of tension. With each exhale, imagine releasing any tightness or discomfort. When I first tried this, I was surprised at how much tension I’d been holding onto. Releasing it felt incredibly freeing.

I often practice these two steps together. With practice they can be done in moments. The benefits are amazing.

  • Gratitude Journal: Gratitude has a way of shifting our focus to life’s blessings. Before bed, jot down three things you’re grateful for. It’s a simple practice that rewires your brain for positivity and helps you fall asleep with a peaceful heart.

Second Technique: Use Positive Visualization and Self-Talk to Empower Yourself

Your thoughts shape your reality. What you tell yourself—those inner whispers—becomes the narrative of your life. By consciously replacing negative self-talk with supportive and uplifting messages, you can nurture peace and confidence from within. I love to use affirmations with visualization and emotion.

  • Positive Affirmations: Create affirmations that speak directly to your worries. For example, if you often feel anxious about making mistakes, try saying, “I got this!” “I can do this!” Repeat these affirmations as often as needed, out loud or silently, to reinforce their truth.
For more information on Affirmations: download my free Ebook, ‘Affirmation Equation for Success’
  • Visualization: Picture your ideal self—calm, confident, and capable. See yourself handling challenges with ease and grace. Then, ask yourself, How would this feel? Or like this, ‘if this positive visual scenario had an emotion or feeling, what would it be”? Allow that feeling to grow and blossom within you. Pair this visualization with an affirmation for an even more powerful impact.

I love using affirmations with positive visualization with emotion. These are my ‘go-to’ techniques to change any worry into an empowering awesome positive reality.

 Third Technique: Build Healthy Habits for a Stress-Free Life

True transformation comes from the habits we nurture daily. Incorporating healthy routines can support your journey toward a calm and confident life.

  • Regular Movement: Exercise isn’t just for the body—it’s a gift for your mind. Whether it’s a walk, yoga, or even gardening, find something you enjoy that keeps you moving. Physical activity releases endorphins, nature’s stress relievers.
  • Mindful Eating: Nourish your body with foods that support your well-being. Pay attention to what you eat, and avoid overloading on sugar or caffeine, which can heighten anxiety. Treat your body like it deserves the best—because it does.
  • Healthy Boundaries: Saying “no” is an act of self-care. Protect your energy by setting boundaries that honor your needs, whether it’s in relationships or at work. 

Remember

Change doesn’t happen overnight, and that’s okay. Be kind to yourself as you take these steps toward a more peaceful and confident life. Start small and stay consistent. Over time, you’ll notice those worries fading, replaced by a stronger, calmer, and more empowered version of you.

You’re not alone on this journey. If you ever feel stuck or want guidance, I’m here to help. Let’s walk this path together. 

Conclusion:

Breaking free from daily worry and stress is possible with consistent effort and a willingness to embrace positive change. By cultivating mindful awareness, shifting negative self-talk, and establishing healthy habits, you can transform your life into one characterized by peace and confidence. Remember that change takes time, so be patient and compassionate with yourself throughout this transformative journey. Start small, stay committed, and watch as your worries melt away, replaced by an empowered and serene version of yourself

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Art Kuhns Certified Hypnotherapist/ Hypnosis Instructor and Reiki Master/Teacher

My roots being in energy healing, I know that true healing is holistic. The healing must be Mind/Emotion, Body and Spiritual to be complete. My motto became, “Reiki Infused Hypnotherapy for your Ultimate Success”

I am members of these associations:

Toastmaster member since 2014 / currently officer of local club

International Certification Board for Clinical Hypnotherapists (ICBCH)

National Association of Transpersonal Hypnotherapist (NATH)