Life is busy, filled with deadlines, commitments and must-dos. Even if we thrive on living at such a fast pace of life, the constant state of physical and mental high alert that results can take its toll on our minds and bodies, influencing how we feel, what we think and, ultimately, how we behave.

Stress, in the form of pressure, can be useful. It can focus the mind, improve motivation and, ultimately, lead to goal attainment. In this positive light it tends to be referred to as ‘ustress’. But, excessive pressure over prolonged periods of time can lead to stress and feelings of distress.

Individual’s body responses to stress/pressure (the fight and flight response) tend to vary, but typically people are left feeling physically tense, unable to sleep or unwind, out of control, feeling helpless, unable to cope and vulnerable to ill-health. Often emotions, perceptions of self-confidence and feelings of self-worth are also negatively affected, ultimately influencing choices and behaviour. Ability to work, relationships and quality of life in general tend to be impaired.

Relaxation is nature’s great restorer. By simply relaxing, we can go a long way towards counteracting the negative side effects of our hectic lives. Whether feeling stressed, under pressure, tense or tired, or simply in need of a bit of luxury, we could all benefit from allowing ourselves to relax more.

Relaxation hypnosis is a fast, effective and enduring way of achieving all the physical, emotional and cognitive benefits of deep relaxation .

Generally speaking, hypnosis, as used within clinical hypnotherapy, involves the induction of a deeply relaxed physical and mental state, a state in which the critical faculties of the mind are temporarily suspended. But relaxation hypnosis goes that little bit further. It focuses exclusively on counteracting those negative physical, emotional and cognitive side effects of worry, stress and tension.

Relaxation hypnosis uses positive suggestion to progressively relax the physical body, encouraging waves of warm comfort to flow through the body, soothing, smoothing, releasing and relieving tired, tight muscles; relaxing the body from head to toe.

Direct positive suggestions guide the body’s internal mechanisms to effortlessly slow and regulate breathing and heart rate, to allow stress hormones to subside, body organs to work effectively, and to stimulate the body’s natural immune system.

Visual imagery is a vital part of the relaxation process. It encourages and deepens relaxation, using the power and creativity of the imagination to divert attention away from negative thinking, providing tranquil rest and sanctuary for the mind.

Beneficial post-hypnotic suggestions (constructive, often therapeutic suggestions given to a person whilst in a state of hypnosis , that are carried out post hypnosis) are also made, for remaining calm, peaceful and relaxed even after the relaxation hypnosis session is over.

Christine Woolfenden offers single 45 minute relaxation hypnosis sessions / ‘massages for the mind’, as well as more in-depth stress hypnotherapy treatment programmes spanning a number of sessions.

If looking for that perfect present for someone special, then why not buy a gift voucher and treat them to a wonderfully relaxing ‘mind massage ’; affordable, enjoyable and enduringly effective relaxation hypnosis.

Author's Bio: 

www.echelonassociates.co.uk conversion degree in Psychology at Oxford Brookes University - distinction

Diploma in Clinical Hypnosis (DCH) - distinction - Institute of Clinical Hypnosis (ICH), Kings College, London

Advanced Professional diploma in Hypnotherapy and Psychotherapy (DHP), ICH

Member of General Hypnotherapy Register (GHR), British Psychological Society (BPS), Associate of the ICH (AICH)