Feeling down? Blame the weather! How people’s moods are affected by the seasons.

Have you been experiencing mood swings lately, or feeling a little bit out of sorts?

Feeling a little bit down is normal and usually picks up after a much needed cup of tea and a chat with friends.

However, some people report serious mood swings depending on the time of year.

There has been a lot in the papers recently about how people feel differently at different times of the year.

I have heard from people who feel very down and depressed when it’s dark and cold during winter. Their mood usually picks up again in time for summer. Some people report feeling very tired and sluggish during summer, but alert during winter.

It’s all too easy when its miserable and cold outside to retreat into your home, cancel those plans and snack on a serotonin-boosting snack to lift your spirits; and even with an extra half an hour in bed you still find yourself feeling tired and sleepy-headed.

Some people have even resorted to buying expensive light boxes in order to get some much needed vitamin D on dark, cold days.

Known as Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, experiencing mood swings is becomingly increasingly common, yet not much coverage has really been done on the phenomenon.

Many people are turning to hypnotherapy in order to manage their symptoms-it’s safe, and works by putting you into a state of deep relaxation, allowing you to visualise feeling happier, healthier and more balanced!

This is becoming a much more viable alternative for people who don’t like the thought of lots of medication or counselling.

With hypnotherapy, you are relaxed, and able to visualise a happier future for yourself, and manage your symptoms.

To find out more on how my hypnotherapy sessions can help you manage your seasonal mood swings, drop me an email on my email address.

Sheila x 

Jetting off? Overcome your fear of flying

Have you still got a holiday to look forward to this year?

Left right and centre it seems people are packing their suitcases and jetting off for a much needed dose of sun and sand.

However, there are many people who come to dread holiday season.

A fear of flying is becoming more and more commonplace these days, as long distance travel becomes easier and more accessible. I have spoken to people who say they are so frightened of flying they can’t sleep the night before they fly, and become a nuisance to other passengers with their nervous behaviour.

I have had reports of people spending a small fortune on dubious sounding ‘quick fix’ courses, sleeping tablets to take during the flight, and even missing their holiday altogether out of fear.

Hypnotherapy is an ideal solution to help people overcome their fear of flying. There is nothing unusual or magic about it, really! People are placed into a state of deep relaxation, where they can help themselves to focus and think about a situation that would normally cause fear or anxiety.

This method allows people to face their fear of flying safely, while still in control-people have told me hypnotherapy is a much better option than taking strong medications with side effects, or simply trying to ‘grin and bear it.’ On the day of their flight.

The number of hypnotherapy sessions needed can vary depending on the person, and the level of their phobia. I have seen people have just one session and be able to board a plane the week after with no worries, while for others it can take further sessions until they can face a flight.

If you are interested in finding out how hypnotherapy can help you face your fears, don’t hesitate to drop me a line on my email address or browse my website.

Sheila x

Too late to shape up for summer? NEVER!

Summer is finally here, and yes it will probably be gone before you can say BBQ, but that doesn't mean you still can't kick those bad habits that you've been promising to do since January. 

When the days are long, dark and cold, it’s all too easy to munch on that extra biscuit for a much needed sugar fix, wear extra layers and stay warm on the sofa instead of donning trainers and going for a walk in the fresh air.

Staying in and popping the telly on seems a much better idea than getting out and about with friends, and it can be easy to become isolated.

Summer is the wake up call many people need to start getting back to their healthier, happier lives and getting rid of those bad habits!

By following my basic tips for banishing the blues, you can claim back your body confidence and back into that bikini before you know it!

1.    Practise mindfulness. Start off by making small goals. They can be anything-fitting in a twenty minute walk on your lunch break, or trying something new for tea. Ticking off those you achieved on an evening bring a fantastic sense of achievement.

2.    Get healthy: Winter is an excuse for a binge-when the weather is miserable and dark, we crave carby, sugary food in order to boost our low moods. Start off by banishing those calorific snacks in favour of healthier alternatives.

3.    Sleep it off: Make sure you are getting enough sleep! Going without our recommended eight hours can have all sorts of effects on us long term, including irritability, poor concentration and even a lower immune system!

4.    Talk it through: Has the long winter and busy holiday season left you feeling a little bit flat? There’s nothing like making fun plans and chatting through any problems you have with friends. In fact, regular interaction with others has been proven to improve depression and boost self-esteem!

5.    5: Be Realistic: Many people start off with unrealistic expectations-the trick is to take small steps, be honest with yourself, and if in doubt seek more help!

If you are interested in finding out more on how my popular hypnotherapy sessions can help you achieve happiness and health, or to find out when my next seminars will be, don’t hesitate to drop me a line on my email!

Sheila x