Stopping Smoking; Does It Have to be Hard?
When we have been doing something a long time, the idea of no longer doing it can seem daunting. How difficult we find stopping smoking largely comes down to mindset.
Wired For Breaks?
Most of us have probably heard of the Circadian Rhythm, a 24 hour cycle in the body which governs when we are asleep and when we are awake.
Giving a Wedding Speech
It is not unusual for someone to come to see me because they will be giving a wedding speech shortly.
The “Easy Speaking” Programme
The “Easy Speaking” programme is a unique 30-day programme. Approach public speaking with more comfort and ease and embrace the qualities of the speaker you want to be.
Do You Have to be an Extrovert to be a Good Speaker?
The short answer to that is a resounding ‘no’, in fact some claim that those deemed introverts are more likely to excel at public speaking.
What Is Hypnosis?
The terms “hypnosis” and “hypnotherapy” are often used interchangeably. Hypnosis is a state of awareness and is often also referred to as ‘trance’. Hypnotherapy refers to the use of therapeutic techniques whilst a person is in a hypnotic state.
Those Public Speaking Nerves
It's OK to have few nerves when you're speaking in front of an audience, the kind of ones you get because you want to do a good job, that little bit of adrenaline that gives you some momentum.
Making A Gentle Decision
Many years ago, I stopped smoking. No nicotine patches, no hypnotherapy, no group therapy, no Alan Carr programme or any other programme. I just decided one day that the following day would be the day.
The Chemicals of Stress
You probably already know that long-term stress can harm your health. The body is perfectly geared up to handle stress - of the short-term kind
Three Ways Stress Can Affect the Brain and What You Can Do About It
Whilst most of us have some understanding or indeed experience of the effects of stress on the body, we may have less knowledge of the effects of stress on the brain.
Flying Phobia and the Fear of Flying
Over the years that I have been working as a hypnotherapist, fear of flying has been one of the phobias I have treated most often.
Sleep, Relaxation, Hypnagogia
Some years ago, I used to teach short self-hypnosis courses - 2 hour sessions over 3 weeks. I taught people how to put themselves into a self-hypnotic state and how to use it to make the changes they wanted.
Do You Smoke to Take a Break?
There is an interesting phenomenon that is often attached to regular smoking. When someone comes to see me to stop smoking, it is often the case that when working, they will have a cigarette every couple of hours or so.
Today is National No Smoking Day
Nobody wants to be preached at and everyone has free will. It has to be the right time for you to stop smoking, the time when you feel ready and sick enough of it to want to stop.
3 Ways Sunlight Can Help You Sleep
The body has a set of biological rhythms that occur through a 24-hour period governed by what is known as the circadian rhythm. This governs the sleep/wake cycle.
Public Speaking - How Did I Do?
Being able to honestly assess oneself means not only that we can appreciate ourselves for what we have done well, but also that we can take away any learnings and use them to prepare for and execute our next performance.
Can Public Speaking Ever Be Enjoyable?
One of my hobbies is storytelling. It gives me great pleasure to take a myth or fable or short story and present it in my own way. It’s a meshing of creativity and public performance, of crafting and drawing in an audience.
Relaxation and Guided Imagery
Starting on Sunday 6th March, I will be running free monthly 30 minute relaxation sessions online. These will be largely sessions of guided imagery.
Sleep Self-help
Yesterday, I watched a TedX talk called “Trick Your Brain Into Falling Asleep“. In it, a musician (drummer) and educator named Jim Donovan tells his story of extreme anxiety that saw him taken to hospital.