We all experience stress and anxiety at one time or another and although often related, they are different. Stress is your response to a threat in a given situation. Anxiety is a reaction to the stress.
Both can be beneficial in the right situation, but for many they can manifest as problem that needs to be addressed.
We all feel anxious from time to time and in some cases it can be beneficial. Anxiety can drive us to achieve our best, increase our awareness and protect us in certain dangerous situations. But, we are all different and each individual will see something in a different way. Some may worry about upcoming events such as an exam, driving test, interview or presentation, whilst others will look at it as a challenge and take it in their stride.
It is not necessarily the events in our lives that cause the anxiety, but the way we think about them which cause the problem. Anxiety can occur when we think negatively about the past, present or future. We can feel out of control and no longer ourselves, which is when our ability to enjoy life is then hindered.
Manifesting in many ways, anxiety is often instrumental in creating a low self-esteem or a lack of confidence; in addition to triggering other physical symptoms such as insomnia and fatigue, nail biting, skin disorders, sweating or irritable bowel syndrome. And, it is not unusual for it to also lead to OCD on subjects such as hygiene, body image, food behaviours and fear.
Anxiety is a normal response to the unknown, but think about the difference between anxiety and excitement. Many are surprised that the only difference is the story you tell yourself about the event in focus. Excitement is a positive view of the event and anxiety the negative.
In both cases our brains are preparing us to run from unexpected future. Fuelling us with adrenaline and stress hormones. We need this part of our brain for our survival; but must understand that sometimes it gets it wrong and can become irrational by creating the same ‘fight or flight’ life-threatening response for everyday events.
But, what about ‘Stress’?
This is a word that is readily used to describe lives that are pressured and controlled by external factors. And, prolonged stress can cause responses similar to those associated with anxiety, manifesting itself both physically and mentally.
As with anxiety, a little stress can be a good thing, but long term stress is bad for both your health and wellbeing. Ongoing, chronic stress can cause damage physically, emotionally and psychologically and build up to make day to day lives seem impossible.
For most of us, fully removing the stress and anxiety from our everyday lives is just not possible. So, how we manage it is key and this is where working with a skilled hypnotherapist can help. As you are shown how to recognise and understand your unique responses, you will also discover how to apply your own solutions to your problems through understanding and utilising personal hypnotherapy techniques for maximum effect. So, be empowered, regain your control and feel confident as you move forward in the direction of your choice with clarity.
Each journey starts with one small step… If you would like to talk through how I may be able to help you, or a loved one, please contact me for a free initial chat by phone on 07909 951338, or email at holly@hollystonehypnotherapy.co.uk .
Holly Stone Hypnotherapy, working towards your preferred future with you in mind.
