We all have those quirks and habits that make us who we are. Whether it’s leaving the lights on, not closing cupboard doors (my particular pet hate), or singing off key along to the radio (guilty as charged), they’re part of our daily lives. But sometimes, our habits take a darker turn, becoming addictions that impact our well-being. The good news is, regardless of how deep-seated these habits or addictions may be, hypnotherapy offers a safe and effective path to change.
Breaking free from a bad habit starts with a commitment to change. It also requires patience and self-compassion. Life’s many responsibilities can bring anxiety and overwhelm, leading us to seek comfort in harmful behaviours. Over time, these behaviours become ingrained, forming habits or addictions that are tough to conquer without outside assistance.
Alcohol, sugar, nicotine, gambling and recreational drugs all trigger feelings of pleasure and reward by activating specific neural pathways in the brain. That bar of chocolate offers a momentary high, releasing chemicals that make us feel great. Gradually, our minds create a pattern, and whenever stress or frustration strikes, the mind signals “chocolate.” With repetition, this behaviour turns into a habit, and soon enough, we’re reaching for several bars regardless of our emotional state.
Habits can also manifest as Body Focused Repetitive Behaviours such as nail biting, hair pulling, and jaw grinding. Initially, these behaviours may be attempts to alleviate anxiety, but they morph into irresistible urges, causing humiliation, anxiety, and a blow to self-esteem.
As a certified clinical hypnotherapist, I can help you identify the triggers that fuel your habits and initiate effective changes. Many find success by altering their environment, whether changing where they eat or work. Others might swap smoking for exercise or jaw grinding for a breathing exercise These can be initial steps, especially good, when you’re replacing with something which is much better for your health and well-being.
In our sessions, I employ solution-focused questioning to work with you in creating a plan to conquer your habit. Together, we set small, attainable goals to visualise your success. Through hypnosis, I tap into your subconscious mind, where habits reside. In your deeply relaxed state, you become more receptive to change, allowing us to reprogramme deeply ingrained behaviours. As you regain control over your life, you’ll experience increased calm and happiness. You’ll begin to envision the wonderful things you’ll do that naturally generate the same feelings of reward in your mind, gradually reducing the need for your original habit or addiction. This could be your realistic, and often relatively quick, path to sustainable freedom!