Anxiety Clinic Dublin

Category: Beauty

  • 10 benefits of a day off. What’s your favourite?

    Taking a day off from work or regular responsibilities can have several benefits for your overall well-being and productivity. Here are some of the key advantages:

    1. Rest and Relaxation: A day off provides an opportunity to recharge your energy and reduce stress levels. It allows you to step away from the demands of work and take time for yourself.
    2. Mental Health: Regular breaks and time off can positively impact your mental health. It can help prevent burnout, reduce feelings of overwhelm, and improve your mood.
    3. Physical Health: Taking a day off can give your body a chance to recover from physical strain and potential ailments related to stress and overwork.
    4. Increased Productivity: Paradoxically, taking time off can boost your productivity in the long run. It allows you to return to work feeling refreshed and more focused, potentially leading to higher-quality work and better problem-solving abilities.
    5. Enhanced Creativity: Stepping away from your routine can foster creativity and inspiration. Having new experiences and exploring different activities can stimulate your mind and lead to fresh ideas.
    6. Work-Life Balance: Taking regular days off is essential for maintaining a healthy work-life balance. It enables you to spend quality time with family and friends, pursue hobbies, and engage in activities you enjoy.
    7. Prevention of Burnout: When people overexert themselves without taking breaks, it can lead to burnout, which negatively affects their physical and mental health. Taking time off helps to prevent burnout and fosters long-term job satisfaction.
    8. Improved Relationships: Spending time away from work can strengthen relationships with family and friends. It allows you to be more present and engaged during your time off.
    9. Self-Care: Taking a day off is a form of self-care, which is crucial for maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
    10. Long-Term Health Benefits: Consistently taking days off and managing stress can have positive effects on your long-term health, reducing the risk of stress-related illnesses.

    Remember, the benefits of taking a day off can be maximized when you use your time intentionally. Engaging in activities that bring you joy, practicing mindfulness, and avoiding work-related tasks during your day off can help you reap the full advantages of this well-deserved break.

    So ditch the guilt and jump right in, you deserve it, go on treat yourself.

    Have a good one.

    David

    Contact

  • National survey reveals high rates of anxiety and depression

    Three in five people experience depression across the country while four in five experience anxiety, according to a recent survey.
    — Read on www.independent.ie/irish-news/national-survey-reveals-high-rates-of-anxiety-and-depression/a965429193.html

  • Spring blossom into action

    I love Spring
    I love cherry blossom trees
    Seeing the changes and growth in nature reminds me that we too can harness this change and growth.
    Immerse yourself in nature you’ll feel better for it.

  • Happy Saint Patrick’s Day

    Happy Saint Patrick’s day

    Wishing you all the best of luck today.

  • Morning reflections

    Pigeon on a river bridge

    We all need a bit of time to reflect what better time than now.

  • Is the Sun setting in on summer ?

    Setting sun bowing figure

    I like September.

    On an island with the Atlantic to the West and the Irish Sea to the east September brings in many changes. Not only the weather as who can tell the variables of such a potent force? But more than this for us as people. Our lives change back to the normal, back to the routine- school, work, commuting, and so on.

    Another year has passed, some people have gone, some have arrived , that unstoppable circle of life that the seasons only provide a marker to what time it is. The Sun’s casting shadow getting longer, if indeed you’re lucky enough to see it (remember it always shines above the clouds) as we tread further into our daily life.

    Like I said at the beginning I like September as it provides us with an opportunity to reflect on the summer gone, even the year that has passed but more importantly take notice of what’s going on now. A moment to plan for the winter ahead on how we are going to protect ourselves, physically from the elements and mentally from the stresses and anxieties of daily life.

    So as the sun sets on summer what are you going to do to protect yourself perhaps some of these tips will help:

    • Keep connecting with your family and friends
    • Get active, move more
    • Make time for yourself doing something that you want to do
    • Smile and be grateful for what and who you are
    • Take two minutes to be mindful (I can send you on my two minute sessions for you to try)

    Whatever it is you choose remember the sun is going to set anyway, your not alone, the seasons will come and go , we all go through it, but we can go through it together.

    For further information feel free to Contact me.

  • Good advice but only if you take take.

    Mind and body together

    Follow your heart but take your brain with you.

  • “When you arise in the morning, think of what a privilege it is to be alive, to think, to enjoy, to love.” – Marcus Aurelius

    Good morning feel good

  • Patience be a virtue we all have

    A person who is not being patient

    Somethings are better when you don’t force it.

    Why not try it you might just surprise yourself.

  • Working hard or getting the right thing done at the right time. What do you choose?

    Working with anxiety

    It’s a simple enough question, you would think. However are you feeling anxious just thinking about how to answer?

    We all assume that working hard is a good thing and many studies suggest that having a good work ethic enhances your motivation, discipline and encourages continuous skill set improvements.

    That may be true however at what cost?

    I encounter many hard working people at my anxiety clinic who despite putting in all the effort still feel anxious, stressed and a feeling of being overwhelmed.

    So what can be done to reduce these anxious feelings?

    Well let’s start by saying working hard is a good thing but in the right way at the right time. So continue to work hard but just enhance it by adding the following suggestions:

    1. Grade Tasks in level of importance : Focus your time and energy on what matters the most first and prioritise others accordingly.

    2. Be goal specific : Nothing new in this however don’t get hung up if they don’t work out. It’s the journey not the destination that matters.

    3. Utilise technology : Embrace the 21st Century’s technology. Such as: productivity apps, automated repetitive tasks and online resources

    4. Time Outs : Essential to recharge your batteries. Be guilt free and embrace your breaks. You will feel better for it.

    5. See the learning : There are no mistakes, only feedback, acknowledge it and use it to improve.

    By letting go of the feeling of having to do everything will give you the ability to get the right thing done at the right time. Do it, you might just surprise yourself.

    David McAllister anxietyclinicdublin.com

  • How is your New Year Resolutions going?

    It is the last week in January 2022 and I just want to ask if any of these sound familiar:

    New year resolutions

    ·         Lose weight

    ·         Stop smoking

    ·         To be happier and healthier

    ·         Spend more time on personal wellbeing

    New Year resolutions anyone?

    Above are some of the most common resolutions made every year, unfortunately over half of people will fail to achieve them.

    But that’s not you. Yes?

    You will succeed. Yes?

    So you made a plan, right?

    Using the SMART goal setting method, eh, well, maybe?

    It’s OK; I help people with these issues all the time, so you are not alone and sure feel free to contact me for any further information.

    Contact

    But for now let me help you with the SMART goal setting process.

    SMART stands for – Specific / Measurable / Achievable /Relevant/ Time related.

    For example you may set long-term outcome goals such as getting a ‘dream body’ or to be happier and, as a starting point, these sound like good goals.

    The problem is that the goal-setting process for many people stops there.

    People who develop action plans experience LESS ANXIETY, MORE CONFIDENCE and GREATER SATISFACTION about achieving their goals and are more likely to SUCCEED.

    Let’s take weight loss as an example. Saying I want to lose weight is a noble statement however by saying,” I want to lose 20lbs or 10 kg is more SPECIFIC.

    Then by adding, “…before my summer holidays” gives a chance to MEASURE the weight drop in stages.

    Next you have to ask yourself, “is it ACHIEVABLE”. How are you going to achieve this goal- coaching, diet, exercise, hypnosis?

    You need a balance of- challenging enough to keep you motivated, but not too hard as you might lose focus and experience feelings of anxiety and stress.

    (I use a specific analysis technique for weight management which I can gladly go through with you).

    The RELEVANT stage is very important as this is where you need to ask yourself, “Does this goal really matter to me?” The answer better be “YES”, but if there is no real internal motivation and desire to achieve it, you’ll probably fail.

    Finally setting a TIMELINE for when you want to achieve your goal is important.

    This is the part where you need to make use of setting goals that are both long and short term; our main goal may be 6-8 months away but by setting short term goals you will always have an upcoming goal to work towards. 

    Hopefully this has been helpful to you about both the importance of wanting to achieve your goal and how to go about it. Sure I am always available to help you start, maintain and achieve the goals you deserve.

    Best of Luck

    Hear to Listen – Here to Help

    David McAllister

    Contact

    0858435939

  • Feeling anxious about life going ‘back to normal’? 5 Top tips for managing the transition

    With the easing of restrictions and suggestions that we are closing in on the final chapters of the pandemic, there are numerous reasons to feel optimistic that we may soon return to a ‘normal life ’.

    Just imagine no face masks, no Covid tests and no more social distancing, sounds good , right?

    Taking off a Face mask

    However it’s understandable to feel nervous and anxious about this new transitional stage and the changes associated with it. Trust me you are not alone if you feel this way.

    Our minds and bodies have been on “Red Alert” for a long time now about protecting our health and any sudden changes to our behaviour may cause fear and confusion and an increased risk of social anxiety.

    We may feel that we are under scrutiny and overthink our interactions with others around us leading to even more anxious feelings.

    Here are my 5 top tips for coping with the easing of restrictions:

    1.Drop feeling guilty

    It’s okay to feel anxious and by acknowledging and accepting this it will free up your feelings instead of bottling them up. Changes are going to happen and you don’t have to be ecstatic about it. Chat to friends and colleagues you may be surprised to find you are not alone feeling the way you do.

    2. Pace yourself

    It’s going to be strange for all of us for a while as we meditate our way from where we were to where we are going. Others might be happy to jump right back into work, pubs and clubs whereas others might not be too keen.

    What is important is that you increase exposure at your own pace and find what is comfortable for you, such as , continuing to wear a mask for a while. Furthermore be honest and open about how you feel in a non judgmental way. It’s not about being right or wrong, it’s just the way you feel.

    3.Dealing with peer pressure

    It can be difficult to hold your position when others around you are doing something different and you are getting pressurised into conforming. However a good way to deal with this is to explain how you feel and that you appreciate the way they feel and all you are asking for is reciprocation. Just be like one of the dragons on “Dragons Den”, when they don’t like the deal on offer they say, “I’m Out”.

    4.Be present focused

    Our bodies are always present however our minds can be in the past, present or future.

    Using mindfulness techniques such as, 54321, can really focus our minds on the here and now. This can be easier said than done so practice is key , the more you practice being present the easier it will become.

    54321 mindfulness

    5. Recognise your achievements

    The last two years have brought on many changes, requiring adaptive behaviour at every turn. Just take time out to reflect on how you have managed this by being flexible in your work, family and social life. Nothing worthwhile is easy and by recognising you have come this far, all you need to do is trust yourself to keep going and be open about getting professional help to see you through to the finish line.

    David McAllister

    Anxiety and Phobia Management Specialist

    anxietyclinicdublin.com

    anxietyclinic@dublin.com

    0858435939

  • Rip Thich Nhat Hanh

    Anxiety a modern day illness

    Thank you for a life well lived

  • 2022 take it one day at a time

    Happy new year 2022

  • Wishing you all a happy , peaceful and safe Christmas

    Snowman

  • World Mental Health Day 2021

    Not just for today

    World Mental Health Day 2021

  • Dream Great:Ten steps to a happier living

    We can all dream so why not make it great?

    Great Dream Anagram

  • How is your Optimistic October going to work out?

    Start by writing down three things you are looking forward to and take it from there…

    Optimistic October

  • Anxiety and Covid-19. It might surprise you.

    Some alarming statistics where nearly 20% linked to anxiety based disorders.

    Get this quote from the paper :

    Anxiety and fear-related disorders were a prevalent condition in our sample; they were also the second highest risk factor for death among the underlying conditions considered in our study.

    Click to access 21_0123.pdf

    Of course it doesn’t have to be like this. We as individuals, groups even societies can do something about this.

    However we need to be honest with ourselves and take the intelligent first step towards action and seek out the help needed.

    I’m sure you will agree it is in all our best interests to do so. Agreed?

    anxietyclinicdublin.com

  • So what would you do?

    Dog in water sink swim float

    A little gift from a former client which was very nice of them. It came with a little note stating that I had helped her stay afloat.

    I think it’s not always clear cut on how we need to approach problems and indeed solutions as there may be a third way which is available if only we take the time to appreciate it.

    She didn’t want to give up by sinking nor swim away but just staying afloat was enough to keep her head in the right place.

    The note concluded with , “It’s been a pleasure”. My sentiments exactly.

    So what would you do?

  • The simplicity of gratitude

    A thank you card you’re a gentleman

    I received this card , totally unexpected, but humbled and grateful. Sometimes it’s the little personal things that make the difference.

    I really enjoyed working with this lady who really put the work in and has achieved her goals.

    Life is good when we work together.

    Thank you.

  • Let the happiness in (Jump Back up July)

    Jump back up July

    Great calendar from the action for happiness crew. Simple daily actions for July that we can all do.

  • The futile pursuit that is worry

    Why worry

  • Happy Father’s Day

    Father’s Day card

    Counting my blessings today as a father and a son.

    Hope you are feeling as lucky as I am.

    Happy Father’s Day

  • Letting the happiness of gratitude in

    Just having a little moment of gratitude to say thanks to my beautiful family for a great fun weekend of games and laughter.

    It’s the simple pleasure of your company that bonds our connection no matter what we do.

    Hopefully we can all find the little moments in our lives that may seem trivial yet have profound impact, even without our conscious awareness.

    So when it comes to you just let the happiness of gratitude in whichever way you can.

    Classic board games