Not just for today
Category: Mental health
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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 -
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 -
Monday Quote
Peace of mind “When you’ve seen beyond yourself, then you may find, peace of mind is waiting there.”
― George Harrison -
Breathing in the sun for natural growth
Sunshine herb garden Just breathing in the morning sun aside my herb garden. Watching them grow from seeds to now has given me an enormous sense of happiness and well-being.
A little bit of food and water, a touch of warmth and TLC can bring so many positive benefits.
Our self limiting beliefs and toxic environments may stunt our potential for growth but through choices and action this can change.
Therapy comes in many forms as does growth.
Seasons come and go. Don’t let another slip by.
Breath in the sun and watch how you to can grow.
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The Stroop Effect Myth or Reality?
The Stroop Test Just been helping my daughter with her science project with one of my all time favourite psychological experiments. The Stroop Test.
Although used for assessing attention deficiencies and brain injury disorders it can also help people become more aware of how we process information and how we can improve our attention span and focused attention.
Try it out you might just surprise yourself : https://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/words.html
For any more information please feel free to contact me:
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10 things stopping you being awesome
Awesome - Stop worrying about what others think of you, as they probably too consumed with worrying about the same thing.
- Spinning too many plates. Stop. No one can do it all by themselves, start delegating or outsourcing to free up time.
- Hate your job? Do something about it as it won’t change itself.
- Too many energy vampires in your life? Ditch them, spend more time with those who help and motivate you.
- Lacking motivation, no.4 above will help, then set a small manageable goal and build from there.
- No direction? Like motivation it’s time to plan what you want in life and set goals.
- Putting other’s happiness before your own? Time to be positively selfish and let the happiness in for yourself first.
- It’s not your fault? Maybe so but don’t let circumstances dictate your life take responsibility and you’ll feel better.
- Ditch the comparison trap, focus on what you already have how more awesome you can be for you and others.
- Stop living in the past or too far into the future. We all only have this present moment. Make it count.
Feel free to contact me for further information.
David Mcallister
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Now you come to mention it Yes I am stressed and anxious.
Anxiety Stressed Stress and anxiety are in my experience involved in a great many of the causes for clients coming for hypnotherapy.
People looking for hypnotherapy may present with an issue such as smoking or weight loss however I see stress and anxiety as an underlying cause and can lead to many problems if ignored.
Relaxation exercises, and other stress management techniques can be very useful in overcoming stress and anxiety caused by everyday life. So much so I utilise these frequently.
Due to a variety of socio-economic conditions, stress and anxiety have now become more widely recognised by both individuals and employers. Globally thousands of work days are lost to these conditions .
In addition there is great personal anxiety which can lead to relationship tension , depression, panic attacks and many other problems.
Effective stress and anxiety management means not just dealing with the presenting stress and anxiety but to also help to avoid reaching high stress and anxiety levels in the first place. Hypnosis can help by:
>Creating an understanding about the reasons and factors underlying stress and anxiety.> Teaching relaxation techniques so you can develop new ways to relax naturally and easily.
>Reframing thinking to help with panic attacks, anxiety and fears.Remember stress and anxiety can cause problems in very clever and unhelpful ways. But it doesn’t have to be like this, even if you don’t think you have choices- you do.
We might not be able to avoid stress and anxiety and indeed we all need a little edge to keep us alive but let’s take action before it gets too much to handle.
Stay safe and for any further information please feel free to contact me:
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Stanford professor reveals the science behind ‘Zoom fatigue’
Constant Zoom calls are tiring and science has been looking at why (Credits: Getty Images/iStockphoto) A new scientific study has backed up the …
Stanford professor reveals the science behind ‘Zoom fatigue’This is a fair assessment, as a medium video conferencing has its place in the world. However its use has gone beyond its original scope. Put it this way it’s like a sofa bed , which was good to be used on occasions but now has to masquerade as a queen sized four poster with an ergonomic designed mattress.
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My anxiety doesn’t define me
Do you believe that this statement is true?
If you do then you are right.
If you don’t then you are right.
Paradoxically both positions can be seen as correct. However it is not that your anxiety defines you, it is your belief that it defines you is the correct position.
Of course anxiety can have an overwhelming command over how you live your life, but it can only do so with your permission.
For anxiety is the sum of all the negative self beliefs and negative thoughts constantly repeated into forming a self deprecating cycle which like a hamster running on it’s wheel, you never seem to be able to get anywhere.
But remember anxiety is there to protect you from harm, it’s your biological defence mechanism, to initiate the “fight or flight” response to keep you safe.
Although when you are constantly running on the wheel to nowhere, it’s then your health deteriorates, your body gets tired and your decision making becomes obstructed by the constant barrage of competing thoughts and feelings.
So what can you do?
1. Start by recognising that it’s your beliefs that define your anxiety not the anxiety itself.
2. Get a medical check up to ensure that there are no other underlying physical ailments
3. Get a therapist that specialises in dealing with anxiety
Remember no matter whether you believe you can or can’t – you are right.
For more information feel free to contact me at: anxietyclinicdublin@dublin.com
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Historically Present Future
As I write this I know I am physically present, typing away, my focus on the next word to magic itself onto the page and if my mind wanders, as it is free to do, I know that’s okay. I say that to myself and bring my thoughts back to the present by consciously focusing on my breath and squeezing my thumb and index finger together committing my mind to the conscious physical present.
Sure I know my thoughts mean me well, remnants of past failures and glories but I also know that: No cognitive thought-No emotional feeling- No physical behaviour can undo the outcome of a past event.
Also our future dreams and wishes are but that- dreams and wishes. Sure we need to plan for our future, I agree that is a good thing, but we plan in the present, setting goals that our present thoughts, feelings and behaviours can work together to make them become a reality.
Remember that regrets and guilt of the past and fear of the future only rob us of the present moment, which is the only time where we can truly influence and change ourselves and the environment around us.
So let us all stay present understanding our history and looking forward to our future.
Feel free to contact me for any further information.
anxietyclinic@dublin.com
#anxiety #mindfulness #anxietyhelp @anxietyclinicdublin
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Poll: Has the pandemic affected your mental health? · TheJournal.ie
The Covid-19 pandemic has taken its toll on many people.
— Read on www.thejournal.ie/mental-health-covid-19-2-5176991-Aug2020/Nearly 60 % of people surveyed said their mental health has been affected during this pandemic.
It doesn’t all have to be like this.
Let’s do something together to change this affect.
This is a global phenomenon so no one should be left behind.
So if you’re one of the 60% or not sure how you feel then take action now.
There is no need to suffer alone people like me are here to help so get the help you need.
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Katy Perry’s hypnotising heartbreak ditty is perfect therapy for fans
guess I could try hypnotherapy, I gotta rewire this brain’
— Read on www.metro.news/katy-perrys-hypnotising-heartbreak-ditty-is-perfect-therapy-for-fans/1594959/ -
Supporting men’s mental health week 2020
Anxietyclinicdublin supports men’s mental health week 2020 Proud to support men’s mental health week 2020
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Is it time to fill the constant that is time?
The speed of time standing still Zoom! – “What was that”?
“That was your life, mate”.
“That was quick, do I get another”?
“Sorry mate, that’s your lot.”
Basil Fawlty in Fawlty Towers, BBC Television. (John Cleese)
Our lives might not seem to be moving quickly at the moment but they are moving at the same pace as yesterday, the days before that and the days to come.
The virus has however changed all our lives. Time has remained the constant that it always was but how we use this time as changed.
Before we probably didn’t think we had enough of it but now that has altered and we are not too sure how to deal with it.
Most of us like to have a degree of certainty in our lives and a sense of control over our choices and actions. This is being challenged as we are being forced into actions and behaviours that are not ours.
Therefore if we do not feel we own these choices, then our actions and behaviours are in conflict and that leads to confusion, disillusionment and anger.
Now most of us can put up with this sort of thing for a short while but when it drags on, with no real end in sight the pressure can begin to mount and with any excess pressure something has to give.
So what can we do?
1. Acceptance.
Ouch, really, we have had enough and you are saying just accept the situation we are in? Well yes I am, if we can accept the situation then we will not be fighting it anymore. Stressing ourselves out over something we cannot fix is no cure. By accepting where we are will allow us to see things in a different way.
2. Changing our perspective.
Now that we are no longer fighting the situation we can use the time, remember it is the same amount of time we always had, to review what is important in our lives and really see how we can get more of these things and ditch the ones that were really just filling space in our lives but not really adding any value to it. WARNING!!! This might be something that you have been putting off for years as you know the answers and they might not be palatable but now is the opportunity to clear the decks.
• Work : do really miss it, other than the paycheck? Is there something that you always wanted to do that you now have the time to tackle? Are you a music genius, a writer perhaps, an artist? No matter what now is the time to express yourself.
• Health: can you take the time now to review your health, stop smoking perhaps, cut down on alcohol, try a vegetarian diet, exercise more – become a yoga master twisting your limbs into pretzel shapes in no time! (remember to check with your physician before radically changing your diet and exercise regime)
• Wealth: How much is enough? How can you get by with what you have, review where your money has been going, can this now be trimmed and even can you do without things that never have been essential anyway.
• Relationships: This is a real challenge as in times like these, our relationships are under pressure but we need to know if we can get through this then we can get through anything. However it might be time to review those who have not been helpful and have been more of a drain on your energies and take the opportunity to say “sayonara”.
3. Comparison trap.
Stop comparing yourself to others, there will always be someone who is more attractive, wealthier, has a bigger car, has a bigger house, has something you don’t have. But do you really need what they have? Is it that important? Is it okay to just have what you have, now is a great opportunity to review this.
4. Future planning.
This situation will not last forever. It will end. Take this chance to see how you are going to live your life in the future. Do you want to go back to the way it was, but this is unlikely as social distancing and various health protocols might be around for some time to come. So now is the chance to plan a different life, taking everything above into consideration, now you can really plan for a life that is less stressful, less chaotic and just better as you have taken the time to plan your life.
Remember you only get one life, but rarely do you get the chance to review and reset it to the way it should have been in the first place. Now might be that opportunity. Seize the opportunity as this is something you can still control.
Zoom! – “What was that”?
“That was your life, mate”.
“That was quick, do I get another”?
“Sorry mate, that’s your lot.”
David McAllister
anxietyclinicdublin.com
0858435939
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You might not live forever but you might just be a nicer, happier person before you go.
www.facebook.com/290974401588395/posts/545124699506696/
Another great article from BBC future. You might not live forever but you might just be a nicer, happier person before you go. #bbcfuture #behappy #positiveaging #anxietyclinicdublin
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Redundant sanitised hand
The hand of a working man…wasted
Sourced from David Sylvian let the happiness in
This is my right hand (Righty) , it’s not quite redundant, but it’s very clean. Very Very clean, so is it’s partner Lefty. Righty likes to be busy, but doesn’t work as hard as Lefty, who is the dominant one.
At the moment both are not as busy as they should be, Righty can live with this , but Lefty can’t, so he took this photo of Righty, to keep himself busy, he is typing these words also.
Our hands are important, however when they have too much time they can get mischievous, “Devil and idle hands and all that”, never a good combination.
So to occupy Lefty and Righty, they have been set tasks:
- chopping, stirring, flipping and cutting in the kitchen, Righty’s fingers have a few nicks, naughty Lefty.
- filling the washing machine, hanging out clothes, ironing clothes
- stretching, pulling and lifting to help the middle aged body move
- massage the aching body
- hold and flick the pages of a new book
- holding a biscuit and dunking in a nice cup of tea
Who knows they might even teach each other a few tricks so Righty can take more of the leading role and Lefty can take a more supporting role.
Both are looking to the future when the invaders have gone so they can get back to doing the work they love, being helping hands to those in need.
One thing is for sure they will not be redundant and will be very very clean.
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When social distancing anxiety hits home
Social distancing anxiety ”You’re far too close, stand back from each other, six feet people , two metres. I’m being serious, this is serious, very serious.”
It’s the reception area in a part of a Dublin hospital, small groups of health care staff are busy doing their jobs as they would every day, but the words stop people in their tracks. The words hit home, the mood changes, anxiety rises, just in case we weren’t aware- social distancing is a new reality.
The consultant doctor, whose words are above, is a respected, calm, erudite senior member of this team. He doesn’t scare easily, this is not his first rodeo, so just in case anyone was in any doubt, the corona virus Covid-19 , is not to be discarded as a bad cold or flu, his team is down 50% and the surge hasn’t arrived in Ireland yet. If they are anxious about social distancing then we all should be mindful of social distancing.
The words resonate with my experience , I travel to the hospital by public transport, the bus is usually packed, standing room only. But not at the moment, 100,000’s have been laid off work or working from home, caring for children who’s schools or crèches are closed. The bus is sparsely filled people observing seat distancing, trying not to get too close. It’s eerily quiet, the usual multilingual chattering has gone, transferred to internet chat rooms.
But not everyone has switched onto the need for social distancing, a young man sat behind me on the bus the other morning, more concerned with his mobile phone than being aware of the seat distancing all us other commuters were observing, not through any conscious pact on our parts or bus company policy , moreover just through common sensibilities about the current situation we all find ourselves in.
I chose to get up and get off the bus, I had a few choice words with the youngster, he didn’t care, I cannot be responsible for other people’s thoughts and actions, only my own.
Walking around the city brings it’s own anxiety, I see too many people grouped together, sitting far too close (6 feet guys, 2 metres please), walking two or three abreast. This raises my own anxieties, I have to cross over roads to avoid groups, stopping in doorways, turning my back to allow others to pass by. As an anxiety management therapist I know the damaging effects of constant anxiety- https://anxietyclinicdublin.com/anxiety-test-results/
I’m fortunate enough to be able to regulate my own anxieties, but just like the corona virus Covid-19 , I don’t have immunity from them, but I have solutions such as conscious breathing and mindfulness. Likewise we have solutions to contain the corona virus Covid-1, hand and general hygiene, avoid unnecessary contact and SOCIAL DISTANCING.
I’m now doing more work over the internet via Zoom and VSee, it’s not quite like the real one to one or group settings I prefer but it’s our current reality. A reality that might change the way we think about how we work and live and what type of societies we want both locally and globally. But that’s for another post.
So let’s be conscious of our actions and the impact they have on others, we can all ease our anxiety by slowing down and listen to sensible advice. I know I have: “…I’m being serious, this is serious, very serious.”
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In these unprecedented times…
In these unprecedented times (sounds dramatic but they are) we all need to be mindful of where our heads are at.This is a nice graphic, I like it as it’s simple.Obviously managing anxiety on top of the current corona virus pandemic is challenging. But taking care of our mental health has never been so important.So hopefully this graphic can help focus our minds.Please seek the necessary anxiety management for your needs if you require it as, like me,I’m sure most anxiety management specialists can facilitate video interfaces.I personally use VSee and Zoom so take care of yourself and if you require any further information you can find it at: http://www.anxietyclinicdublin.comYou can also feel free to contact me at: anxietyclinc@dublin.comKind regardsDavid McAllister BSc(Hons)
Anxiety Clinic Dublin 