Welcome back, I hope you’ve had a wonderful relaxed summer, spending quality time with loved ones and switching off from “work mode”. I’ve been fortunate to enjoy an amazing family holiday, which can only be described as paradise, while also supporting my inspiring clients and juggling the school holidays.
Embracing New Experiences
Subsequently, I’ve returned to work feeling relaxed, recharged, and proud of myself for undertaking new experiences. If you’ve been following me for a while, you’ll know I like to challenging myself while implementing some of the coping mechanisms I routinely discuss with my clients. This helps me identify new pursuits, keeps life interesting, wires new neural pathways within the brain, and releases those wonderful feel-good hormones such as dopamine and serotonin which encompass the feeling of being alive!
The Power of Spontaneity
I’ve also practiced implementing further spontaneity into life. Often, we try to plan every detail of our lives with military precision which isn’t always required, believing we have to control the outcome to ensure our happiness and feelings of success. By doing so we can miss out on so many surprising opportunities by being too rigid or stressed.
Midlife Confidence: A Delicate Balance
As women, we can experience a variety of factors that impact our confidence during midlife, not least the menopause which can have many impactful symptoms. I’m aware of how easy it is to find yourself lacking in confidence and self-belief as our minds and bodies change. How quickly your world can shrink if you do not purposefully maintain your health, choose to explore new pursuits and step outside your comfort zone in midlife and beyond. Personal challenges increase confidence, resilience, and enhance decision making qualities too state a few.
Recent Experiences
So, what have I been up to? I fully appreciate these experiences may not cause everyone a sense of trepidation, however bear with me…
- Segway Experience: My first attempt which ensued with tales from others of falling off. I noticed beforehand I was quiet and anxious, and sure enough, I did fall off within the first five-minute tutorial in front of the whole group! I wasn’t the quickest, however a great unscathed off-road safari experience followed.
Strategy: Remembering that anxiety and excitement feel extremely similar so I told myself I was excited and not apprehensive at all. I focused on relaxing, enjoying the experience, and creating lasting memories. I would definitely recommend if you haven’t tried a Segway experience before. - Three Separate Flights to Our Paradise Holiday Destination: Which culminated in a 35-minute seaplane journey. I negatively forecast the whole journey, assuming a migraine! The seaplane was hot and noisy, so while on board, I reframed the journey as another mode of transport I’d previously not taken. How else would I arrive except to be flown by “The Bare Foot Pilots!”
Strategy: Focusing on my breathing, using earplugs, and taking stunning pictures from the window while looking forward to our island destination. - Snorkelling with Sharks, Stingrays, Manta Rays, and Turtles: Such an outstanding experience and one I will always treasure. It was quite daunting at first to see a shark swim past in such close proximity, and not necessarily for the faint-hearted, however I’m immensely proud of myself for doing it.
Strategy: Slowly box breathing, distracting myself by focusing on my youngest, whilst reminding myself I was safe and that taking measured risks is how we grow. Worst-case scenario, I could always board the boat. Note to self; Next time, remember to take an underwater camera! - Surprise Anxiousness Being So Far Away from Home: This feeling completely took me by surprise, as I wasn’t expecting to feel this way with the “What ifs” creeping in. This was the furthest I’d ever travelled from home.
Strategy: Worst-case scenario, if necessary I’d fly home. Failing that, there are great friends at home who could support with any arising matters. This was a holiday of a lifetime so be present and enjoy it! - Flights Home, Jet Lag, and Migraine:
Strategy: Journaling to channel my thoughts and document memories from an amazing holiday. Keeping myself nourished and hydrated while listening to my relaxation audio’s and various podcasts. Having my migraine medication to hand. Unfortunately, once home I was flawed by an awful migraine with sickness so spent the whole day in bed. It’s important to remember the shiny curated images we see on social media aren’t always a true reflection of life.
Personal Discoveries
I remembered I can do things which make me feel anxious while being aware of my limitations. I thoroughly enjoyed being surrounded by such beautiful nature and wildlife—let’s not forget the dolphins, fruit bats (personal fave), hermit crabs, and a plethora of stunning fish. Taking a short break from social media has been refreshing, and I’ve re-instigated my previous pledge of no devices and social media on Sundays, as I’ve seen the positive impact this has had on my mental health and well-being. Why not try it for yourself and notice how much more present you are in your surroundings?
Being Honest
I hope by sharing a few examples, I can reassure you that no matter your age or capabilities, new experiences are invaluable to us in whatever form they take, and we shouldn’t let our negative, anxious mind attempt to run the show. By attempting new things, persevering, failing or achieving we instil templates within our brain which act as future points of reference when we try something new again. Since returning home, I’ve continued my daily practice of journaling, meditation ~ even 10 minutes a day is beneficial on so many levels, upping my water intake, and finishing each morning shower with a 30-second cold blast which shows my primitive emotional mind I can cope with stress, has proven health benefits, and assists with my migraines. Are cold showers something you undertake? If so, please share any tips as my aim is to reach 1 minute although its still a work in progress!
Please do share your summer experiences and coping methods with me — I love hearing your stories via DM and email.
A New Season of Transitions
As we now enter September, a new season full of transitions, which coincides with the return to school, college, university, or even a new job. Where will you factor time for yourself to relax and reset your parasympathetic nervous system? Which tasks in your personal or work life can you delegate to alleviate pressure? What healthy coping mechanisms have you identified, and do you have them in place? What would you like to achieve or set in motion before the end of the year? Is there a new challenge you can set yourself?
Available Appointments
Rest assured, however confident we may appear, nearly all of us experience similar feelings, which we can learn to overcome with proven techniques and individual coping mechanisms. I’m here to support you every step of the way either by utilising clinical hypnotherapy and psychotherapy or via coaching.
Appointments are available Monday to Friday from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM and on Saturdays (by appointment only) from 9:00 AM to 12:00 noon, either online via Zoom or in person at Ironstone Wellbeing Centre, Ironstone Place, Kettering, Northants, NN14 1FN. Whichever you choose depends entirely on your personal preference and individual circumstances, as both work beautifully, achieving the exact same results. To arrange your FREE initial consultation, please get in touch to secure your preferred time and date.
Wishing you all a fabulous September,
Much love,
Jane x
Jane Lyall – DSFH, AfSFH (Reg), CNHC (Reg), NCH (Reg)
Clinical Hypnotherapist, Psychotherapist, & Life Coach.
Tel: 07547 935519
Email: jane@silvercloudhypnotherapy.co.uk
Website: WWW.SilverCloudHypnotherapy.Co.Uk
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