Increasing Resilience and Diminishing Anxiety

As we face the current challenges in our daily living, there are tools derived from clinical hypnosis which support our ability to cope, increase resiliency and diminish anxiety.

We are able to calm the nervous system using various brief techniques, including attending to our breathing. When anxious, people often begin to brace, and breathe shallowly, not using the diaphragm. Diaphragmatic breathing helps us to remain relaxed. We can begin by noticing our breathing, and learning to breathe more deeply and slowly. Practicing Dr. Andrew Weill’s 4-7-8 breathing exercise, derived from yoga, can induce profound relaxation and positive effects on the body. Suggesting breathing more slowly is often part of a hypnotic induction.

What are we saying to ourselves, in a time of uncertainty? It is important to notice what our self-talk is, what we are suggesting to ourselves and imagining. Then we can learn to refrain from using our imagination in a negative direction. It is useful to “stay in the moment,” rather than imagine negative scenarios.

During difficult times, it is important to access our strengths and resources, in order to increase resiliency. Ego-strengthening is a method used by clinical hypnotherapists to help enhance self-esteem, positive affect, and the ability to cope. We can become more aware of our strengths and resources, utilizing principles derived from clinical hypnosis and positive psychology.

During the COVID-19 crisis, we want to have healthy practices that support good routines for eating, sleep, and exercise. Healthy practices can be enhanced by techniques derived from clinical hypnosis. Imagining in detail what we want to accomplish can contribute to achieving our goals.

During this challenging time, let us focus on tapping into our strengths and resources, increasing our resilience and our ability to cope.