Stress is an inevitable part of life, but learning how to manage it can significantly improve your overall well-being and improve your happiness.
As a Clinical and 5-PATH Hypnotherapist stress is probably the number one thing I work with, in all of its forms, from anxiety, overwhelm, overthinking, PTSD, depression, OCD, emotional eating, and it is also connected to habits such as smoking and other addictions.
Stress can be a killer, and particularly in our modern era where we are always so distracted, trying to fit more in and chasing the clock. That’s why I’m always looking for additional ways to help others to manage their emotions and take control of their stress. Here are sone powerful self-help tools as well as information about how Hypnosis, Reiki and other modalities can fast track you to more peaceful life.
One powerful way to combat stress is by activating your parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), often referred to as the “rest and digest” system.
When the PNS is activated, it counteracts the stress-induced “fight or flight” response, promoting relaxation and calm. Here are some effective ways to tap into this natural stress-relief system, and I’ll also share the benefits of Reiki and Hypnosis for long term benefits.
One of the simplest and most effective ways to activate the PNS is through deep, diaphragmatic breathing. Try this: inhale deeply through your nose for a count of four, hold for four, and then exhale slowly through your mouth for a count of six. Repeat this cycle several times, and you’ll likely feel a shift toward relaxation.
Meditation and mindfulness practices can also help activate the PNS. By focusing your mind and calming your thoughts, you can reduce stress hormones and promote a sense of peace. Even just a few minutes a day can make a big difference.
Here are several additional ways to activate the parasympathetic nervous system that you can try for yourself:
This involves tensing and then slowly relaxing each muscle group in your body. Starting from your toes and working your way up to your head can help you become more aware of physical tension and release it.
The combination of gentle movement, deep breathing, and mindfulness in yoga is excellent for activating the PNS. Poses like child’s pose, forward bends, and savasana are particularly calming.
I used to teach both yoga and tai chi for more than 10 years, and I can testify to the power of both of these modalities which also help to balance the energy systems of the body.
These ancient Chinese practices involve slow, deliberate movements combined with deep breathing and focus, promoting relaxation and reducing stress.
Regular massages can help reduce muscle tension, improve circulation, and activate the PNS, leading to overall relaxation and stress reduction.
Immersing yourself in a natural setting, whether it’s a park, forest, or beach, can help lower stress levels and activate the PNS. In Japan thy even do a thing called Forest Bathing,
The term emerged in Japan in the 1980s as a physiological and psychological exercise called shinrin-yoku (“forest bathing” or “taking in the forest atmosphere”). The purpose was twofold: to offer an eco-antidote to tech-boom burnout and to inspire residents to reconnect with and protect the country’s forests.
The Japanese quickly embraced this form of ecotherapy. In the 1990s, researchers began studying the physiological benefits of forest bathing, providing the science to support what we innately know: time spent immersed in nature is good for us. While Japan is credited with the term shinrin-yoku, the concept at the heart of the practice is not new. Many cultures have long recognized the importance of the natural world to human health.
Soft, soothing music can help lower heart rate and blood pressure, promoting a relaxed state and activating the PNS.
The warmth of a bath or shower can relax your muscles and reduce stress, helping to activate the PNS. Adding essential oils like lavender can enhance this effect.
Imagining a peaceful scene or guided imagery exercises can help shift your mind away from stress and toward relaxation.
This traditional Chinese medicine technique involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body, which can help balance the body’s energy and activate the PNS. Acupressure (applying pressure to these points) can have a similar effect.
Spending time with loved ones, sharing a laugh, or engaging in positive social interactions can lower stress hormones and promote relaxation.
Spending time with your pets can reduce stress and anxiety. Petting a dog or cat can increase oxytocin levels, a hormone that promotes relaxation.
Herbs like chamomile, valerian root, and ashwagandha are known for their calming effects and can help activate the PNS. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplements.
Essential oils such as Lavender, sandalwood, Frankincense, Clary Sage, Camomile, Orange, Rose, Ylang Ylang, Jasmine, Vetiver, Bergamot, Patchouli, Geranium, Sweet Basil, Cedarwood and certain blends such as in DōTERRA’s Emotional Mood and Emotional Aromatherapy Kits can have a direct impact on the central nervous system, calming and relaxing the mind and body.
They can be diffused in a room to be inhaled, a few drops added to your bath or sprinkled on your pillow, used in massage and some high grade EO’s such as dōTERRA Copieba and Adaptiv Gel Caps can also be ingested.
Staying hydrated and eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can support overall health and help maintain a balanced nervous system.
Ensuring you get enough restful sleep is crucial for maintaining a healthy balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.
Reiki is a form of energy healing that originated in Japan. During a Reiki session, a practitioner uses gentle hand movements to guide the flow of this energy (also known as ki, chi, or prana) around your body. The Reiki energy will help to clear blocked or stagnant energy in the body so that eb mery thing flows once more. This practice is known to promote deep relaxation, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being. Many people report feeling a sense of warmth, calm, peace and wellbeing during and after a Reiki session, and Reiki can often lead to profound shifts in one’s life.
Reiki works by balancing the body’s energy, which in turn can help activate the PNS. Regular Reiki sessions can lead to long-term benefits such as improved mental clarity, emotional balance, and a stronger sense of inner peace. Incorporating Reiki into your mental health plan can be a game-changer, helping you maintain a state of calm and resilience in the face of life’s challenges.
I’ve been a Reiki Master and Teacher since 1999 and have also studied many other energy medicine techniques, and I use them daily on myself, as well and my clients.
Hypnosis involves guided relaxation and focused attention to achieve a heightened state of awareness, often referred to as a trance. In this state, your mind becomes more open to positive suggestions and changes.
Hypnosis can help you access your subconscious mind, where many of your stress responses and habits are rooted. 5-PATH Hypnosis can easily get to the core of the problem and clear away old triggers and habits in as little as 2-5 sessions! By working with a highly trained and Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, you can reprogram your mind to respond to stress in healthier ways. Long-term benefits of hypnosis include improved emotional regulation, reduced anxiety, and enhanced overall mental health.
Incorporating many of these practices as well ans adding things like Reiki and hypnosis into your mental health plan can offer substantial long-term benefits. Regular activation of the PNS through these modalities can lead to:
Reduced anxiety and a calmer response to stressful situations.
Better focus and concentration as your mind becomes less cluttered by stress.
Lower blood pressure, improved digestion, and better sleep patterns.
A stronger ability to bounce back from life’s challenges.
By incorporating several of these practices into your daily routine, you can effectively help to manage your stress and support your overall well-being.
In conclusion, taking steps to activate your parasympathetic nervous system can be a powerful way to reduce stress and improve your overall well-being.
By incorporating Reiki and hypnosis into your plan, you can enjoy profound, long-lasting benefits that enhance your mental and emotional health.
So, take a deep breath, and explore these wonderful modalities to create a more peaceful and balanced and harmonious life, and if you’d like to explore more, you can contact me for a chat or consultation.
