Mindfulness reduces Panic, Anxiety, and Feelings of Isolation
“There are many aspects of mindfulness and hypnotherapy that can be particularly useful in times of crisis.”
NEW YORK (PRWEB)
March 20, 2020
At a time when the entire world is in a state of panic, every person needs to find relief from the constant state of worry. Currently, most people around the world are experiencing some kind of emotional discomfort, whether it is heightened fear, worry about income, or somatic symptoms such as a knot in their stomachs.
The American Psychological Association (APA) defines anxiety as “an emotion characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts and physical changes like increased blood pressure.” Generally speaking, anxiety is a normal and healthy emotion that we all experience in everyday life. It is only considered a medical problem when the anxiety is overwhelming and disproportionate to what is happening in a person’s life. But what happens when a worldwide crisis induces feelings of anxiety, panic, and fear that are proportionate with legitimate concerns?
There are a myriad of aspects of the Covid-19 pandemic that affect people deeply, such as contracting the virus, loved ones getting sick, financial concerns, and the impact of isolation. Despite these fears being very real, Dr. Sera Lavelle, Ph.D of NY Health Hypnosis & Integrative Therapy urges individuals to explore different ways to calm fears and find emotional comfort.
According to Dr. Lavelle, “There are many aspects of mindfulness and hypnotherapy that can be particularly useful in times of crisis.” Mindfulness can be described as the practice of paying attention in the present moment, on purpose, and without judgement. Dr. Lavelle explains that regardless of what is going on in the world, we can intentionally refocus our minds to pay attention to more pleasant moments, such as the warmth of the sun on our skin, the strength of our body as we walk, or the joy experienced when connecting with friends. Even momentary relief from anxiety in this way can provide a tremendous positive impact on a person’s emotional health.
When trained mental health professionals use hypnosis as part of therapy, people’s fears and the harmful mental effects of social isolation can be greatly reduced. According to Dr. Lavelle, “Hypnosis can be thought of as a more direct and purposeful way of helping a person achieve a mindful state.” By incorporating hypnosis into therapy sessions, trained clinicians are able to help calm a person’s bodily response to anxiety while also helping them visualize a more positive future.
While traditional therapy is extremely beneficial for solving ongoing anxiety, the therapists at NY Health Hypnosis & Integrative Therapy promote the benefits of using mindfulness and hypnotherapy to reduce panic and anxiety in the present moment. Dr. Lavelle cautions that hypnosis should never be considered a quick fix or replacement for therapy, but that the addition of these tools integrated into therapy can be extremely impactful in times of crisis.
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