Hypnotherapy Potential

Finding Sunshine even in the snow

Greetings from Doc Judie

About this time every year I write about Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), where some people are affected by lack of sunshine and suffer from "the winter blues." So in this blog, I am going to concentrate on how to 'imagine you are in the sunshine" through hypnosis! 

I recently saw an article about Costa Rica, known as one of the happiest places on the earth, and as I read, I realized that Costa Rica was not only a lush country, filled with sunshine, the ocean, and lush green foliage, but the people generally had "a sunnier attitude."  When asked "How are you today" I often respond seasonally "Just trying to stay warm, or loving the sunshine." A Costa Rician responds "Pura Vida" which means "pure life", or going great or no worries!  What a great response and reminder that life is an attitude, not a weather condition.

I live in Nevada and it is 9 degrees as I write this.  My garden is gone, my trees are bare and there are no flowers to greet me in the morning or ripe berries to pick off the bushes; however, nothing is stopping me from bringing in a few plants from the outside.  The lavender,begonias, and small roses are in heaven and starting to bloom for one more round.  I planted hyacinth, narcissus and tulips for the early spring,and it makes me happy to have something blooming by my kitchen window.

I love my water aerobics in the winter.  There is something about being with a group of people that just want to move their bodies in warm water, laugh like crazy and enjoy the outdoors if it is snowing or a little winter sunshine  steams down on usbetween the rain and snow clouds.  I hit the gym when I can't walk and moving my body raises the endorphin levels and chases the winter blues away more than 'baking cookies or drinking hot chocolate!"

So what else do those Costa Ricans have going for them? They live longer, they are not as concerned with material goods and not everything has to be brand new;  they recycle.  Their energy comes from wind and solar power, they are engaged in echo-friendly activities and have a positive outlook. So I am doing little things, using paper bags for my trash liners, drinking out of a metal bottle, not plastic, and using recycle bins at the dump sites in town.

The Costa Ricians also take the time for visiting with friends and working on their "plan de vida" or "life plan." They find a reason to get up in the morning and see where they are needed, either taking care of a parent or a child or helping in the community.

So during these long winter months, use the time to do a little hypno-meditation while the earth is quiet and you can reflect on all that is good in your life, what is it that you need, and how can "you get out of yourself" and make someone else's life a little better. See yourself in your favorite climate and concentrate on "the feeling" of the beach or the forest or the mountains. Bring it to you, it lives in your mind year around.  Now think of something that has a purpose, something that fills you will passion. Just thinking about this new  goal will protect you from winter depression and even lengthen your life (Costa Ricans boast of more centurions than most countries in the world!). It does not have to be saving the rain forest, it could be as simple as taking your old books and magazines to a rest home or library, donating canned goods to a food closet, or calling an old friend. You may find that more serious goals also come to you during the winter months. Perhaps you are going to start on your book, take classes, learn a new craft, or paint or clean out a room. As you meditate, think about what living pura vida means to you. Is it spending time with your family or helping out for a cause you care about? Devote a few minutes every morning to that thought.  You will then turn your thoughts into an action plan where you feel more valued and connected. Researchers who study happiness state "you will get a helper's high which will boost your mood for days!" So this winter, chase away the winter blues by taking care of yourself, going outside (regardless of the weather) exercising and turning your thoughts toward doing something for someone else. (Now about baking those cookies and sipping hot chocolate...o.k. compromise and enjoy it with a friend!)  These tips could chase away your SAD condition, make it a bearable winter, or even the best winter you have ever had!
Here's to your mental and physical wiliness.  Let me know how you beat your winter blues.
Doc Judie
judie@docjudie.com
775 7823889

Beat depression in winter through exercise and self-hypnosis

Greetings from Doc Judie,

The subject of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) was addressed in the previous blog and this is a continuation of the subject. I personally do not do well in the winter months.  Even though I live in a solar state, there are many dark cold days where the sun does not shine.  If the sky is cloudy for more than three days straight, people get pretty cranky and I am not the exception.  So this is my routine.  I take my amino acids to fortify my immune system, my favorite blend is one called Amino Balance (see side panel for more information). I take a few minutes when I wake up to do breathing exercises and give myself a positive pep talk from my self-hypnosis script.  The script is something like this: "Even though it is dark and cold outside, I will feel so much better if I go to the water aerobics class.  I can feel the healing waters warming me up.  My muscles feel so much better when I move and  the blood flows through my body, when this happens, I feel energized and warm inside and out.  I will be soaking up 20,000 units of Vitamin D which is so essential for my bones, and the best part is I have so many wonderful friends to laught with in the pool....now get up and move out!"   I then "quickly" put on my swimsuit, jogging gear, winter coat, and run out the door! If I concentrated on my script, I am able to walk two miles to the pool, if not, I at least drive!    I am usually good to go and can't wait to get in the water and have a good workout, but occasionally the old thoughts creep back in and I hope that it is too cold, too windy, too snowy, and the  water aerobics instructor  won't show up!

No chance!  She is there like clock work, the water natzi always shows up! The minute she cranks up the music from her boom box, she starts barking orders, rounding us up like stray cats..it is time to start " Get in the pool and remember NO WHINING'  "Do you see me bending my elbow?  Are your feet touching the bottom of the pool ? I want that butt jail house tight!"...."Swing your hips like a hula girl, you too mister!' (By the way, she is not training "youngsters" the range is from 45-85, even though a few couples in their 20's pop in...and are surprised that this is really quite a good work-out).

the instructor pushes her group, but she can't keep  a straight face for long as her comments are so darn funny. . Between songs, recipes are exchanged, diets are always a big topic, current events in the community discussed, and arrangements made for the next birthday.  This is so much more than just pumping water weights in a pool.  That sharp tonged water instructor will be the first on your doorstep with delicious pasta  if you are sick, make the best cake in the world for your birthday, and arrange a monthly get-together. She is passionate, dedicated to her program, and a friend for life for all of us lucky enough to have known for during her 20 year career (yes! she does keep in touch with everyone!)

I don't know where you live but don't let the winter months stop you from the essentials of life-exercise, connect with people, and find a group where you can be a crazy, laugh, move your body on a ski slope, in a gym, or in the water.  Use deep breathing and self-hypnosis if you need to give yourself a little talk to get going.  Your body will be grateful, you will be surrounded with happy fun people You will learn to love winter!

Here's to your mental and physical health
Doc Judie
775 782-3889 judie@docjudie.com