The period after Christmas and before New Year can sometimes be quite difficult. It is a kind of no man's land, when we feel that sense of anti-climax after the build-up to Christmas and inevitably, after all the over-indulgence, a sense of malaise and heaviness. Some may still have guests and so are feeling quite frazzled with having had to cater for their needs and with the weather being quite miserable there seems to be little opportunity to get out for some air.
The Chalk family have had a relatively quiet Christmas - just six of us including my two boys Olly and Joe along with my lovely mum and dad. This is how I like it, and we all had a wonderful time just enjoying each other's company and feasting on goose from our local butcher. After lunch we all watched the Queen's speech and then I tried to help mum with the kindle that my brother had given her. Hopefully this will mean that mum will be able to enjoy her reading again - why do the library service think that the partially sighted are only into Mills & Boon, its their eyesight not their appreciation of literature they have lost!
Since Christmas Day Mr Chalk and I have been enjoying each other's company. We both have a couple of weeks off work, so we are alternating days out with house sorting days. Yesterday we took a trip up to the Norfolk coast and had a bracing walk, and today has been a massive sorting and de-cluttering session. Our boys do their own thing, so we are lucky to be left to our own devices.
This time of year can also involve a certain amount of mental de-cluttering and I think this is a healthy thing to do. By reviewing what has happened in the past year, what has worked well and what has been less successful, you can start to make plans for what you are hoping to achieve in 2014. If you are making any resolutions for the New Year my advice is to keep things as simple as possible, maybe just concentrating on one particular thing and sticking to that. Also, it doesn't have to be something that you are giving up, it can be much more positive if you think of it in terms of a gain. For example, with losing weight I would encourage you to really focus on the extra energy and fitness you will gain as well as looking really good.
I wish you all a very happy and healthy 2014,
Wendy x
Friday, 27 December 2013
Friday, 29 November 2013
Three good things
Night-time can sometimes be the worst time for some, whether you are one of those who ruminates about certain concerns and worries, or you are lonely, or maybe you find it difficult to sleep - or maybe all three!
One thing that I urge my clients to do at the end of each day is to write down three good things about the day - and these can be quite simple, ordinary things such as a smile from a neighbour, to something a little bit more exciting such as booking a holiday. It's not a difficult thing to do, and done regularly it can have a powerful effect on your happiness and wellbeing. Sometimes people say to me that they can't stop negative thoughts, but by actively thinking about and writing down the positive stuff on a regular basis quite literally turns that negative radar round to the positive. The important thing here is not to battle against negative thoughts, but to gradually replace them with positive ones.
Once you get into the habit of this, it then becomes automatic, and you also feel more in control, having that knowledge that you CAN control your thoughts is incredibly liberating.
So remember, three good things ....
Night, night
Wendy x
One thing that I urge my clients to do at the end of each day is to write down three good things about the day - and these can be quite simple, ordinary things such as a smile from a neighbour, to something a little bit more exciting such as booking a holiday. It's not a difficult thing to do, and done regularly it can have a powerful effect on your happiness and wellbeing. Sometimes people say to me that they can't stop negative thoughts, but by actively thinking about and writing down the positive stuff on a regular basis quite literally turns that negative radar round to the positive. The important thing here is not to battle against negative thoughts, but to gradually replace them with positive ones.
Once you get into the habit of this, it then becomes automatic, and you also feel more in control, having that knowledge that you CAN control your thoughts is incredibly liberating.
So remember, three good things ....
Night, night
Wendy x
Monday, 11 November 2013
Bedlam
I am fascinated and it has to be said, saddened by Channel 4's series about 'Bedlam', the mental hospital in London, an institution with a renowned history for being the most famous lunatic asylum where patients used to be put on display for the amusement of the general public. Does the fact that we are now privy once again to watching the inmates through a television set, but not in person, make this form of 'entertainment' more acceptable. I'm not really sure, but I am as guilty as the next person as I am an avid viewer.
This week's episode showed two very different people - Rupert, a huge bear of a man, who came across as quite aggressive and troubled, and may possibly have fitted with society's idea of what a mental patient is like, loud, difficult, quite threatening. We saw him at the end of the programme, almost a different person, perhaps even too subdued, evidently well-medicated.
The contrast to Rupert was Dominic, a charming, polite family man who didn't really seem the 'type' to be sectioned. However, we learned that in between periods of seemingly functioning quite normally, he had very dark suicidal thoughts. His lovely wife and four beautiful children were left having to cope with the fallout of his, thus far, failed suicide attempts. His illness seemed quite baffling as he seemed to have a very happy and successful career and family life, until that is, we learned that he had had a very difficult childhood during which he was abandoned by his birth parents.
It can sometimes be the case that a difficult start in life can lead to mental illness in adulthood and symptoms can appear quite suddenly, after years of appearing to be quite well. It is very important that medical help is sought in cases like this, as the right balance of medication and therapy can restore wellbeing, and even sometimes lead to feeling much stronger than ever before. Hypnotherapy can help in this respect, by enabling us to look at past issues with a new perspective, and helping us to realise our own particular strengths and resources, so that we can be much more positive about the future.
Do contact me if you feel hypnotherapy may be of help to you.
My very best wishes,
Wendy x
This week's episode showed two very different people - Rupert, a huge bear of a man, who came across as quite aggressive and troubled, and may possibly have fitted with society's idea of what a mental patient is like, loud, difficult, quite threatening. We saw him at the end of the programme, almost a different person, perhaps even too subdued, evidently well-medicated.
The contrast to Rupert was Dominic, a charming, polite family man who didn't really seem the 'type' to be sectioned. However, we learned that in between periods of seemingly functioning quite normally, he had very dark suicidal thoughts. His lovely wife and four beautiful children were left having to cope with the fallout of his, thus far, failed suicide attempts. His illness seemed quite baffling as he seemed to have a very happy and successful career and family life, until that is, we learned that he had had a very difficult childhood during which he was abandoned by his birth parents.
It can sometimes be the case that a difficult start in life can lead to mental illness in adulthood and symptoms can appear quite suddenly, after years of appearing to be quite well. It is very important that medical help is sought in cases like this, as the right balance of medication and therapy can restore wellbeing, and even sometimes lead to feeling much stronger than ever before. Hypnotherapy can help in this respect, by enabling us to look at past issues with a new perspective, and helping us to realise our own particular strengths and resources, so that we can be much more positive about the future.
Do contact me if you feel hypnotherapy may be of help to you.
My very best wishes,
Wendy x
Friday, 1 November 2013
Taxi driver
It feels quite strange to me at the moment as, after having been their taxi driver for the past 20 years, both Chalk boys have now passed their driving test, so I am officially redundant when it comes to child chauffeuring duties. During this last half-term we havn't seen the younger Chalk for dust, as he has been zipping off in my car and ferrying various friends around who had done the same for him, in order to return the favour. This means that when I get in my car I am immediately assaulted by 'Kiss FM' playing very loudly, and he has even started to customise it with various bits and bobs. Happily there are no furry dice, yet ....
However, my services as a taxi driver are not entirely redundant as, with them needing regular medical treatments, I am kept busy taking my elderly parents to their various appointments. I am happy to do this as my mum and dad are truly wonderful people, at a combined age of 172 they show the most incredible strength, warmth and generosity, so that anything I can do to help them lead a reasonably independent life still in their own home is fine by me.
Nevertheless, it is sometimes tough and I do have an empathy for that generation of 50 somethings who are sandwiched between the demands of children and elderly parents. Sometimes you feel as though you want to say 'Where is MY support?' If you are in this situation it is really important that you have some 'me' time as otherwise the demands of family become all-consuming. If you can have some sort of outlet, perhaps an interesting hobby or regular trips out with a friend, then you will find that the family duties may not feel so burdensome. Finding time to relax is so important when you have many different commitments to juggle.
Perhaps you are feeling the burden of family, whether you are one of the 'in-between' generation having to care for children and elderly parents, or you simply feel bogged down by work and/or other commitments? Do contact me with a view to trying hypnotherapy, as it can really help to reduce those worries and anxieties, and leave you feeling much calmer and able to cope with all of the responsibilities in your life.
Best wishes,
Wendy x
However, my services as a taxi driver are not entirely redundant as, with them needing regular medical treatments, I am kept busy taking my elderly parents to their various appointments. I am happy to do this as my mum and dad are truly wonderful people, at a combined age of 172 they show the most incredible strength, warmth and generosity, so that anything I can do to help them lead a reasonably independent life still in their own home is fine by me.
Nevertheless, it is sometimes tough and I do have an empathy for that generation of 50 somethings who are sandwiched between the demands of children and elderly parents. Sometimes you feel as though you want to say 'Where is MY support?' If you are in this situation it is really important that you have some 'me' time as otherwise the demands of family become all-consuming. If you can have some sort of outlet, perhaps an interesting hobby or regular trips out with a friend, then you will find that the family duties may not feel so burdensome. Finding time to relax is so important when you have many different commitments to juggle.
Perhaps you are feeling the burden of family, whether you are one of the 'in-between' generation having to care for children and elderly parents, or you simply feel bogged down by work and/or other commitments? Do contact me with a view to trying hypnotherapy, as it can really help to reduce those worries and anxieties, and leave you feeling much calmer and able to cope with all of the responsibilities in your life.
Best wishes,
Wendy x
Monday, 21 October 2013
Loneliness
In my hypnotherapy practice I come across many clients who for a variety of different reasons suffer from loneliness. This may be due to low self-confidence and therefore an anxiety about meeting new people, even though the client actually wants to have the company of others they feel stricken by a fear of social encounters. Sometimes, a client will have suffered a bereavement and this leaves them feeling alone and isolated, desperately missing their loved one. If they have been with that person for a very long time, the loneliness can be almost unbearable.
And sometimes even people who have partners and families can feel lonely. This is a very different kind of loneliness but can still be extremely isolating.
I consider myself very lucky that I actually enjoy spending time on my own, but maybe this is because I know my 'alone times' are regularly interspersed with a busy, noisy, teenager-filled house. I relish the quiet but also I wouldn't be without my interesting, chaotic, challenging family.
I realise that for some - particularly the elderly - that this can become so distressing and that some people even resort to phoning call centres just to hear the sound of someone's voice, even a pre-recorded one, as it makes them feel less lonely. We live in a world where families are increasingly divided, and this can cause a deep sense of isolation.
Whatever your situation, it is a basic human need to want the company and affection of others. Whether you have lost a loved one or if you are struggling with confidence issues, you may feel that it would help to explore your feelings. Hypnotherapy can help you to find a sense of peace within and it is a wonderfully calming, comforting therapy to give you that boost and reassurance you need.
Do get in touch if you feel that I could help you.
Best wishes,
Wendy x
And sometimes even people who have partners and families can feel lonely. This is a very different kind of loneliness but can still be extremely isolating.
I consider myself very lucky that I actually enjoy spending time on my own, but maybe this is because I know my 'alone times' are regularly interspersed with a busy, noisy, teenager-filled house. I relish the quiet but also I wouldn't be without my interesting, chaotic, challenging family.
I realise that for some - particularly the elderly - that this can become so distressing and that some people even resort to phoning call centres just to hear the sound of someone's voice, even a pre-recorded one, as it makes them feel less lonely. We live in a world where families are increasingly divided, and this can cause a deep sense of isolation.
Whatever your situation, it is a basic human need to want the company and affection of others. Whether you have lost a loved one or if you are struggling with confidence issues, you may feel that it would help to explore your feelings. Hypnotherapy can help you to find a sense of peace within and it is a wonderfully calming, comforting therapy to give you that boost and reassurance you need.
Do get in touch if you feel that I could help you.
Best wishes,
Wendy x
Monday, 7 October 2013
Mrs Patmore's panic attack
Are you (like me) a Downton Abbey addict? I came to it late on, and then had the guilty pleasure of being able to watch two series in a row on Netflix. I am now completely hooked, and watch it every Sunday whilst Mr Chalk rolls around on the floor at his aikido class, which is a blessing because he hates it and, were he at home, there would be a lot of eye-rolling and tutting. Strictly is another programme which engenders similar types of behaviour, and we won't even mention Corrie.
Anyway, there was a lot going on last night, not least the awful assault on Anna, which was very upsetting. Before this, however, it looked as though Mrs Patmore was going to keel over with a heart attack, as the house party was getting all too much for her. However, once they settled her down and called the doctor, it was found to be merely a 'panic attack', which I am sure many people thought were a relatively new phenomenon due to modern-day stress. I am so relieved that Mrs Patmore is ok, and I hope she will find a way to share the load a bit more. She is a marvellous comic character, and is, in many ways, the lynchpin of the 'downstairs'.
I see many people who suffer from panic attacks, brought on by anxiety (albeit for other reasons than for having to cook for a party of 50 landed gentry) but the symptoms are probably very similar to those suffered by Mrs Patmore, that is shortness of breath, becoming very hot and maybe feeling as if you are having a heart attack. I find that hypnotherapy (even just one session) can have a very positive effect in reducing the incidence and severity of panic attacks. This can be further helped by advice on relaxation techniques that can be carried out at home.
I do hope Mrs Patmore manages to take it a bit easier next week.
Take care,
Wendy x
Anyway, there was a lot going on last night, not least the awful assault on Anna, which was very upsetting. Before this, however, it looked as though Mrs Patmore was going to keel over with a heart attack, as the house party was getting all too much for her. However, once they settled her down and called the doctor, it was found to be merely a 'panic attack', which I am sure many people thought were a relatively new phenomenon due to modern-day stress. I am so relieved that Mrs Patmore is ok, and I hope she will find a way to share the load a bit more. She is a marvellous comic character, and is, in many ways, the lynchpin of the 'downstairs'.
I see many people who suffer from panic attacks, brought on by anxiety (albeit for other reasons than for having to cook for a party of 50 landed gentry) but the symptoms are probably very similar to those suffered by Mrs Patmore, that is shortness of breath, becoming very hot and maybe feeling as if you are having a heart attack. I find that hypnotherapy (even just one session) can have a very positive effect in reducing the incidence and severity of panic attacks. This can be further helped by advice on relaxation techniques that can be carried out at home.
I do hope Mrs Patmore manages to take it a bit easier next week.
Take care,
Wendy x
Monday, 23 September 2013
Help for Stoptober
There now seems to be a bit of a trend for giving things up at other times of year rather than just after Christmas. My attention was drawn the other day to 'Sober for October' when some are putting their minds to giving up alcohol for the month of October, and we already have 'Stoptober' for stopping smoking.
Sometimes it is good to announce that you are going along with a national campaign in order to motivate yourself, as it can seem that you are not alone and also, if a lot of people know about it, you feel spurred on to succeed as the alternative can be very embarrassing. But it may also be the case that you are concerned about how the change will affect you, and whether you will be able to do it.
It may be that you are deciding to give up alcohol or cigarettes but you are worried about how this will affect your stress levels and in this case hypnotherapy can make all the difference. Hypnosis sessions along with a CD to use at home can install a positive and lasting sense of wellbeing in a natural way, so that you will not feel those cravings but instead you will feel relaxed and calm and able to achieve those healthy goals much more easily than you thought.
If you would like to chat further about how I can help you do please contact me on 01449780352 or 07817158429, or you can email me on wendy@wendychalk.co.uk.
Good luck and best wishes,
Wendy x
Sometimes it is good to announce that you are going along with a national campaign in order to motivate yourself, as it can seem that you are not alone and also, if a lot of people know about it, you feel spurred on to succeed as the alternative can be very embarrassing. But it may also be the case that you are concerned about how the change will affect you, and whether you will be able to do it.
It may be that you are deciding to give up alcohol or cigarettes but you are worried about how this will affect your stress levels and in this case hypnotherapy can make all the difference. Hypnosis sessions along with a CD to use at home can install a positive and lasting sense of wellbeing in a natural way, so that you will not feel those cravings but instead you will feel relaxed and calm and able to achieve those healthy goals much more easily than you thought.
If you would like to chat further about how I can help you do please contact me on 01449780352 or 07817158429, or you can email me on wendy@wendychalk.co.uk.
Good luck and best wishes,
Wendy x
Tuesday, 17 September 2013
Generalised anxiety disorder
Apparently, according to recent statistics, approximately one sixth of the UK population have some form of generalised anxiety disorder. This can be obsessive compulsive disorder, social anxiety, health anxiety, different fears and phobias and can seriously affect a person's quality of life.
This anxiety can be caused by the stress of every day life, or it may be that there are past traumas that are at its root. Whatever the case it is very difficult to try to combat this anxiety on your own.
In my hypnotherapy practice I find that, of all the different issues that I treat, anxiety is most responsive to hypnosis. The actual process itself, once fully explained, can be deeply calming and many of my clients report experiencing such a deep sense of peace during the treatment that they liken it to the best night's sleep they have ever had!
Added to this are the powerful hypnotic suggestions delivered during the session, all uniquely tailored to help each individual begin to let go of anxious feelings and worries so that ultimately they can look forward to feeling calmer, happier and more relaxed. This new way of being then becomes a sub-conscious habit, so that they are aware of being able to let go of anxiety and worry and replace it with a positive sense of wellbeing.
If you feel you may be suffering with a generalised anxiety disorder, then do please contact me on 01449 780352 or 07817158429 or email me on wendy@wendychalk.co.uk.
Best wishes,
Wendy x
This anxiety can be caused by the stress of every day life, or it may be that there are past traumas that are at its root. Whatever the case it is very difficult to try to combat this anxiety on your own.
In my hypnotherapy practice I find that, of all the different issues that I treat, anxiety is most responsive to hypnosis. The actual process itself, once fully explained, can be deeply calming and many of my clients report experiencing such a deep sense of peace during the treatment that they liken it to the best night's sleep they have ever had!
Added to this are the powerful hypnotic suggestions delivered during the session, all uniquely tailored to help each individual begin to let go of anxious feelings and worries so that ultimately they can look forward to feeling calmer, happier and more relaxed. This new way of being then becomes a sub-conscious habit, so that they are aware of being able to let go of anxiety and worry and replace it with a positive sense of wellbeing.
If you feel you may be suffering with a generalised anxiety disorder, then do please contact me on 01449 780352 or 07817158429 or email me on wendy@wendychalk.co.uk.
Best wishes,
Wendy x
Wednesday, 11 September 2013
Seasonal Affective Disorder
I do hope that you have all enjoyed our wonderful summer. It does seem now that autumn has arrived quite suddenly with the need to get out those jumpers after what has seemed like a very long time without them.
Some people find this time of year quite difficult, with the days getting shorter and the temperature dropping. The prevalence of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is quite common now with many finding that they suffer from symptoms of depression, lack of energy and a need to eat stodgy comfort foods with these distressing symptoms only passing when spring arrives.
There are a number of things that you can do if you feel that you are suffering from SAD. It is, of course very important to see your doctor if you feel overwhelmed by symptoms of depression, as it may be that you need to consider a course of medication to help you initially.
But there are also lots of natural ways to beat SAD which I have listed below:
Eat a healthy diet, with lots of fruit and vegetables, lean protein and good fats found in oily fish, avocados, nuts and seeds
Cut back on caffeine, alcohol, refined sugars and white carbs (white bread, pasta, rice)
Try to get outside every day even if the weather is not too good, just having a brisk walk round the block can really perk you up
Try taking a natural supplement like 5HTP which can lift mood, also fish oil and Vitamin B Complex can be really good
Light therapy can really help, so it may be worth investing in a light box or an alarm clock which wakes you up to natural bright daylight gradually.
Try to enjoy the nice things about winter - cosy fires, snuggling up under a blanket with a good book, hot water bottles, warming winter stews
You could also try to learn self-hypnosis or meditation, and get into the habit of spending 10 minutes a day quietly doing absolutely nothing. This can be wonderfully relaxing and also oddly energy-boosting. My clients who manage to regularly practice self-hypnosis at home find it extremely beneficial.
Keep warm and cosy,
All the best,
Wendy x
Some people find this time of year quite difficult, with the days getting shorter and the temperature dropping. The prevalence of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is quite common now with many finding that they suffer from symptoms of depression, lack of energy and a need to eat stodgy comfort foods with these distressing symptoms only passing when spring arrives.
There are a number of things that you can do if you feel that you are suffering from SAD. It is, of course very important to see your doctor if you feel overwhelmed by symptoms of depression, as it may be that you need to consider a course of medication to help you initially.
But there are also lots of natural ways to beat SAD which I have listed below:
Eat a healthy diet, with lots of fruit and vegetables, lean protein and good fats found in oily fish, avocados, nuts and seeds
Cut back on caffeine, alcohol, refined sugars and white carbs (white bread, pasta, rice)
Try to get outside every day even if the weather is not too good, just having a brisk walk round the block can really perk you up
Try taking a natural supplement like 5HTP which can lift mood, also fish oil and Vitamin B Complex can be really good
Light therapy can really help, so it may be worth investing in a light box or an alarm clock which wakes you up to natural bright daylight gradually.
Try to enjoy the nice things about winter - cosy fires, snuggling up under a blanket with a good book, hot water bottles, warming winter stews
You could also try to learn self-hypnosis or meditation, and get into the habit of spending 10 minutes a day quietly doing absolutely nothing. This can be wonderfully relaxing and also oddly energy-boosting. My clients who manage to regularly practice self-hypnosis at home find it extremely beneficial.
Keep warm and cosy,
All the best,
Wendy x
Monday, 2 September 2013
Back to school
The weather may be making us feel its still holiday time, but there's no getting away from that 'back to school' feeling that the beginning of September brings.
For some this may be quite a scary time as it means the start of a new school or university. Even just starting a new academic year can be quite frightening for some as you don't know what the year is going to bring.
It is important to realise that it's perfectly normal to feel this way when faced with the challenge of a new chapter in our lives. We tend to be creatures of habit and routine and any sort of change in circumstances can be unnerving. Even if we are fully prepared and feel quite excited about this new phase in our lives, we can have all sorts of thoughts about whether things are going to go well, if we have chosen the right course/subjects. It may also be that we have had to change direction as exam results were not quite what we expected.
Whatever 'new beginnings' you are contemplating, you can prepare yourself by ensuring a calm and balanced state of mind by experiencing hypnotherapy and then setting aside a regular self-hypnosis practice. You may feel over-burdened by things and hypnotherapy can bring you back to a calm and relaxed state of mind, so that you feel ready to face any challenge. In addition, if you can set aside a little time each day for quieting the mind, you will find that it reaps huge benefits in the longer term, giving you a new sense of clarity and focus that you may not have experienced before.
Do contact me if you would like to find out more - my telephone number is 01449 780352 or 07817158429. Or you can email me on wendy@wendychalk.co.uk.
My very best wishes to all of you,
Wendy x
For some this may be quite a scary time as it means the start of a new school or university. Even just starting a new academic year can be quite frightening for some as you don't know what the year is going to bring.
It is important to realise that it's perfectly normal to feel this way when faced with the challenge of a new chapter in our lives. We tend to be creatures of habit and routine and any sort of change in circumstances can be unnerving. Even if we are fully prepared and feel quite excited about this new phase in our lives, we can have all sorts of thoughts about whether things are going to go well, if we have chosen the right course/subjects. It may also be that we have had to change direction as exam results were not quite what we expected.
Whatever 'new beginnings' you are contemplating, you can prepare yourself by ensuring a calm and balanced state of mind by experiencing hypnotherapy and then setting aside a regular self-hypnosis practice. You may feel over-burdened by things and hypnotherapy can bring you back to a calm and relaxed state of mind, so that you feel ready to face any challenge. In addition, if you can set aside a little time each day for quieting the mind, you will find that it reaps huge benefits in the longer term, giving you a new sense of clarity and focus that you may not have experienced before.
Do contact me if you would like to find out more - my telephone number is 01449 780352 or 07817158429. Or you can email me on wendy@wendychalk.co.uk.
My very best wishes to all of you,
Wendy x
Friday, 26 July 2013
New parents
I was thrilled this week to hear about the safe delivery of William and Kate's baby, Prince George. I know that there has been probably a little too much coverage of the event, but there is nothing like the arrival of a new baby to warm our hearts.
I do wish the royal couple well - they seem like a really sensible pair, determined to bring their baby up as 'normally' as they possibly can, and I do hope that the press give them space to do this.
New parenthood is really quite a scary prospect - there is really nothing that can truly prepare you for the arrival of a baby, as I can well remember when we had our first son, Olly, now nearly 20. Everyone wants to give you advice, from feeding to bathing, to changing nappies and the whole thing can seem quite overwhelming. Looking back, I think the best advice I can give to new parents is to go with your own gut instincts, as these are often the most reliable. There really is no right or wrong way, and as long as you are doing what you feel is right, then that's the best thing you can do.
There is an advert at the moment which I love which is actually for a certain brand of formula milk (and I'm not going to get into that argument) it shows new mums coping with looking after a baby, and the end shot is a frazzled woman soaking in a bath picking up one of the baby's bath toys - which I think is one of those turtles that move around. The end comment is something like 'take it from us, you're doing great' and I love the sentiment behind this, that its not easy being a new parent, its a huge adjustment, so cut yourself some slack, be kind to yourself and go with the flow.
Perhaps most of all, enjoy this time, that baby smell does not last for long - I should know, having recently had a houseful of teenage boys ...
To all new mums and dads, my warmest wishes,
Wendy x
I do wish the royal couple well - they seem like a really sensible pair, determined to bring their baby up as 'normally' as they possibly can, and I do hope that the press give them space to do this.
New parenthood is really quite a scary prospect - there is really nothing that can truly prepare you for the arrival of a baby, as I can well remember when we had our first son, Olly, now nearly 20. Everyone wants to give you advice, from feeding to bathing, to changing nappies and the whole thing can seem quite overwhelming. Looking back, I think the best advice I can give to new parents is to go with your own gut instincts, as these are often the most reliable. There really is no right or wrong way, and as long as you are doing what you feel is right, then that's the best thing you can do.
There is an advert at the moment which I love which is actually for a certain brand of formula milk (and I'm not going to get into that argument) it shows new mums coping with looking after a baby, and the end shot is a frazzled woman soaking in a bath picking up one of the baby's bath toys - which I think is one of those turtles that move around. The end comment is something like 'take it from us, you're doing great' and I love the sentiment behind this, that its not easy being a new parent, its a huge adjustment, so cut yourself some slack, be kind to yourself and go with the flow.
Perhaps most of all, enjoy this time, that baby smell does not last for long - I should know, having recently had a houseful of teenage boys ...
To all new mums and dads, my warmest wishes,
Wendy x
Monday, 15 July 2013
Hypnotherapy for post-traumatic stress
It has been recently reported and will be investigated on Panorama tonight that the number of servicemen and women who committed suicide last year exceeds the number who were killed in combat. This would suggest that the armed forces are not managing to care well enough for those who fall prey to mental illness whilst on service, or indeed when they leave. Post-traumatic stress disorder is a very real condition which, according to statistics given by 'Combat Stress', affects between 4 and 7 percent of soldiers at some time or other. There may well be a number who fail to report their symptoms, but suffer nonetheless.
It is vitally important that effective treatment be given for PTSD, as the wrong type of help could possibly make things worse. Endless counselling sessions can sometimes result in, at best, feeling no better, but at worse finding that symptoms increase.
In my hypnotherapy practice I have seen and treated people suffering from PTSD, who then go on to find lasting relief from their suffering. Treatment is very relaxing and often the client feels the benefit straight away. Certainly there is no need for numerous lengthy sessions of therapy - I find that between 3 and 6 sessions is normally enough to restore a feeling of wellbeing. In order to reinforce the work that we do in the sessions, I also provide a CD to use at home, as well as teaching simple techniques such as self-hypnosis and mindfulness.
If you, or a loved one are suffering from PTSD and would like to try hypnotherapy, then do contact me on 01449 780352 or 07817158429.
Best wishes,
Wendy x
It is vitally important that effective treatment be given for PTSD, as the wrong type of help could possibly make things worse. Endless counselling sessions can sometimes result in, at best, feeling no better, but at worse finding that symptoms increase.
In my hypnotherapy practice I have seen and treated people suffering from PTSD, who then go on to find lasting relief from their suffering. Treatment is very relaxing and often the client feels the benefit straight away. Certainly there is no need for numerous lengthy sessions of therapy - I find that between 3 and 6 sessions is normally enough to restore a feeling of wellbeing. In order to reinforce the work that we do in the sessions, I also provide a CD to use at home, as well as teaching simple techniques such as self-hypnosis and mindfulness.
If you, or a loved one are suffering from PTSD and would like to try hypnotherapy, then do contact me on 01449 780352 or 07817158429.
Best wishes,
Wendy x
Tuesday, 2 July 2013
Looking after teenagers
I have just started watching BBC3's new series 'Don't call me crazy' which focuses on a teenage mental health unit in Manchester. It makes for fascinating but also extremely sad viewing.
These are young people suffering from a host of different problems including depression, anxiety and hallucinations which then result in negative behaviour patterns such as self-harming, eating disorders and suicidal tendencies.
Some of the teenagers are sectioned which means that they cannot leave the unit, or at least only for very short periods of time. One of the patients, Beth, a strikingly pretty girl who suffered from an eating disorder, had appealed against her section and was expecting to be able to leave the unit, but had her appeal refused. It was all the more distressing as another patient, Gill, was taken off section that same day and - like any teenager really - was celebrating loudly without showing any sensitivity to Beth. Interestingly, Gill had responded very well to mindfulness therapy.
Many of the patients seem to have suffered some sort of trauma during childhood, and this could be neglect, abuse or family break-up. Their resulting difficulties in adolescence are then quite simply self-protecting strategies which they have developed during their childhood in order to be able to survive.
I really liked the comment made by the head of the unit when he said that their aim was not to create 'the perfect teenager', but to equip these young people with new, more healthy and positive strategies which they can use in times of stress, instead of resorting to negative behaviour patterns.
When I think of my own lovely, but sometimes difficult boys, I feel so blessed that they are well and reasonably happy with life. It is difficult as a parent, but if you can support and encourage them and help them to find ways of dealing with life's challenges in their own way, then you are not doing too badly.
If you feel that your teenager needs a little bit of support, do contact me as hypnotherapy has great results with this age group.
Best wishes,
Wendy x
These are young people suffering from a host of different problems including depression, anxiety and hallucinations which then result in negative behaviour patterns such as self-harming, eating disorders and suicidal tendencies.
Some of the teenagers are sectioned which means that they cannot leave the unit, or at least only for very short periods of time. One of the patients, Beth, a strikingly pretty girl who suffered from an eating disorder, had appealed against her section and was expecting to be able to leave the unit, but had her appeal refused. It was all the more distressing as another patient, Gill, was taken off section that same day and - like any teenager really - was celebrating loudly without showing any sensitivity to Beth. Interestingly, Gill had responded very well to mindfulness therapy.
Many of the patients seem to have suffered some sort of trauma during childhood, and this could be neglect, abuse or family break-up. Their resulting difficulties in adolescence are then quite simply self-protecting strategies which they have developed during their childhood in order to be able to survive.
I really liked the comment made by the head of the unit when he said that their aim was not to create 'the perfect teenager', but to equip these young people with new, more healthy and positive strategies which they can use in times of stress, instead of resorting to negative behaviour patterns.
When I think of my own lovely, but sometimes difficult boys, I feel so blessed that they are well and reasonably happy with life. It is difficult as a parent, but if you can support and encourage them and help them to find ways of dealing with life's challenges in their own way, then you are not doing too badly.
If you feel that your teenager needs a little bit of support, do contact me as hypnotherapy has great results with this age group.
Best wishes,
Wendy x
Saturday, 1 June 2013
Hypnotherapy for infertility
It is my great privilege to be able to offer support to couples undergoing fertility treatment. This is an aspect of my work which I find really enjoying but immensely challenging, as the rate of 'success' - if you measure success as becoming pregnant - is much lower than the success rate of the other treatments that I offer.
But when that success comes, it is quite wonderful and I was so pleased to hear wonderful news from two of my clients this week. Obviously, until they hold their babies, they experience a great deal of worry and stress, and so I am happy to support them through this time.
Very often, little support is given to childless couples, and it really annoys me when this condition is viewed on by the NHS and others as not as an illness to be treated, but something that ultimately has to be accepted. There is a distinct absence if counselling or any psychotherapeutic help for people undergoing fertility treatment.
I have seen first hand the devastating effects this can have on couples, many finding that they spiral down into depression, due to the sadness that they feel. In this case, a large part of my work is to help them get through such a difficult time, whatever the outcome.
I am qualified to use hypnosis with couples going through fertility problems, having mean trained in the fertile body method, www.fertilebodymethod.com, so if you feel that you need some support in this area, please do get in touch on 01449 780352 or 0781 7158429, or you can email me on 0781 7158429.
Best wishes,
Wendy x
But when that success comes, it is quite wonderful and I was so pleased to hear wonderful news from two of my clients this week. Obviously, until they hold their babies, they experience a great deal of worry and stress, and so I am happy to support them through this time.
Very often, little support is given to childless couples, and it really annoys me when this condition is viewed on by the NHS and others as not as an illness to be treated, but something that ultimately has to be accepted. There is a distinct absence if counselling or any psychotherapeutic help for people undergoing fertility treatment.
I have seen first hand the devastating effects this can have on couples, many finding that they spiral down into depression, due to the sadness that they feel. In this case, a large part of my work is to help them get through such a difficult time, whatever the outcome.
I am qualified to use hypnosis with couples going through fertility problems, having mean trained in the fertile body method, www.fertilebodymethod.com, so if you feel that you need some support in this area, please do get in touch on 01449 780352 or 0781 7158429, or you can email me on 0781 7158429.
Best wishes,
Wendy x
Tuesday, 28 May 2013
Hypnotherapy and the mainstream
The power of hypnotherapy never ceases to amaze me, and it is my sincere wish that one day it will be available as a treatment on the NHS.
Whilst the mainstream seem to be quietly acknowledging that hypnotherapy can be a valuable treatment for some conditions, witnessed by the fact that I seem to be receiving more and more 'referrals' from local GPs - there still seems to be a certain distrust of this type of therapy, and a feeling that it is practiced by weirdos and charlatans. Of course, I do realise that the NHS like to see clinical evidence of something working before they are happy to recommend it, and this is only right and proper. Sadly, there is a lack of research into the efficacy if hypnotherapy treatment, although this is beginning to change, and more resources are being put into clinical trials to assess the value of hypnotherapy to treat certain complaints.
The drug companies have a big advantage in this area, as they can afford to conduct research into the effectiveness of their own drug treatments, and they can win the medical profession over by producing statistical 'evidence' of the fact that the drugs that they are producing are effective.
Hypnotherapy is not an exact science and it is extremely difficult and expensive to carry out clinical trials which test its effectiveness.
However, with more people finding out for themselves how powerful the treatment can be, I believe that it is only a matter of time before it can receive the same acceptance as osteopathy or acupuncture, for example.
By the way, my sincere apologies for not posting sooner, but May has been an extraordinarily busy month. Things are now settling down to a calmer pace, thankfully, and I welcome any enquiries and comments.
Best wishes,
Wendy x
Whilst the mainstream seem to be quietly acknowledging that hypnotherapy can be a valuable treatment for some conditions, witnessed by the fact that I seem to be receiving more and more 'referrals' from local GPs - there still seems to be a certain distrust of this type of therapy, and a feeling that it is practiced by weirdos and charlatans. Of course, I do realise that the NHS like to see clinical evidence of something working before they are happy to recommend it, and this is only right and proper. Sadly, there is a lack of research into the efficacy if hypnotherapy treatment, although this is beginning to change, and more resources are being put into clinical trials to assess the value of hypnotherapy to treat certain complaints.
The drug companies have a big advantage in this area, as they can afford to conduct research into the effectiveness of their own drug treatments, and they can win the medical profession over by producing statistical 'evidence' of the fact that the drugs that they are producing are effective.
Hypnotherapy is not an exact science and it is extremely difficult and expensive to carry out clinical trials which test its effectiveness.
However, with more people finding out for themselves how powerful the treatment can be, I believe that it is only a matter of time before it can receive the same acceptance as osteopathy or acupuncture, for example.
By the way, my sincere apologies for not posting sooner, but May has been an extraordinarily busy month. Things are now settling down to a calmer pace, thankfully, and I welcome any enquiries and comments.
Best wishes,
Wendy x
Monday, 13 May 2013
Mental MOT
Whilst our cars need to have regular servicing in order to ensure road worthiness, we are often notoriously bad at checking our own bodies and minds, and tend to take it for granted that we can carry on through stress, overwork and an unhealthy lifestyle.
When the wheels do eventually fall off, it comes as a shock to us and then forces us to have a look at our lives, and how we can re-gain good health once again .
Very often people talk about good health as a 'lucky' thing, something you presumably have no personal control of. Obviously when it comes to genetically inherited diseases this is the case of a bad fall of the dice and it is not within your control. However, I believe that you can have a profound effect on your physical and mental health through good diet, regular exercise and finding ways to reduce the amount of stress in your life.
Physical health checks are offered routinely now as a preventative measure, but mental health checks are unfortunately much rarer.
I have a number of clients who remain healthy and well, but continue to come for regular hypnotherapy sessions - perhaps once per month - to help ensure their mental 'wellness'. This is a really good way of avoiding a possible burnout.
Why not book a regular mental health MOT in the form of hypnotherapy treatment and feel the benefits straight away.
Contact me by email wendy@wendychalk.co.uk or by telephone 01449 780352 or 0781 7158429 to book an appointment now.
Best wishes,
Wendy x
When the wheels do eventually fall off, it comes as a shock to us and then forces us to have a look at our lives, and how we can re-gain good health once again .
Very often people talk about good health as a 'lucky' thing, something you presumably have no personal control of. Obviously when it comes to genetically inherited diseases this is the case of a bad fall of the dice and it is not within your control. However, I believe that you can have a profound effect on your physical and mental health through good diet, regular exercise and finding ways to reduce the amount of stress in your life.
Physical health checks are offered routinely now as a preventative measure, but mental health checks are unfortunately much rarer.
I have a number of clients who remain healthy and well, but continue to come for regular hypnotherapy sessions - perhaps once per month - to help ensure their mental 'wellness'. This is a really good way of avoiding a possible burnout.
Why not book a regular mental health MOT in the form of hypnotherapy treatment and feel the benefits straight away.
Contact me by email wendy@wendychalk.co.uk or by telephone 01449 780352 or 0781 7158429 to book an appointment now.
Best wishes,
Wendy x
Sunday, 28 April 2013
Lasting weight loss
With the weather now finally turning warmer and one's flesh having to be on show after being covered up by those winter layers for what seems like forever, many of us are turning our attention to losing a little weight and toning up.
Sometimes the temptation is to go for a quick-fix, those diets that promise 10lbs loss in 10 days seem very appealing. The downside is that, as soon as we go back to those old habits we tend to put all the weight back on (and more besides).
The real secret to lasting weight loss is changing our habits so that we are eating less and exercising more - it's really that simple, but often so hard to put into practice.
Hypnotherapy works by sending messages to the sub-conscious mind to only eat when we are hungry and to notice that full-signal sooner, and stop eating. What also happens is that we have an increased urge to take exercise.
For those people who have over three stone to lose, the hypnotic gastric band is a powerful way to reduce appetite and shed the pounds easily and for good.
If you are considering hypnotherapy for weight loss, I would be really pleased to hear from you - you can call me on 01449 780352or 0781 7158429, or email me on wendy@wendychalk.co.uk.
Enjoy the nice weather.
Wendy x
Sometimes the temptation is to go for a quick-fix, those diets that promise 10lbs loss in 10 days seem very appealing. The downside is that, as soon as we go back to those old habits we tend to put all the weight back on (and more besides).
The real secret to lasting weight loss is changing our habits so that we are eating less and exercising more - it's really that simple, but often so hard to put into practice.
Hypnotherapy works by sending messages to the sub-conscious mind to only eat when we are hungry and to notice that full-signal sooner, and stop eating. What also happens is that we have an increased urge to take exercise.
For those people who have over three stone to lose, the hypnotic gastric band is a powerful way to reduce appetite and shed the pounds easily and for good.
If you are considering hypnotherapy for weight loss, I would be really pleased to hear from you - you can call me on 01449 780352or 0781 7158429, or email me on wendy@wendychalk.co.uk.
Enjoy the nice weather.
Wendy x
Thursday, 11 April 2013
IVF pioneer and remarkable man
In a week which has been dominated by media coverage of the death of Margaret Thatcher, I was disappointed to see that the death of Professor Sir Robert Edwards, the pioneer of IVF treatment and somebody who brought hope and joy to many thousands of infertile couples, has warranted very little mention.
It's interesting to note that they were both the same age at death, 87 years, and both had great personal conviction about what they believed in, despite facing much opposition. Whatever your politics, it is impossible to deny Margaret Thatcher's achievement as first woman and longest serving Prime Minister. However, I believe that Sir Robert deserves the most accolades, as it is thanks largely to him and his collaboration with Patrick Steptoe, a gynaecologist, that infertility is now a treatable condition.
Of course, I would sing this man' praises, as if he hadn't conducted this work, then my wonderful and talented son, Olly, would not exist.
So between him and Margaret Thatcher, I know which one I would give the state funeral to.
Wendy x
It's interesting to note that they were both the same age at death, 87 years, and both had great personal conviction about what they believed in, despite facing much opposition. Whatever your politics, it is impossible to deny Margaret Thatcher's achievement as first woman and longest serving Prime Minister. However, I believe that Sir Robert deserves the most accolades, as it is thanks largely to him and his collaboration with Patrick Steptoe, a gynaecologist, that infertility is now a treatable condition.
Of course, I would sing this man' praises, as if he hadn't conducted this work, then my wonderful and talented son, Olly, would not exist.
So between him and Margaret Thatcher, I know which one I would give the state funeral to.
Wendy x
Thursday, 4 April 2013
Gutted
Are you one of many people who suffer with IBS? This debilitating condition seems to affect more and more people, and it seems that mainstream medicine is limited in providing a cure for this.
The problem is that very often there seems to be no physical cause of the symptoms of IBS which can include diarrhoea, constipation, bloating, wind along with crippling abdominal pain. Once your GP has ruled out any obvious physical cause of the symptoms, very often you are advised to look at any anxieties or stresses which may be potentially causing these debilitating symptoms.
This is where hypnotherapy can help, and in fact is now recommended by NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence) as a treatment option for IBS. The reason for this is that hypnotherapy is an excellent way of calming and relaxing the body and mind, and in addition to this, specific suggestions can be given which help to calm the stomach and digestive tract, so that it can begin to work normally again.
If you are troubled by IBS symptoms, please give me a call on 01449780352 or 0781 7158429 or email me on wendy@wendychalk.co.uk.
Best wishes,
Wendy x
The problem is that very often there seems to be no physical cause of the symptoms of IBS which can include diarrhoea, constipation, bloating, wind along with crippling abdominal pain. Once your GP has ruled out any obvious physical cause of the symptoms, very often you are advised to look at any anxieties or stresses which may be potentially causing these debilitating symptoms.
This is where hypnotherapy can help, and in fact is now recommended by NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence) as a treatment option for IBS. The reason for this is that hypnotherapy is an excellent way of calming and relaxing the body and mind, and in addition to this, specific suggestions can be given which help to calm the stomach and digestive tract, so that it can begin to work normally again.
If you are troubled by IBS symptoms, please give me a call on 01449780352 or 0781 7158429 or email me on wendy@wendychalk.co.uk.
Best wishes,
Wendy x
Thursday, 28 March 2013
The importance of savouring
I am currently reading an excellent book by Miriam Akhtar 'Positive Psychology for depression'. Miriam was one of the first UK graduates of the Masters programme in Applied Positive Psychology, and she works a great deal with youngsters with mental health issues.
One of the techniques which she advocates as a way to build positive emotion and resilience is to savour those moments of sheer joy which we experience - and this can include anything from a warm hug with a friend, that first taste of a creme egg, or feeling the warmth of the sun (I know, the latter is not so frequent). The more you do this, really luxuriating in the moment, savouring it with as many senses as you can, then what actually happens is that:
- you find yourself experiencing a greater sense of wellbeing
- it shores you up against stress and depression
- you start to find yourself noticing more of those moments
So this Easter, make sure that you notice those moments whether its time with family and friends, a nice chilled glass of Sauvignon blanc or luxuriating in bed on Monday morning.
Have a wonderful Easter everyone.
Best wishes,
Wendy x
One of the techniques which she advocates as a way to build positive emotion and resilience is to savour those moments of sheer joy which we experience - and this can include anything from a warm hug with a friend, that first taste of a creme egg, or feeling the warmth of the sun (I know, the latter is not so frequent). The more you do this, really luxuriating in the moment, savouring it with as many senses as you can, then what actually happens is that:
- you find yourself experiencing a greater sense of wellbeing
- it shores you up against stress and depression
- you start to find yourself noticing more of those moments
So this Easter, make sure that you notice those moments whether its time with family and friends, a nice chilled glass of Sauvignon blanc or luxuriating in bed on Monday morning.
Have a wonderful Easter everyone.
Best wishes,
Wendy x
Wednesday, 20 March 2013
Getting to the root of the matter
I often find that people come to me as a last resort. They have tried all sorts of different treatments, therapies or medication in order to feel better, but to no avail, so they then think about trying hypnotherapy as there seems to be little else left to try. After a successful outcome, which happens in the majority of cases, the client then confides in me that they wish they had come to me first.
Why would hypnotherapy work, when nothing else has?
In my view the reason is that, by and large, none of the other treatments or therapies have dealt with the root cause of their particular issue. Hypnotherapy, by contrast, deals with the unconscious mind and therefore tackles the condition at its base level and so does not simply treat the symptoms, but the origin of the problem. When we weed a garden, if we simply cut the weeds down, they will come up again very quickly, and perhaps even stronger and thicker. It is only be pulling the weeds out by their roots, and then tending the area carefully can we ensure a rich fertile area, ready for those plants and shrubs that we actually want to have in our garden.
So, if you feel that you need treatment for a particular issue, why not try hypnotherapy first - it may save you an awful lot of time (and weeding).
Best wishes,
Wendy x
Why would hypnotherapy work, when nothing else has?
In my view the reason is that, by and large, none of the other treatments or therapies have dealt with the root cause of their particular issue. Hypnotherapy, by contrast, deals with the unconscious mind and therefore tackles the condition at its base level and so does not simply treat the symptoms, but the origin of the problem. When we weed a garden, if we simply cut the weeds down, they will come up again very quickly, and perhaps even stronger and thicker. It is only be pulling the weeds out by their roots, and then tending the area carefully can we ensure a rich fertile area, ready for those plants and shrubs that we actually want to have in our garden.
So, if you feel that you need treatment for a particular issue, why not try hypnotherapy first - it may save you an awful lot of time (and weeding).
Best wishes,
Wendy x
Monday, 4 March 2013
You are feeling very sleepy ......
It's National Sleep Awareness Week this week and anyone who knows me well will know that I cannot get enough of the stuff. I actually love sleep, but, I hasten to add it is really important to get good quality sleep, not just alcohol or sleeping pill induced coma-type snoozing. So this means that you need to get the right balance of REM sleep - this is rapid eye movement sleep or dream sleep - along with the deeper kind. A good mix of both and in addition ensuring you get between about 7 and 9 hours will usually be sufficient.
To me, there is nothing better than a good night's sleep. And in the same way, there is nothing more energy-sapping than not sleeping well. If this then continues night after night then it can lead to all sorts of health problems, both physical and mental, and it sometimes seems that the more you long more sleep, the more elusive it becomes.
The phrase 'sleep-hygiene' is often used nowadays, (and this doesn't refer to making sure you are really clean before you go to bed), what this actually means is having a good look at your daily routine and perhaps tweaking it a little in order to see if this could help you get into the habit of experiencing good quality, restful sleep, most nights. Some of these things are obvious, so excuse this but they should still be mentioned:
- caffeine - check that you drink no more than 3/4 cups of coffee or tea per day, and ideally none after midday
- try and get a little bit of exercise and fresh air during the day if you can, but do not exercise just before bed
- alcohol may get you off to sleep quicker, but you will be more likely to have a poor quality sleep, and/or wake up during the night
- try to have a light meal in the evening, ideally before 7pm - if you eat a big meal before bed, then you will tend to not sleep very well
- do something relaxing in the evening, such as reading, sewing or listening to music. Television is ok, but try to watch something soothing or uplifting before bed if you can
- learn self-hypnosis/relaxation techniques, simple ones that you can use just before bedtime
I often find that many of my clients, as a side-effect of the hypnotherapy treatment they receive, start sleeping much better and this happens even if they have not come to me initially with sleep problems.
If you would like to find out more about how hypnotherapy could help you to sleep more soundly, then do contact me on 01449 780352 or 07817158429, or email me on wendy@wendychalk.co.uk.
Sweet dreams,
Wendy x
To me, there is nothing better than a good night's sleep. And in the same way, there is nothing more energy-sapping than not sleeping well. If this then continues night after night then it can lead to all sorts of health problems, both physical and mental, and it sometimes seems that the more you long more sleep, the more elusive it becomes.
The phrase 'sleep-hygiene' is often used nowadays, (and this doesn't refer to making sure you are really clean before you go to bed), what this actually means is having a good look at your daily routine and perhaps tweaking it a little in order to see if this could help you get into the habit of experiencing good quality, restful sleep, most nights. Some of these things are obvious, so excuse this but they should still be mentioned:
- caffeine - check that you drink no more than 3/4 cups of coffee or tea per day, and ideally none after midday
- try and get a little bit of exercise and fresh air during the day if you can, but do not exercise just before bed
- alcohol may get you off to sleep quicker, but you will be more likely to have a poor quality sleep, and/or wake up during the night
- try to have a light meal in the evening, ideally before 7pm - if you eat a big meal before bed, then you will tend to not sleep very well
- do something relaxing in the evening, such as reading, sewing or listening to music. Television is ok, but try to watch something soothing or uplifting before bed if you can
- learn self-hypnosis/relaxation techniques, simple ones that you can use just before bedtime
I often find that many of my clients, as a side-effect of the hypnotherapy treatment they receive, start sleeping much better and this happens even if they have not come to me initially with sleep problems.
If you would like to find out more about how hypnotherapy could help you to sleep more soundly, then do contact me on 01449 780352 or 07817158429, or email me on wendy@wendychalk.co.uk.
Sweet dreams,
Wendy x
Thursday, 28 February 2013
How are you motivated?
This week I attended a really interesting course on motivation, and it really brought home to me the fact that we are all so very different when it comes to being motivated to do something, or to not do something, whichever the case may be.
Some people find that the possibility of negative consequences is more motivating for them than anything else, and I am reminded of the tv programme 'Supersize versus Superskinny' when Dr Christian takes the overweight volunteer to the States, and gets them to spend some time with a morbidly obese person who has all kinds of health problems. With some people this type of 'shock factor' can be so effective as a wake-up call to start losing weight. For them it is a stark reminder of what could happen if they do not change their lifestyle.
With others, the promise of positive benefits is more appealing, so getting the person to focus on how they want to look/feel in a few months from now when they walk down the aisle or when they are laying on the beach, or in whatever situation they can imagine themselves in, can really galvanise them into action.
As a hypnotherapist, I tend to concentrate more on the positive future benefits for my clients, but, having said that, I do realise that for some people thinking of the negative consequences of a habit or course of action is more effective at motivating them. Therefore, I am always minded that my treatment is adapted to suit each individual client in order to achieve success.
Whatever your motivation, you may have been thinking that hypnotherapy could be beneficial for you - I would love to have chat with you about this, so do call me on 01449 780352 or 07817158429, or you can email me on wendy@wendychalk.co.uk.
Best wishes,
Wendy x
Some people find that the possibility of negative consequences is more motivating for them than anything else, and I am reminded of the tv programme 'Supersize versus Superskinny' when Dr Christian takes the overweight volunteer to the States, and gets them to spend some time with a morbidly obese person who has all kinds of health problems. With some people this type of 'shock factor' can be so effective as a wake-up call to start losing weight. For them it is a stark reminder of what could happen if they do not change their lifestyle.
With others, the promise of positive benefits is more appealing, so getting the person to focus on how they want to look/feel in a few months from now when they walk down the aisle or when they are laying on the beach, or in whatever situation they can imagine themselves in, can really galvanise them into action.
As a hypnotherapist, I tend to concentrate more on the positive future benefits for my clients, but, having said that, I do realise that for some people thinking of the negative consequences of a habit or course of action is more effective at motivating them. Therefore, I am always minded that my treatment is adapted to suit each individual client in order to achieve success.
Whatever your motivation, you may have been thinking that hypnotherapy could be beneficial for you - I would love to have chat with you about this, so do call me on 01449 780352 or 07817158429, or you can email me on wendy@wendychalk.co.uk.
Best wishes,
Wendy x
Monday, 18 February 2013
Glass half full
At last we are seeing some tiny signs of spring, and after a very hard winter this is really welcome! Just to be able to go outside without being rained on, snowed on or turning to ice makes a wonderful change.
Mr Chalk and I spent a lovely weekend with some good friends by the sea - it was nice to catch up with them, they are truly wonderful hosts and we had lots of fun and giggles and some excellent food, whilst enjoying some good sea air and bracing walks. And we have started the week thoroughly refreshed and relaxed.
We are so lucky to have such opportunities, and I am endlessly grateful for the rich and fulfilling life that I lead.
I have spent a lot of time recently concentrating on positive psychology techniques, and one of the things that I urge my clients to do is make a regular habit of listing your 'gratitudes' - this could be as simple as being thankful for a good friend or the fact that you have your sight, or really appreciating a lovely meal. Try to list ten 'gratitudes' each night. It might sound a bit cheesy, but what happens here is that by making a habit of this, you are setting up positive neural pathways in your brain, which in turn make you much more resourceful and resilient during stressful times. And it does not have to be anything extravagant or grand that you are grateful for, in fact I believe sometimes the simpler the better.
Try it for a little while, it takes a bit of practice, but you will find eventually that you can come up with things automatically, and your 'default' setting may change from being quite often negative, to much more positive. The amazing thing is you can then start to notice all sorts of wonderful things happening in your life.
If you would like to find out more about the incredible power of the sub-conscious mind, then please contact me on 01449 780352, or 07817158429, or email me wendy@wendychalk.co.uk.
Best wishes,
Wendy x
Mr Chalk and I spent a lovely weekend with some good friends by the sea - it was nice to catch up with them, they are truly wonderful hosts and we had lots of fun and giggles and some excellent food, whilst enjoying some good sea air and bracing walks. And we have started the week thoroughly refreshed and relaxed.
We are so lucky to have such opportunities, and I am endlessly grateful for the rich and fulfilling life that I lead.
I have spent a lot of time recently concentrating on positive psychology techniques, and one of the things that I urge my clients to do is make a regular habit of listing your 'gratitudes' - this could be as simple as being thankful for a good friend or the fact that you have your sight, or really appreciating a lovely meal. Try to list ten 'gratitudes' each night. It might sound a bit cheesy, but what happens here is that by making a habit of this, you are setting up positive neural pathways in your brain, which in turn make you much more resourceful and resilient during stressful times. And it does not have to be anything extravagant or grand that you are grateful for, in fact I believe sometimes the simpler the better.
Try it for a little while, it takes a bit of practice, but you will find eventually that you can come up with things automatically, and your 'default' setting may change from being quite often negative, to much more positive. The amazing thing is you can then start to notice all sorts of wonderful things happening in your life.
If you would like to find out more about the incredible power of the sub-conscious mind, then please contact me on 01449 780352, or 07817158429, or email me wendy@wendychalk.co.uk.
Best wishes,
Wendy x
Thursday, 7 February 2013
Strictly in the moment
I don't tend to get out much, so last weekend was a real treat for me. It hadn't originally been planned to be fun-packed from Friday to Sunday, but that's how it worked out.
I had originally booked for a group of us to go and see Strictly at the O2 on Sunday night, and then it just happened that my brother and his wife invited us for an evening at his Mayfair club on the Friday, staying the night there too. So, as it would have been silly to come back to Suffolk and then return to London on Sunday, we decided to stay for the weekend.
So, after an evening of the most delicious food, Mr Chalk and I enjoyed a wonderful night's sleep at the very comfortable Lansdowne Club (where, I am informed, Mr Harry Selfridge spent some years as a regular guest) and then spent the following day walking across London, taking in the sights and enjoying perusing various markets. In the evening I booked for us to see 'the 39 steps' which was most entertaining, and then the following day I met up with my Strictly buddies for a bit of a shopping spree before the show.
So you see, this was not an average weekend and I was determined to enjoy every bit of it, from soaking up those wonderful views of London to enjoying the comfort and hospitality of a London club and then rounded off by the excitement of seeing Louis Smith performing his winning Strictly dance. A-ma-zing darling ....
It is at times like this that I am very mindful of 'being in the moment' and relishing all the sights, sounds and smells around me, because otherwise the weekend could just pass by in a blur. There is a difference between merely experiencing something, and being fully aware of the experience. It is true that this does take practice, but being able to live in the moment makes life so much more rich and exciting.
If you would like to find out more about learning to be in the moment, please do get in touch. You can phone me on 0781 7158429 or email me on wendy@wendychalk.co.uk.
Wendy x
I had originally booked for a group of us to go and see Strictly at the O2 on Sunday night, and then it just happened that my brother and his wife invited us for an evening at his Mayfair club on the Friday, staying the night there too. So, as it would have been silly to come back to Suffolk and then return to London on Sunday, we decided to stay for the weekend.
So, after an evening of the most delicious food, Mr Chalk and I enjoyed a wonderful night's sleep at the very comfortable Lansdowne Club (where, I am informed, Mr Harry Selfridge spent some years as a regular guest) and then spent the following day walking across London, taking in the sights and enjoying perusing various markets. In the evening I booked for us to see 'the 39 steps' which was most entertaining, and then the following day I met up with my Strictly buddies for a bit of a shopping spree before the show.
So you see, this was not an average weekend and I was determined to enjoy every bit of it, from soaking up those wonderful views of London to enjoying the comfort and hospitality of a London club and then rounded off by the excitement of seeing Louis Smith performing his winning Strictly dance. A-ma-zing darling ....
It is at times like this that I am very mindful of 'being in the moment' and relishing all the sights, sounds and smells around me, because otherwise the weekend could just pass by in a blur. There is a difference between merely experiencing something, and being fully aware of the experience. It is true that this does take practice, but being able to live in the moment makes life so much more rich and exciting.
If you would like to find out more about learning to be in the moment, please do get in touch. You can phone me on 0781 7158429 or email me on wendy@wendychalk.co.uk.
Wendy x
Friday, 1 February 2013
Looking forward to spring
I always feel a little bit better once January has gone, and we can start to look forward to spring flowers and the days drawing out. I think spring has always been my favourite time of year as it seems to signal that wonderful feeling of new possibilities, renewed life and energy.
In the meantime, we can still start to think about preparing for spring and summer and put our minds to eating healthily and exercising, ready for those summer holidays. Its a really good time to start now, and I am still feeling great doing my 5:2 fasting - I find that it fits so well into my lifestyle, as well as being a proven way to improve your all-round health.
This weekend Mr Chalk and myself are going to London, and I want to be able to feel that I can enjoy myself - one of our treats is to have a wonder around Borough Market and explore the lovely food stalls, wonderful arrays of all sorts of different hand-made, artisan products - so tempting. And the benefit of the fasting regime is that I can eat really lightly a couple of days in the week, and then allow myself to be relaxed for the rest of the week. But the strange thing that I have found is that my appetite seems to have been much reduced, and on the days when I can eat anything, I no longer eat as much as I did previously. I am also well aware of the effect that fasting will have on my long term health, particularly when it comes to age-related illnesses. My parents both have poor vision and my mum has age-related macular degeneration. Knowing how debilitating this is, I am keen to find ways that I can prevent it occurring to me.
Having always said 'don't do diets' I do feel a little bit hypocritical, but I feel that this one is different and it does seem to be backed up by medical research, and is something that I will be happy to continue indefinitely.
If you feel that this might be a good idea for you, or you would like general advice on health and weight loss, please give me a call on 01449 780352 or 0781 7158429, or email me on wendy@wendychalk.co.uk.
Wendy x
In the meantime, we can still start to think about preparing for spring and summer and put our minds to eating healthily and exercising, ready for those summer holidays. Its a really good time to start now, and I am still feeling great doing my 5:2 fasting - I find that it fits so well into my lifestyle, as well as being a proven way to improve your all-round health.
This weekend Mr Chalk and myself are going to London, and I want to be able to feel that I can enjoy myself - one of our treats is to have a wonder around Borough Market and explore the lovely food stalls, wonderful arrays of all sorts of different hand-made, artisan products - so tempting. And the benefit of the fasting regime is that I can eat really lightly a couple of days in the week, and then allow myself to be relaxed for the rest of the week. But the strange thing that I have found is that my appetite seems to have been much reduced, and on the days when I can eat anything, I no longer eat as much as I did previously. I am also well aware of the effect that fasting will have on my long term health, particularly when it comes to age-related illnesses. My parents both have poor vision and my mum has age-related macular degeneration. Knowing how debilitating this is, I am keen to find ways that I can prevent it occurring to me.
Having always said 'don't do diets' I do feel a little bit hypocritical, but I feel that this one is different and it does seem to be backed up by medical research, and is something that I will be happy to continue indefinitely.
If you feel that this might be a good idea for you, or you would like general advice on health and weight loss, please give me a call on 01449 780352 or 0781 7158429, or email me on wendy@wendychalk.co.uk.
Wendy x
Sunday, 27 January 2013
Touretteshero
I have just finished reading 'Welcome to biscuitland' by Jessica Thom - it is a hugely entertaining and heart-warming account of a year of Jessica's life and I defy anyone not to be totally moved by it.
I first learnt about Jess whilst watching Stephen Fry's BBC2 programme all about language. Jessica was featured as she has Tourette's Syndrome, a neurological disorder which means she has a variety of movement and language tics, which she is totally unable to control. Bizarrely, one of the words which she seems to tic most often is 'biscuits' with quite predictably funny consequences. A friend actually discovers that she says 'biscuit' about 16 times a minute as well as a whole host of he most extraordinary phrases, including 'Keith Duffy has a peanut allergy', 'Norma Major's in your mouth take a bite' and 'I've got a Blue Peter badge in pig porn'.
The diary charts our Touretteshero's progress through the year, and the numerous challenges she faces on a daily basis - these include having to explain herself to other people as she is one of the 10% of Tourettes sufferers whose tics include swear words as well as the constant and sometimes very dangerous arm and leg tics she has.
What is so wonderful about the book is that Jess chooses to embrace her condition in a hugely positive way, seeing how it can be funny and bizarre, but also how it sometimes bring out the good in people, and especially her own special support network, including Fat Sister, Leftwing Idiot and King Russell (these are all 'tic' names). She acknowledges how difficult her life is, but is determined to live it to the full as well as educating young and old about her condition.
Do read the book if you can, and you can also link to her site www.touretteshero.com.
Best wishes,
Wendy x
I first learnt about Jess whilst watching Stephen Fry's BBC2 programme all about language. Jessica was featured as she has Tourette's Syndrome, a neurological disorder which means she has a variety of movement and language tics, which she is totally unable to control. Bizarrely, one of the words which she seems to tic most often is 'biscuits' with quite predictably funny consequences. A friend actually discovers that she says 'biscuit' about 16 times a minute as well as a whole host of he most extraordinary phrases, including 'Keith Duffy has a peanut allergy', 'Norma Major's in your mouth take a bite' and 'I've got a Blue Peter badge in pig porn'.
The diary charts our Touretteshero's progress through the year, and the numerous challenges she faces on a daily basis - these include having to explain herself to other people as she is one of the 10% of Tourettes sufferers whose tics include swear words as well as the constant and sometimes very dangerous arm and leg tics she has.
What is so wonderful about the book is that Jess chooses to embrace her condition in a hugely positive way, seeing how it can be funny and bizarre, but also how it sometimes bring out the good in people, and especially her own special support network, including Fat Sister, Leftwing Idiot and King Russell (these are all 'tic' names). She acknowledges how difficult her life is, but is determined to live it to the full as well as educating young and old about her condition.
Do read the book if you can, and you can also link to her site www.touretteshero.com.
Best wishes,
Wendy x
Monday, 14 January 2013
Intermittent fasting - a good idea?
Whilst I am generally not in favour of diets, as I feel they do not encourage a healthy relationship with food, there is one that intrigues me at the moment.
It is based on the idea that by fasting intermittently - and by fasting this does not mean totally eliminating food, but severely restricting calories to about 500 for two or perhaps three days each week and then for the other days, just eating anything you want (yes, anything) - you can not only lose weight, but also significantly improve your general health.
A BBC2 documentary last year saw Dr Michael Mosley investigate this, and after six weeks on the 5:2 diet - two days of fasting, then five days of eating normally - he found that he had lost well over a stone in weight, his blood glucose levels were normal, his cholesterol level (which had previously been very high) was in the healthy range. He also found that, although he could eat anything he wanted on the non- fasting days, he didn't overeat.
So, after having a, shall we say, relaxed Christmas, food-wise, I decided to embark on the 5:2 and I have to admit that I am feeling really good and a little bit slimmer into the bargain. I tend to have my two days of fasting on Monday and Wednesday or Thursday, then this leaves me free to enjoy my food over the weekend. What I have found is that I don't tend to eat everything in sight in the non-fasting days, neither is it unhealthy high- fat food. Instead I seem to find that I take my time over meals, really savouring the food, and making sure that I eat healthily, but with no restriction on the good fats, such as olive oil, avocados, nuts, oily fish. I have to say it seems to work for me, and I will be happy to continue with this way of eating as it is so easy and enjoyable. Apparently it also slows down the ageing process and, having had a big birthday last year, I am all for that!
If you feel that this way of eating would work for you, it is very important that you check with your GP first, as for some people it would not be advisable - this would include those who have an existing eating disorder such as bulimia or anorexia, or those who have a physical health problem which would rule them out for this type of eating plan.
However, if you feel that you would be suited to follow this sort of regime, then give it a try. Personally, I think it may be the answer for a lot of people who want to be able to enjoy their food, but are also keen to be the healthiest they can be.
Take care,
Wendy x
It is based on the idea that by fasting intermittently - and by fasting this does not mean totally eliminating food, but severely restricting calories to about 500 for two or perhaps three days each week and then for the other days, just eating anything you want (yes, anything) - you can not only lose weight, but also significantly improve your general health.
A BBC2 documentary last year saw Dr Michael Mosley investigate this, and after six weeks on the 5:2 diet - two days of fasting, then five days of eating normally - he found that he had lost well over a stone in weight, his blood glucose levels were normal, his cholesterol level (which had previously been very high) was in the healthy range. He also found that, although he could eat anything he wanted on the non- fasting days, he didn't overeat.
So, after having a, shall we say, relaxed Christmas, food-wise, I decided to embark on the 5:2 and I have to admit that I am feeling really good and a little bit slimmer into the bargain. I tend to have my two days of fasting on Monday and Wednesday or Thursday, then this leaves me free to enjoy my food over the weekend. What I have found is that I don't tend to eat everything in sight in the non-fasting days, neither is it unhealthy high- fat food. Instead I seem to find that I take my time over meals, really savouring the food, and making sure that I eat healthily, but with no restriction on the good fats, such as olive oil, avocados, nuts, oily fish. I have to say it seems to work for me, and I will be happy to continue with this way of eating as it is so easy and enjoyable. Apparently it also slows down the ageing process and, having had a big birthday last year, I am all for that!
If you feel that this way of eating would work for you, it is very important that you check with your GP first, as for some people it would not be advisable - this would include those who have an existing eating disorder such as bulimia or anorexia, or those who have a physical health problem which would rule them out for this type of eating plan.
However, if you feel that you would be suited to follow this sort of regime, then give it a try. Personally, I think it may be the answer for a lot of people who want to be able to enjoy their food, but are also keen to be the healthiest they can be.
Take care,
Wendy x
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