Play- a shout out to your fun side

Play matters

Ralph Waldo Emerson cited that:

‘It is a happy talent to know how to play.’

Is the ability to play something we can develop as an adult? I believe it is. Hypnotherapy can help us access our playful side.

Someone recently reminded me about the importance of having fun. I remember bright, fun-filled days as a child, which seemed to go on forever. Playfulness is something humans are designed for. If we can recreate this sense of joy as adults, it can really enrich our lives and guard against stress overload.

Coming out of lockdown

As we come out of lockdown, I have been thinking about the positives I have gained from this experience. Restrictions on where I can go and what I can do have steered me to appreciate the little things.

I know that, each day, I can invariably find something to feel glad about. Noticing the leaves and flowers growing these last few weeks has been pretty amazing. I have also discovered many things on my doorstep that I didn’t see before. To simply play with my cat has been joyful.

How can hypnotherapy help us embrace being playful?

I was speaking to a client today about tanking up on those moments of contentment and peace; really embracing the positive aspects to be found in our lives. That is; if we care to notice them. Too often, we can be scanning for potential threats and danger and focusing on what we perceive to be wrong. Sometimes, we can even extend this to ourselves and overlook our strengths and abilities.

A solution focused approach

Drawing on elements of cognitive behavioural therapy and neuro-linguistic programming, solution focused hypnotherapy can help you become more aware of your thought patterns and change them if needed. This approach encourages you to discover your inner resources and find solutions to your challenges. The added advantage is that it also incorporates hypnosis. This element can help to lock in changes on a subconscious level. It is also a very enjoyable state of relaxation to be in, where both your mind and body really can relax and let go.

When entered into play as a child, I know I was carefree and fully immersed in the moment. I was also very focused on what I was doing. Hypnosis is similar, where we are relaxed and focused at the same time.

The power of hypnosis in my life

Hypnosis was a revelation to me. As I practised self-hypnosis, I found it easier to achieve a state of deep relaxation. I was also focussing on using my mind in positive ways, which was something I had struggled with when I was overly worrying about many aspects of my life.

As a hypnotherapist I feel uplifted after each hypnotherapy session because it is solution focused and geared towards making beneficial changes.

By also focusing my mind on the positive aspects and creative, problem solving ways of thinking, I was able to find solutions and breakthroughs that had alluded me before. These skills are called upon when we play, especially when there are no rules and we need to think on our feet and be creative.

What happens in our brains when we play?

In Psychology Today Rob Parr explores why having fun is not taken more seriously in our society.

Research shows that play benefits the prefrontal cortex. Rob Parr describes play as a ‘banquet for the brain’: a great way of summing up what a rich and nourishing experience play can be. Using this area of the brain, especially the left prefrontal cortex, is encouraged through hypnotherapy.

Changing our perspective

This is where we can be confident and open to changing our perspective on things. New thoughts can lead to new actions, just as Einstein famously quoted:

‘No problem can be solved from the same level of consciousness that created it.’

This makes sense. Hypnotherapy can help you change the way you think, the way you feel and the way you respond to situations. It can also increase our motivation and capacity to be playful.

A more positive mindset

As clients progress, I find their use of language often changes as a result. Words and phrases like ‘happier, having fun, being present, smiling, laughing, playing with my children more’ start to pop up. They are able to envisage and then take steps towards increasing joy in their lives. This is often very different from earlier sessions, where negative language was used more habitually.

Modern day life

With the stresses of modern day life, it can be easy to overlook  our playful fun-loving side. This can result in us feeling fed up, flat or uninspired. Perhaps anxious thoughts are stealing away your happiness. Hypnotherapy can help you overcome anxiety and feel happier.

The exciting potentials within neuroplasticity

I am forever excited by neuroplasticity! In other words, this means we all have the potential to rewire our brains and change the way we think. All of us can therefore tap into this amazing ability. Because of this, we can take responsibility for our brains! Solution focused hypnotherapy can help us achieve this.

A little bit about me

Emma Victoria Tranmer MA (Hons) PGCE  HPD  DSFH  Member of the AfSFH Clinical Solution Hypnotherapist

I specialise in helping people overcome anxiety and stress related issues. Hypnotherapy transformed my life for the better and I subsequently enjoy helping others do the same. Working as a hypnotherapist is therefore incredibly rewarding.

My love of learning means I am always looking at ways to further my own professional development. Hypnotherapy can help with a wide range of issues and I see clients with varied challenges like sports performance, addictions, phobias, disturbed sleep, panic attacks and depression.

Book an Appointment 

You can take positive steps to help you attain a more hopeful perspective. Move forward in your life can become easier as a result. In addition, hypnotherapy can help you discover the tools and inner resources to do this; step by step.

Initial consultations

I offer an initial consultation where you can meet me and find out more about what I do. This will also give me the opportunity to understand where you are in your life right now and what you would like to achieve. There is no charge for this.

There may be something else that you, or someone you might know, is struggling with right now. Give me a call on 07550 098029 to discuss in strictest confidence.

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Take positive steps, now, to feel calmer, happier and more in control.