If you are a smoker and worried about the risks around COVID-19 then now would be a good time to think about quitting for good.

It is a harsh reality that if you are a smoker you are more likely to get acute respiratory infections and have a higher risk of those infections becoming severe.

There has never been a better time to stop smoking.

But quitting is hard for many, and perhaps particularly so at a time of great stress and when many of our routines have been so suddenly disrupted

Perhaps, like the majority of smokers, the mere thought of stopping fills you with panic

If you smoke, the mere thought of giving up can fill you with PANIC…?

Is this YOU?

You have every intention of quitting one day – just not today…

Is this YOU?

Don’t worry, you are not alone.

Most smokers continue to smoke for one reason…

FEAR!

THE ONLY THING THAT PREVENTS US FROM QUITTING IS: FEAR!

Fear – that you will have to undergo an unknown period of time suffering feelings of deprivation.

Fear – that social occasions will not be quite as enjoyable without a cigarette.

Fear – that you cannot concentrate or be as confident without that crutch..

Fear that your identity, your personality or your character will change.

Fear – that you will lose the “helpful friend” that helps you cope with stress.

And that quitting may cause you to gain a few pounds.

And here’s the news…

That fear of giving up is actually CREATED by cigarettes.

You never decided to fall into the nicotine trap!

But nicotine is designed to ensure that you remain there, and you need to be motivated to break free.

And, you can take some small steps towards a nicotine-free life.

A rehearsal for the time when you can give up smoking for good!

So, follow the steps below to start your journey to becoming a NON-SMOKER!

1. Make a list of the reasons to quit:

• There are probably a number of them – but have you ever actually written them as a list?

2. Set a quit date:

• And stick to it!

3. Change your brand:

• ONE week before your quit date – change your brand of cigarette. You will find they are not as enjoyable.

4. Try to change the hand you use to hold your cigarette:

• It will feel awkward – but this small change breaks down habits and associations:

5. Change your routine

• If you normally smoke after a meal, try to break out of this routine. Try reading a chapter of a book, watch a TV show, or retreat to a part of the house where you would not normally smoke.

6. Get active:

• A five-minute walk or stretch produces chemicals in the brain that reduce cravings.

7. BE POSITIVE:

• Make regular affirmations to yourself several times a day –

“I am enjoying life as a non-smoker”

Hypnotherapy can help you to have your last cigarette ever!

It will show you the reasons to stop and can help you:

• With motivation to stop smoking – and stay stopped.
• Break the connections – the triggers – to smoking.
• Feel positive about becoming a non-smoker.

So, if you haven’t been able to quit smoking before, that doesn’t mean you won’t be able to do it now!

And if you COULD stop smoking easily and without cravings why wouldn’t you want to break out of that habit into a fresher, cleaner, healthier YOU?

RIGHT NOW!

 Download Decision to Change mp3

Watch the Do You Smoke video now.

SO, IF YOU WANT TO BEGIN YOUR JOURNEY TO BECOMING A NON-SMOKER, THEN CONTACT ME NOW FOR YOUR FREE COMPLIMENTARY SESSION AND LET THE CHANGES BEGIN.

Helping You Beat the Holiday Blues

As the UK’s Covid19 lockdown continues and the government warns Britons against making holiday plans just yet, many people may find their state of mind slipping downwards without their annual summer trip to look forward to.

So, in response, I’m going to help you to travel to their favourite destinations – from the comfort of their own armchair!

Amid the despair and grief of this pandemic, it might seem silly to focus on holidays, but they undoubtedly play a huge part in our mental health and wellbeing.

From the excitement of choosing a destination and accommodation, researching everything from sights to restaurants, to the actual week or fortnight itself followed by the recollection of treasured memories, holidays really do matter.

It’s about ‘life experiences’, relaxation, and most importantly, escapism from everyday life.

The coping process of escapism is common to many people in difficult times, and by wanting to still book a holiday, we are actively engaging in escapism behaviour.

Escape is key in our mental self-care, and it can be good to seek a happy escape when things seem impossible – that feeling of ‘I just need to get away’.

And of course, many forms of our regular escapisms, such as going out to the gym, bars and restaurants, have been taken away from us, increasing our desire to plan ahead for getaways once lockdown is lifted.

I’ve now created five free downloads to enable people to spirit their minds away to an amazing holiday destination and in doing so, take back a little of the relaxation and release they would have enjoyed had they actually been away.

At a time when we cannot guarantee a lengthier reprieve, something as simple as taking a ‘virtual holiday’ can offer a brief moment of escapism.

This allows you an outlet for the stress we are facing, and the energy to re-engage with life in lockdown.

My free downloads are a form of self-hypnosis, and simply require you to sit down in a quiet and comfortable spot, close your eyes, listen to my words, visualise the holiday destination, and relax. I’ve chosen five types of holiday for the recordings:

·        A Maldives Beach

·        The Mountains

·        Safari

·        American Road Trip

·        Disney Land

These reflect predictions made by Solihull-based independent travel agency Andara Travel, which specialises in organising tailor-made trips for people around the world.

Sandra Mutter, Managing Director of Andara Travel, believes there will be a number of key things holidaymakers will look for once the travel industry reopens for business.

She said: “We’re expecting people will be seeking plenty of space and fresh air after being cooped up for so long – destinations such as New Zealand, Canada and America will be popular, especially for self-drive trips.

Also, many people will feel like doing something completely different as an antidote to months of boredom, so an adventurous African safari might well appeal.

“Conversely, some families might want privacy to reconnect with each other after enduring being forced apart for such a long time.

I think we will see idyllic islands like those in the Caribbean proving popular for multigenerational groups involving grandparents, parents and children all enjoying some quality time together, whereas couples might favour treating themselves to some luxury in the Maldives.”

She added: “We understand how essential it is for many people to have something to look forward to once we emerge on the other side of this terrible pandemic, and a holiday away from their lockdown base will be a real tonic.

“I think Mike’s offer to help people take a short break, in spirit if not in body, is a lovely idea, and hope it helps people stay positive in these difficult times.”

So, go ahead, try my downloads for yourself right now.

I hope you enjoy them, and I hope that they allow you some respite from the situation we are all in.

And please let me know what you think.  Thank you.

Mike Holland

May 2020

MP3 Downloads

·        A Maldives Beach

·        The Mountains

·        Safari

·        American Road Trip

·        Disney Land