Dan Regan Hypnotherapy & Coaching

01/09/2026

Have you ever had a thought pop into your mind that you just can't seem to let go of?

You think about it. Analyse it. Try to work out what it means. Maybe you reassure yourself - only for the thought to come back again later.

One of the things I've noticed after helping hundreds of people with anxiety is that we often assume a thought keeps coming back because the thought itself must be important.

But sometimes it's what we do with the thought that helps to keep it going.

You feel anxious about it, so you pay more attention to it.

Because you're paying more attention to it, it seems even more important.

So you think about it some more.

And the thought starts to feel 'stuck'.

I know this pattern from my own experience too. When I struggled with anxiety, if something made me anxious I assumed I needed to think about it. I could convince myself that imagining all the things that might go wrong was somehow preparing me.

What I eventually learned was that I didn't have to automatically follow every thought my mind produced.

A thought can appear without becoming something you need to analyse, solve or get rid of.

I've written more about why thoughts can become 'sticky', what can keep the pattern going and some practical ways you can start responding differently:

https://danreganhypnotherapy.co.uk/dans-blog/anxiety-stress-a-panic-attacks/why-do-some-thoughts-stick-in-your-mind/

To your health and happiness,

Dan

25/08/2026

Do you ever replay conversations afterwards and wonder whether you said the wrong thing?

Or perhaps the overthinking starts before you've even arrived:
What am I going to say? What if I go quiet? What will they think of me?

One thing I've noticed after helping hundreds of people with anxiety is that people who overthink socially are often perfectly capable communicators when they're with someone they feel comfortable around.

That's an important clue.

The problem often isn't a lack of social skills. Anxiety turns your attention inwards so that instead of simply listening, talking and being yourself, you're monitoring and analysing everything you're doing.

I know that pattern well from my own experience of social anxiety. I could spend so long trying to think of the "right" thing to say that the conversation had moved on before I'd said anything.

I've substantially updated my article on how to stop overthinking in social situations, including what happens before, during and after social situations and practical ways to start changing the pattern.

https://danreganhypnotherapy.co.uk/dans-blog/confidence-a-self-esteem/how-to-stop-overthinking-in-social-situations/

If anxiety or overthinking is affecting your confidence around other people, I offer a free initial consultation in Ely, Newmarket or online.

21/08/2026

It's always good to hear that something we've worked on in our sessions is continuing to be useful in everyday life.
This recent 5-star Google review particularly stood out because they mention using the techniques we covered every day since starting their sessions.

Anxiety and stress can become such automatic patterns that it can sometimes feel as though they're simply happening to you. Part of my work is helping people discover that there are things they can learn to do differently with their thoughts and feelings.

Thank you for taking the time to leave the review, it's very much appreciated.

If anxiety or stress has been getting in the way of your everyday life, you can find lots of information and resources in my Anxiety Support Hub, or get in touch to arrange a free initial consultation.

Dan Regan
Anxiety Therapy & Hypnotherapy in Ely and Newmarket

19/08/2026

How often does anxiety make the decision for you?

You don't go to the social event.

You let somebody else drive.

You stay quiet rather than risk saying something wrong.

You go shopping when you know it'll be quiet.

And afterwards? You feel relieved.

That's one of the reasons avoidance can become such a powerful anxiety pattern. Avoiding something uncomfortable makes you feel better right now - but it can also teach your anxious mind that avoiding it was what kept you safe.

Gradually, one thing you avoid can become two, then three, until you're organising more of your life around trying not to feel anxious.

I know this pattern from my own past anxiety, and it's one I've seen repeatedly after helping hundreds of anxiety clients over the years.

A useful question to ask yourself is:

“Would I still choose not to do this if I knew I wasn't going to feel anxious?”

I've updated my in-depth article on anxiety and avoidance, including why avoidance feels so helpful, the less obvious 'safety behaviours' we can develop and how to start getting your freedom back.

Read it here: https://danreganhypnotherapy.co.uk/dans-blog/anxiety-stress-a-panic-attacks/anxiety-and-avoidance/

10/08/2026

Ever avoided picking up a drink because you were worried someone would see your hand shaking?

I can remember doing exactly that.

In meetings and interviews, I'd sometimes leave a glass of water untouched because I was worried my hands would tremble when I picked it up. And, of course, worrying about someone noticing only made me more anxious.

Shaking and trembling can be very real physical symptoms of anxiety.

Your hands might shake. Your legs can feel unsteady. Your voice may wobble. Some people even describe feeling as though they're vibrating internally, despite nobody else being able to see it.

The symptom itself can be uncomfortable, but it's often the thoughts that follow that really fuel the anxiety:

"What if everyone notices?"

"Why can't I stop shaking?"

"What if something is wrong with me?"

I've written a new article looking at why anxiety can cause shaking and trembling, how worrying about it can create a cycle, and what can help.

You can read it here:

https://danreganhypnotherapy.co.uk/dans-blog/anxiety-stress-a-panic-attacks/can-anxiety-cause-shaking-or-trembling/

30/07/2026

Have you ever suddenly felt hot, flushed or sweaty for no obvious reason?

Most people immediately think of warm weather, illness or hormonal changes. Anxiety is rarely the first thing that comes to mind.

Yet when your body's fight-or-flight response switches on, adrenaline can trigger a sudden wave of heat, facial flushing or excessive sweating. It can happen during a panic attack or even when you're simply feeling stressed or overwhelmed.

I've worked with people who became anxious about the hot flushes themselves, worrying they would happen again in meetings, social situations or while out and about. Unfortunately, that extra worry often keeps the cycle going.

In my latest article, I explain why anxiety can cause hot flushes, why they're usually nothing to fear once medical causes have been ruled out, and what can help you feel calmer.

Read more here: https://danreganhypnotherapy.co.uk/dans-blog/anxiety-stress-a-panic-attacks/can-anxiety-cause-hot-flushes/

27/07/2026

Can Anxiety Cause Blurred Vision?

Many people are surprised to discover that anxiety doesn't just affect thoughts and feelings - it can also affect your eyesight.

Blurred vision, difficulty focusing and feeling as though things aren't quite right can all be frightening symptoms, especially if you don't realise anxiety can cause them.

The good news is that these changes are often part of your body's normal fight-or-flight response rather than a sign that something serious is wrong.

I've written a new article explaining:

- Why anxiety can affect your vision

- Why it often feels so frightening

- Why constantly checking your eyesight can accidentally make it feel worse

- What actually helps calm both your nervous system and the symptom itself

If you've ever wondered whether anxiety could be affecting your vision, I hope this helps reassure you.

Read the full article here:
https://danreganhypnotherapy.co.uk/dans-blog/anxiety-stress-a-panic-attacks/can-anxiety-cause-blurred-vision/

23/07/2026

Can anxiety make you feel sick?

Many people don't realise just how much anxiety can affect their stomach.

Feeling sick, losing your appetite, butterflies, stomach tension and nausea are all common physical symptoms of anxiety. The problem is that worrying about those symptoms often makes them even worse.

In my latest article I explain why anxiety affects the digestive system, why nausea can become a cycle, and what actually helps.

If you've ever wondered whether anxiety could be behind an unsettled stomach, this may help.

Read more:
https://danreganhypnotherapy.co.uk/dans-blog/anxiety-stress-a-panic-attacks/can-anxiety-make-you-feel-sick/

20/07/2026

Why does anxiety often feel worse during hot weather?

Hot weather doesn't just make us feel uncomfortable. It can also make anxiety feel much more intense.

When we're hot, our heart beats faster, breathing changes, we sweat more and we can feel light-headed. Unfortunately, these are many of the same sensations people experience during anxiety and panic attacks.

It's easy to mistake normal heat-related changes for anxiety getting worse, which can then create even more worry.

I was recently asked to write about this for the Ely Standard, and the article is now available online (as well as being featured across several of their sister publications).

If you've noticed your anxiety feels worse during the recent warm weather, hopefully you'll find it reassuring.

Read here: https://danreganhypnotherapy.co.uk/dans-blog/anxiety-stress-a-panic-attacks/why-anxiety-can-feel-worse-during-hot-weather/

Can hot weather make anxiety worse? Why heat can trigger anxiety symptoms, panic and overthinking, plus practical ways to feel calmer again.

16/07/2026

From the outside, everything can look fine.

You’re working, meeting responsibilities, helping other people and keeping everything together.

Yet on the inside, your mind rarely stops.

You replay conversations.
Worry about mistakes.
Put yourself under pressure.
Feel guilty when you slow down.
And wonder why you can never properly switch off.

This is often described as high functioning anxiety.

One thing I’ve learned from both my own experience and working with anxiety clients is that being productive doesn’t necessarily mean you feel calm.

Anxiety can drive achievement, but it often comes at a significant personal cost.

I’ve updated an article explaining why high functioning anxiety is so easily overlooked and how you can reduce the pressure without losing your motivation or ability to achieve.

https://danreganhypnotherapy.co.uk/dans-blog/anxiety-stress-a-panic-attacks/high-functioning-anxiety/