Anna Thomas Hypnotherapy

06/02/2023

"Don't blame me - blame my brain"

It's Children's Mental Health Week. A fantastic opportunity to raise awareness for all children of all ages. So today I have THE BEST book recommendation for teens and parents alike.

The author, Nicola Morgan, dedicates this book "To my daughters. If only I'd known all this sooner". As mum to a pre-teen and a completely-teen, I couldn't agree more!

This book is a no nonsense manual to the teenage brain that helps bust the myths; to help teens understand (and parents remember) just how special their brains are at this stage of development and how different from the brain of their early years and the brain of an adult. It's an incredible, fascinating and reassuring read to help navigate the years that can seem so dramatic and overwhelming at times.

Always remember, you know your child best. If you are noticing they are struggling or becoming more withdrawn then trust your instincts and reach out for help.

01/02/2023

Sleep is fundamental to our well-being for so many mental and physical health reasons (memory, resilience, muscle and tissue healing & repair, circulation, hormone balance and so much more!)

If you are struggling with sleep please get in touch. I have been there and I know its tough as sleep underpins a good day - lets help you have more of those! 😴

30/01/2023

Looking after our minds brings us close to 'happiness' - its all about what's on the inside not the outside. Check out this TED talk to learn more.

“Matthieu Ricard brings together ancient wisdom and scientific insights to put forth a truly compelling global vision for the 21st century, and his voice, his message and his wisdom are greatly needed.” -- Arianna Huffington

What is happiness, and how can we all get some? Biochemist turned Buddhist monk Matthieu Ricard says we can train our minds in habits of well-being, to gener...

28/01/2023

Fuelled my body with muesli this morning, now I've fuelled brain with faces in trees, signs of spring and furry friends! Not to mention Luna disguising herself as a tree 😆

Happy weekend everyone x

16/12/2022

I love the advice at the end of this post. I'm sure many of us can recognise ourselves somewhere in here.

So if you need to, take time out... breathe... call someone who will listen. It's OK 🫶

"H E Y // sorry
I won’t be coming into work today.

No worries at all.
Was the reply.
Is everything alright?

She paused for a moment
as her finger hovered her phone.

Actually. It’s not. My baby had a scary high temperature last night and I haven’t felt that out in control as her mum before. The worry is debilitating. I haven’t slept a wink. My inner dialogue of fear and overthinking is exhausting and I’m tired in my bones. She won’t be put down, I’ll be lucky to get a meal in today and I’m already dreading tonight.

Everything feels quite insurmountable at the moment, actually. Our family can’t catch a break and the relentlessness of each kid taking turns bringing home a new germ is starting to take a toll on me, mentally and physically. I don’t know how much longer I can manage the juggle.

To add to the hard, my eldest is going through something quite heavy, so while I have you, I need next Friday off too. I know taking leave to meet appointment schedules isn’t ideal for the workplace, but it’s a necessity for us.

To be honest, this working mum gig is harrrrd enough trying to balance late meetings and school drop offs, but summoning the courage to call in sick, again, can be enough to tip me over the edge. It feels almighty ironic that I feel genuinely guilty for not being at work, while simultaneously feeling complete comfort in the decision to stay home with my sick child.

And to tell you the truth, calling in sick and the subsequent communication to staff that I’m away gives me overwhelming anxiety. I know I am letting people down, I know my workload continues to grow, I know there are times colleagues pick up my slack. And while I’m infinitely grateful, I can’t help but worry that the favours are side barred with fed up water cooler remarks.

So no, everything isn’t ok.
Not right now. It will be, but currently this season is challenging.
But thank you for asking.

That’s what she really wanted to say.
Lay it all out.
But, instead
She wrote

Yep, everything is fine
Just the baby.. sick again.
Hopefully see you tomorrow.
I’m sorry!"

We know a lot of you who are feeling this right now. Just remember;
- It will get better.
- You are not alone.
- Survival mode means screen time, pj days, cereal for dinner - whatever it takes, without the guilt.
- This time of the year is overwhelming enough as it is - let alone with so much sickness around. Take care of yourself and put your family first, say no to invitations and commitments if you have to!
- Missing out on festive celebrations can be really hard for some people - we are thinking of you!

Words and image: Little Jemmings

01/12/2022

Clearing the mental mist this morning. The power of nature releasing serotonin to start my day. Already smiling and enjoying the quietness 😊🌳🐾