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Anxious Thoughts: 5 Effective Strategies to Control Them

Can anxious thoughts dominate your mind? Discover 5 techniques to calm them and regain inner peace.

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Have you ever felt like a hostage to your own thoughts? Those anxious thoughts that seem to have a life of their own, appearing out of nowhere and taking over your mind and body. If so, you’re not alone. Controlling anxious thoughts is a daily battle for many, but there are effective strategies that can help you regain inner peace and emotional stability.

Imagine being able to manage your anxiety efficiently, using scientifically validated techniques that align with ethical and responsible practices. This is not only possible but also increasingly accessible thanks to advances in the field of scientific hypnosis. The Brazilian Society of Hypnosis (SBH) is dedicated to promoting these techniques, providing tools that can transform the way we deal with emotional challenges.

In this article, we will explore five powerful strategies to control anxious thoughts. From breathing techniques that help calm the mind to the use of hypnosis as a control tool, you will discover effective methods to face anxiety. Ready to embark on this journey towards emotional well-being? Keep reading and transform your relationship with anxiety.

Identifying and Understanding Anxious Thoughts

Anxiety is a natural and adaptive emotion, but when it becomes excessive and persistent, it can be problematic. Anxious thoughts revolve around worries, fears, and uncertainties, often exaggerating the likelihood of negative events. They can be about anything, from everyday issues to traumatic events. The key to dealing with them is to identify and understand them.

Here are some strategies to help you better recognize and understand your anxious thoughts:

  • Observe your thought patterns: Pay attention to your thoughts and notice when they start to revolve around anxious themes. Identify the triggers that set them off and notice how your body reacts to them.
  • Challenge your thoughts: Ask yourself if your anxious thoughts are really based on reality. Challenge them by seeking contrary evidence and considering more positive or realistic alternatives.
  • Change your perspective: Try to see your anxious thoughts from a different perspective. For example, instead of focusing on the worst possible scenario, consider the best outcome or think about what you would say to a friend in the same situation.
  • Recognize cognitive distortions: Anxious thoughts often involve cognitive distortions, such as overgeneralization, all-or-nothing thinking, or selective focus on negative aspects. Learn to identify them so you can challenge them more easily.
  • Explore the roots of anxiety: Try to understand where your anxiety comes from. It often has roots in past experiences, beliefs, or learned thought patterns. The more you understand the origins of your anxiety, the better you will be able to deal with it effectively.

Remember, recognizing and understanding your anxious thoughts is a crucial step in managing them effectively. It’s like bringing light to a dark room; you can finally see what’s going on and take steps to change things. So, start observing your thoughts and questioning them – it’s the first step to regaining control and promoting positive change.

Breathing Techniques to Reduce Anxiety

Breathing is a powerful tool in reducing anxiety and controlling anxious thoughts. When we are anxious, our breathing tends to become rapid and shallow, which can further increase the feeling of anxiety. Conscious breathing practices help calm the mind and body, providing a sense of tranquility and focus.

Here are some breathing techniques you can use to reduce anxiety:

  1. Diaphragmatic Breathing: This technique involves breathing deeply, using the diaphragm instead of the chest. Place one hand on your chest and the other on your stomach, inhale slowly through your nose, letting the air go down to your belly, feeling it expand. Then, exhale slowly through your mouth, contracting the diaphragm and emptying the air from your lungs. Focus on lengthening and slowing each breath.
  2. 4-7-8 Breathing: A simple but effective technique that can be done anywhere. Place the tip of your tongue behind your front teeth and keep it there throughout the exercise. Inhale quietly through your nose for a mental count of four. Hold your breath for a count of seven. Exhale slowly through your mouth for a count of eight. Repeat this cycle at least three times.
  3. Alternate Nostril Breathing: This technique is based on yoga principles and helps balance the left and right hemispheres of the brain. Use your thumb to close your right nostril and inhale slowly through the left. Then close the left nostril with your index or middle finger and exhale slowly through the right. Continue alternating nostrils, focusing on slow and controlled breathing.
  4. Resistance Breathing: This technique involves creating slight resistance to the airflow. You can do this by slowly blowing the air through a small opening formed between your pursed lips or using the tip of your tongue to create slight resistance behind your front teeth. This technique helps calm the nervous system and can be particularly useful for reducing social anxiety.
  5. Focused Breathing: Simply focus on your natural breathing. Notice the air entering and leaving your nostrils, the rise and fall of your chest, and the sensation of air filling your lungs. When your mind wanders (which is normal), gently bring your attention back to your breath. This technique helps calm the mind and improve focus.
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Remember, practice is key. The more you practice these breathing techniques, the easier it will be to trigger your relaxation response when you feel anxious. Find a calm place and practice daily, and you will develop a powerful tool to manage your anxious thoughts and promote a sense of tranquility.

Focus Shift: Mindfulness Strategies

Focus Shift: Mindfulness Strategies

Mindfulness is a practice that can be a powerful ally in controlling anxious thoughts. It involves bringing attention to the present moment, cultivating an attitude of observation and acceptance towards thoughts and emotions. Here are some mindfulness strategies that can help you deal with anxiety:

  • Mindful Meditation: Set aside a few minutes of your day to sit in a quiet place and focus on your breath. Observe the thoughts that arise without judging or engaging with them. Simply let them pass like clouds in the sky. This practice helps create distance between you and your thoughts, allowing you to recognize them as just thoughts, rather than facts.
  • Body Scan: This technique involves bringing attention to different parts of your body, noticing the physical sensations that arise. Start with your toes and work your way up, noticing the sensation of each body part. This practice helps anchor you in the present and connect with your body, promoting a sense of calm and relaxation.
  • Mindfulness in Daily Activity: Choose a daily activity, such as brushing your teeth or washing dishes, and pay full attention to it. Focus on the senses involved, the physical sensations, and the thoughts that arise. This practice helps train your mind to stay present and avoid getting lost in worries or anxieties.
  • Mindfulness in Nature: Spend some time in nature and pay attention to the details around you. Observe the leaves on the trees, the sound of the birds, the sensation of the wind on your skin. This practice helps bring you into the present moment and appreciate the beauty of the natural world, providing a sense of peace and tranquility.
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): This therapeutic approach uses mindfulness techniques to help people accept their anxious thoughts and emotions rather than fight against them. It involves learning to distance oneself from anxious thoughts and committing to actions aligned with your values, despite anxiety. ACT can be particularly effective in managing persistent anxious thoughts.
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The practice of mindfulness helps develop a different relationship with your anxious thoughts. Instead of avoiding or engaging with them, you learn to observe them with curiosity and acceptance. This can lead to a greater sense of control and emotional resilience. So, try incorporating some mindfulness strategies into your routine and see how they can help you manage your anxious thoughts in a new and effective way.

Scientific Hypnosis as a Control Tool

Scientific hypnosis is a powerful tool for managing anxious thoughts and promoting profound change in individuals. With it, it is possible to access the potential of the subconscious mind and reprogram negative thought patterns, providing effective control over anxiety.

Here at the Brazilian Society of Hypnosis, we believe in the transformative power of hypnosis when applied ethically and scientifically. Our approach is evidence-based and aligned with internationally recognized practices, ensuring effective and lasting results.

Through hypnosis, it is possible to achieve a state of deep relaxation, where the mind becomes more receptive to positive suggestions. This state is similar to a trance, a natural phenomenon that we all experience daily, such as when we are immersed in a book or movie and disconnect from the outside world.

During a hypnosis session, the hypnotherapist guides the person to focus on specific thoughts, images, and sensations. This technique allows access to the subconscious, where our habits, memories, and emotions are stored. By doing so, it becomes possible to identify and modify anxious thoughts at their core, replacing them with more positive and adaptive thoughts and behaviors.

Hypnosis is a versatile tool that can be adapted to individual needs. It can be used to manage anxiety in general or to deal with specific situations that trigger anxious thoughts. For example, hypnosis can help someone control nervousness before a public presentation or manage anxiety around a specific stressful event.

One of the greatest benefits of hypnosis is that it empowers individuals to take control of their thoughts and emotions. Through self-hypnosis techniques, individuals can learn to induce a state of relaxation and make positive suggestions to themselves, becoming their own agents of change.

It’s important to highlight that hypnosis is not a state of mind control but rather a collaborative partnership between the hypnotherapist and the person. The hypnotherapist’s role is to guide and facilitate the process while the person remains in control of their experiences and choices.

Furthermore, hypnosis is a safe and ethical process when performed by qualified professionals. At the Brazilian Society of Hypnosis, our standards and guidelines ensure that our practitioners are committed to the integrity, safety, and well-being of their clients.

In summary, scientific hypnosis is a valuable tool for managing anxious thoughts and promoting lasting changes. By working with the subconscious, it is possible to reprogram negative thought patterns and cultivate a more resilient and positive mind. So, if you or someone you know is struggling with anxious thoughts, consider exploring the world of scientific hypnosis – it could be the key to regaining control and living a more peaceful and fulfilling life.

The SBH Approach to Managing Anxious Thoughts

At SBH, our approach to managing anxious thoughts is comprehensive and scientifically validated. We recognize that anxiety can have deep roots and is often linked to past experiences, beliefs, and learned thought patterns. Therefore, our approach aims to address anxiety at its core, providing tools for lasting change.

Our methodology aligns with established theories and practices, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, which is widely recognized as an effective treatment for anxiety disorders. This therapy focuses on identifying and challenging negative thoughts and behaviors, replacing them with healthier and more adaptive patterns. At SBH, we integrate this approach with the power of scientific hypnosis for optimized results.

Hypnosis allows us to access the subconscious, where our habits, memories, and emotions are stored. By doing so, we can work directly with the roots of anxiety. During a hypnosis session, the hypnotherapist guides the person to focus on specific thoughts, images, and sensations, leading to greater self-awareness and understanding of their anxiety triggers.

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Additionally, scientific hypnosis allows for thought reprogramming. In this heightened state of focus and receptivity, positive suggestions can be offered to replace negative thought patterns. For example, if someone has anxious thoughts related to work performance, suggestions can be made to increase self-confidence and reduce self-criticism.

Our approach also emphasizes the importance of acceptance and self-care. Anxiety often arises from an internal struggle against our own thoughts and emotions. We help individuals develop an attitude of acceptance and self-compassion, recognizing that anxiety is a natural response to certain triggers. By practicing self-care and kindness towards oneself, individuals can better manage their anxious thoughts.

SBH also incorporates elements of mindfulness into our approach. This practice helps individuals anchor themselves in the present moment, observing their thoughts and emotions without judgment. This can lead to greater awareness of their anxiety triggers and the ability to manage them more effectively.

Our approach is always ethical and collaborative. We believe that the hypnotherapist’s role is to guide and facilitate the process while the person remains in control of their experiences and choices. We ensure that our practitioners are committed to the integrity, safety, and well-being of their clients.

In summary, the SBH approach to managing anxious thoughts is holistic and scientifically grounded. By integrating scientific hypnosis with recognized practices, we help individuals access and reprogram their thoughts at their core, leading to lasting change and a more peaceful and resilient life.

Conclusion: Free Yourself from Anxious Thoughts with Scientific Hypnosis

Controlling anxious thoughts is a powerful skill that can be learned and enhanced with scientific hypnosis. The Brazilian Society of Hypnosis offers a holistic and scientifically validated approach to managing these thoughts, providing tools for lasting change.

Our methodology aligns with internationally recognized practices, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, and integrates the power of hypnosis to optimize results. By accessing the subconscious, we can reprogram negative thoughts and cultivate a more resilient and positive mind.

If you want to explore the world of scientific hypnosis and help people free themselves from anxious thoughts, learn about the evidence-based hypnosis training and postgraduate courses offered by the Brazilian Society of Hypnosis through the link: https://www.hipnose.com.br/cursos/

Frequently Asked Questions

Can hypnosis permanently eliminate anxiety?

Hypnosis cannot permanently eliminate anxiety, but it can help you manage it effectively and develop emotional resilience. Hypnosis is a powerful tool for accessing the subconscious and modifying negative thought patterns, providing greater control over anxiety.

How long does it take to see results with hypnosis?

The results of hypnosis can vary from person to person. Some may experience immediate relief from anxiety, while for others, it may take several sessions to see significant improvements. The important thing is to be consistent and practice the techniques learned to effectively manage anxious thoughts.

Is hypnosis safe for everyone?

Yes, hypnosis is a safe and ethical process when conducted by qualified and trained professionals. At the Brazilian Society of Hypnosis, our standards and guidelines ensure that our practitioners are committed to the integrity, safety, and well-being of their clients.

Can hypnosis be used in conjunction with other treatments for anxiety?

Yes, hypnosis can be an effective complementary tool to other treatments for anxiety, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or medication. It is important to discuss with your mental health professional the possibility of integrating hypnosis into your treatment plan.

How can I learn hypnosis to manage my anxious thoughts?

You can learn hypnosis through training and courses offered by respected institutions, such as the Brazilian Society of Hypnosis. Our courses are evidence-based, aligned with ethical practices, and internationally recognized. Visit our website to learn more about our scientific hypnosis training and postgraduate courses.

This publication is also available at: Portuguese (Brazil) Spanish

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Erick Ribeiro

Psychologist graduated from PUC Minas and co-founder of the Brazilian Society of Hypnosis. With extensive experience in clinical hypnosis, he also works in the field of digital marketing, helping to popularize hypnosis on the internet. His work is focused on empowering hypnotherapists, offering them tools to improve their practices and reach more people.

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Pós-Graduação em Hipnose Clínica e Terapias Baseadas em Evidências®

Aprofunde-se na teoria e prática das neurociências, e conheça as fronteiras dessa ciência que revela novas possibilidades para todas as áreas do conhecimento. Torne-se um hipnoterapeuta profissional e qualificado com a Sociedade Brasileira de Hipnose.