Mind Over Munchies?

Can your beliefs and expectations about what you are about to eat have a tangible effect on your appetite? Or is it just a matter of straightforward math as to calories in and the level of satisfaction?

The placebo effect is where someone's positive belief about a medication or other form of treatment initiates a healing response even though that intervention is not actually proven to be effective on its own.

It is now known placebos are not just a matter of people being tricked into wellness as was once believed. In response to thought processes, the mind and body produces a host of powerful biochemical reactions.  For example, the belief a sugar pill will combat pain will trigger the body to produce endorphins, the self-produced version of morphine.

Yet it seems the inner mechanism that allows placebos to work is not limited to medical treatments. Research suggests your thoughts about what you eat has an important effect as well.

In a study at Yale, a group of volunteers were fed a 380 calorie milkshake on 2 separate occasions. One half of the participants were given a label that read that their shake was "indulgent" and contained 620 calories. The other half received a label stating the shake was "sensible" and had only 140 calories.

Their levels of ghrelin, a hormone that stimulates appetite was measured 3 times. The first was during the time they read the label, the second as they drank the shake and a third reading was done afterward.

The result was that those drinking the indulgent shake had a steep decline in ghrelin (which would mean reduced hunger)  while the "sensible" group had a relatively flat response, meaning they would most likely be just as hungry afterward.

This result led the researchers to conclude that the effect of food consumption on ghrelin levels may have a strong psychological component.

What can you possibly take away from this? One possibility is that cultivating the practice eating mindfully and with a sense of enjoyment may be much more effective in reducing appetite than obsessing on calorie counts.

Please feel free to connect if you would like to learn more. I can be reached at (732) 714-7040.

Reference for this article:

Crum, A.J. et al. (2011) Mind over milkshakes: Mindsets, not just nutrients determine ghrelin response. Health Psychology, 30, 4, 424-429.

My Latest Video Embracing Change

Here is a video for improving the way you think and feel about the changes that life will always bring about.

Pause-Take a Breath by Roseann Petropoulos

Seems many of us are experiencing PTED (Post Traumatic Election Disorder). Whether you are on the left or on the right, whatever your point of view, it is an uneasy time. As a rule, the first 100 days of any change is considered the “honeymoon phase”. A time when we embrace our connection to each other before we move forward to accomplish our dreams, our goals.  

All change does take us out of our comfort zone and this change is a rocky road for sure. Our society is divided like never before. Or is it? When we look back to the history of our country, we find the many roads that brought about change. Our founding fathers exhibited courage as they took a stand for their vision. History recalls them as an American Hero. Only a real history buff will find the back story to the actual way it was played out.

Who were the men of honor? Who played dirty?  Who followed the rules? Who questioned the rules? Who made new rules?    

Perhaps this is a wake up call to speak out. Our society has found the calm after the activism of the 60's. What is happening on the national stage is happening within each of us. We are a part of the whole. Society is stepping up in the name of democracy.

We are refusing to sit in denial, confusion, anger or despair. However, the disturbing issue is that we are out of control. Our positions carry the passionate weight of our emotions. The problem continues as we hold so tight to our views that the discussion and arrangement of the terms of transition comes to a halt. Negotiations fail and we all go back into our corners awaiting the next round in the political arena.      

On a personal level the political merry go round builds stress in our body, mind and spirit. Have you noticed any changes in your physical well-being? Are you easily irritated, fatigued, experience headaches, poor digestion, increase in blood pressure, lack of mental clarity or lost libido, just to name a few. Does any of this sound familiar?    

A meditation practice benefits everyone in managing their stress level. Just to be clear, meditation is the practice of stillness. It is not just for new age people seeking spiritual guidance through ancient rituals. Think about it, all  organized religions promote a form of prayer that in essence quiets life's drama. For those folks who never seek internal answers from a Higher Source, know that being in nature or sitting quietly in a private space relaxes the body, clears the mind and opens the flow of wellness.

For those who say, “ I cannot meditate, my thoughts never stop”. Well yes, that is a real concern. Our minds never stop. Meditation is the process of allowing our thoughts to flow. When we attach a story to our thoughts that is when we stop the process. In time, you will be able to catch yourself, stop the story and return to the natural rhythm of your breathe. It is called a practice for exactly that reason. Even the monks who dedicate their life in silence need to continue it as a practice.

Meditation is the ultimate way to stretch and strengthen our mind. It allows the expansion of our views and awareness. We as a people will be able to be more flexible, accepting, gracious and peaceful.    

Just for a moment, let us pause and take a breathe. Quoting Ghandi, “We must be the change we wish to see in the world”. Searching for the peace and harmony in our society is futile when we are not peace and harmony. True change comes from within and then we can start the negotiation process.

Roseann Petropoulos is a Certified Hypnotherapist and Reiki Master. Private sessions are available to release and break the cycle of limiting patterns in life. Create the life you desire.Roseann combines her knowledge and intuitive insights offering accurate, compassionate responses to all clients. For more information: http://www.Belmarwellness.com or call for a free phone consultation 732 894-3197

Tinnitus Coping Tip #4 Can Mindfulness Help?

Tinnitus Help NJ

A lot of media attention has been given recently to the topic of mindfulness meditation as a useful intervention for stress and anxiety.

Mindfulness is a relatively simple concept but can be quite profound in its effects once you grasp it. It is defined as a state of being completely engaged in the present moment. How could this be helpful to you?

Proponents of mindfulness state that the primary source of stress is when we leave the present moment and either a) dwell on negative events from the past that cannot be changed or b) project our worries into the future, frequently called "what if" thinking.

I've encountered people with tinnitus who constantly replay the events that may have initiated the symptoms, such as,"how could I have been so stupid to go to that loud concert without my ear plugs?" Still others spend a lot of time worrying, "what if this gets worse, am I going to go crazy?"

These thoughts can be as anxiety producing as the actual ringing or buzzing itself.

Yet when you think about it, you are actually OK in the present moment as long as you are breathing. In fact the method of mindfulness meditation I teach to my hypnosis clients usually involves a focus on the breath.

Now you may be wondering though about what if you have an unpleasant symptom going on such as chronic pain or tinnitus, why would you want to be mindful then?

Part of a mindfulness practice is becoming more able to accept whatever is going on in the present moment without judgment. You learn to detach a bit and observe your thoughts and feelings rather than resisting them.

Your negative thoughts and feelings aren't really part of you, they are temporary experiences that will pass, especially if you don't energize them with your attention.

As the Buddha was quoted as saying, "our suffering arises from resisting what is."

A helpful metaphor is to think about thoughts, feelings and sensations as being like ripples in a pond rather than the pond itself.

As mentioned, mindfulness meditation is one of the techniques I teach during my hypnosis sessions along with other methods of self-hypnosis.

If you would like to learn more, a free, confidential phone consultation is available. Call (732) 714-7040. 

Stress Relief Tip

Below is a video I recently posted on using what is known as the "4-7-8 Breath" method for relieving stress and tension.




P.S. If you are curious about the Simple Subliminal resource I mention in the video, you can learn more by visiting the Simple Subliminal page at my website.

Childhood Stress and Later Illness?

A recently published study from Harvard indicates that while stress can cause negative physiological changes to the immune system and cardiac health at any age, childhood distress has a bigger impact on the body than stress encountered later in life.

The British Cohort Study tracked approximately 6,700 Britons born the same week in 1958 for a full 45 years and interviewed them regarding the stress and distress they were encountering over those four plus decades.

Those who encountered significant stress as children were far more likely to develop heart disease and type 2 diabetes even if their adult years were relatively calm.

Remarked one of the lead researchers, "Childhood distress may be particularly important because that's when people are learning how to control their emotions."

You should not panic if your child or grandchild is undergoing a tough time-but it is important to address their stress levels proactively for both their present and future well being.

Learning how to use the skills of self-hypnosis and basic mindfulness meditation can enable your child to feel more in control and become resilient when they inevitably encounter adversity.

If you have any questions, a free, confidential phone consultation is available, call (732) 714-7040.

References for this article:
http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/hsph-in-the-news/childhood-stress-linked-with-greater-risk-of-heart-disease-diabetes-in-adulthood/

https://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/2015/10/04/deepbreath/uwmiYtqkwr7S8PFYSNvSlK/story.html

Hypnosis and the Chakra System

Restoring Balance and Calm 

Wednesday, October 21@ 7 PM 

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Everyone has had the unpleasant experience of feeling "out of balance." Yet is it even possible to experience calm and serenity in our modern world?

Long ago mystics realized that we have a subtle energy system made up of different frequencies that relate to the various aspects of the mind and body. 

These energy centers are thought to have a circular shape and movement, so they were called "chakras", the Sanskrit word for wheel. 

When one of these energy centers is blocked or deficient your entire being can be affected.

In this class you will learn:

• An overview of the chakras, their location, color correspondence and function.
• How to use the pendulum to discover potential energy blocks. 
• A guided meditation to encourage balance and health.  
• Affirmations related to each chakra. 
• A shorthand self-hypnosis process you can use on your own.

All participants will receive an audio CD or mp3 for home practice and a study guide. Tuition is $35 through the secure link below, pre-registration is required due to limited seating. The class will be held in the 2nd floor conference room at my office, 302 Hawthorne Ave, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ. Please call (732) 714-7040 if you have any questions. 

Upcoming Events Registration

Back to School Stress?

As the summer season is winding down here at the Jersey Shore, I am reminded of my younger years when hearing the term "back to school" filled me with a certain dread-although as a parent it now creates quite a different emotion!

A small amount of back to school anxiety is normal as all the unknowns about the coming year such as "what will the new teachers be like?" or "will I be able to handle the work?" can challenge your child's confidence level.

Yet in some instances the child's level of stress gets to the point where it becomes a major problem and interferes with quality of life at home and school.

Over the years I have enjoyed working with students from middle school up to college age when it comes to academic-related stress for two major reasons.

First, younger people are naturally imaginative and this allows them to much more receptive to experiencing the process of hypnosis.

Second, learning about self-hypnosis and mindfulness is a tool that can serve a person well for the rest of his or her life.

I often wish I had learned earlier on in life that:

• The unconscious mind automatically acts out patterns, images and beliefs whether they are good, bad or neutral-so you need to be careful what you dwell upon!
• That the unconscious mind reacts to vividly imagined experiences as if they were real. The good news is that the same mental dynamic that provokes fear and stress can also create calm and confidence-you do have a choice. 
• The basic tenet of mindfulness: learning to be more in the moment and realizing that as long as I am breathing, right now I am OK.

Please feel free to connect if you have a younger family member who could use some help in developing relaxation skills and greater self-confidence by calling for a free, confidential consultation at (732) 714-7040.

Stress Eating and Will Power?

A study was published recently in the medical journal Neuron about how stress alters brain function in relationship to healthy eating choices.

Volunteers who were intentionally subjected to a stressful stimulus (having a hand stuck in ice-water for 3 minutes) showed increased activity in the regions of the brain involved with signaling that a food is appealing with a simultaneous decrease in the areas involved with self regulation/willpower when compared with a control group.

During the stress response it would seem that taste trumps health considerations (but you probably didn't need me or some academics to tell you that!)

The researchers suggest that a helpful intervention is to remove tempting items such as junk food, cigarettes or alcohol from your environment when you know you are going to be experiencing a challenging time.

This general idea has actually been around for along time.  In addiction's programs members are told about the acronym HALT- that relapse into addictive behaviors becomes more likely when a person is Hungry, Angry, Lonely or Tired. Pretty much common sense, but it is interesting that modern brain science further validates it.  

I would add that the practice of self-hypnosis or mindfulness can alter your stress responses in a positive way even if there isn't much you can do about your external circumstances at the moment. This is why I teach these skills to virtually all of my weight loss and smoking cessation clients.

If you would like to learn more, a free, confidential phone consultation is available, call (732) 714-7040.

Source for this article http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/08/05/us-health-stress-self-control-idUSKCN0QA21Q20150805

A Mindful Break?

This morning I had a few things to take care of at the office.  Since the weather was nice and the summer tourist traffic is pretty thick at the Jersey Shore on a Friday, I decided to bicycle the 3 miles each way rather than drive.

So I took care of a few things the needed attention at 302 Hawthorne Ave and on the ride back home I was kind of lost in a negative train of thought about a current challenge I am facing. Don't worry its nothing major, just a situation that is kind of frustrating and a perhaps bit discouraging.

As I rode along I noticed myself getting entangled with these thoughts and my mood began to suffer.

Luckily mindfulness is not just something I teach to my clients, I do practice it myself.

So I stopped pedaling for a spell and took a breather on a bench beneath a shade tree. I focused first for few moments on the flow of my breath, which brought me back to the NOW.

And in that present moment I remembered that I am in fact OK right now as long as I am breathing. And that when you let a thought just be a thought it loses its power over you.

Then my awareness shifted to the perfectly blue sky overhead, with just a few wisps of white clouds floating by. I noticed too that the weather today is pretty much near perfect. Perhaps best of all, because I was on my bike I whizzed along past those who were stuck in traffic! Ha!

The rest of the ride home went fine and my dog was happy to see me (that or he really needed to go to the bathroom).

Now the challenging situation I mentioned earlier still exists and I will need to pay attention to it. But when you are in a state of ease and relaxation, your ability to find creative solutions greatly improves.

So don't a let a negative train of thoughts distract you from what is good and beautiful in your life. Mindfulness can show you how to do that. Please connect if you have any questions by giving me a call at (732) 714-7040.

Self-Hypnosis and Mindfulness Meditation

On Tuesday, July 14, 2015, I will be leading a class on Mindful Self-Hypnosis. Students will be learning a combination of self-hypnosis and mindfulness meditation techniques that can enable you to cope better with stress and to alter unhealthy habits and responses.

Hypnosis and self-hypnosis basically involve giving positive input to the unconscious, automatic part of the mind that acts out patterns and images whether they be good, bad or neutral. Quite often we unwittingly take on negative beliefs and live our lives in accordance to them. 

You may be less familiar with mindfulness meditation, although it has received significant positive attention in recent years as it used in several major medical centers to help alleviate pain and anxiety. 

Based on Eastern meditative techniques (although not a religious practice by itself) mindfulness essentially involves learning to be more fully in the present moment. 

Virtually all stress and anxiety occur when we leave the present moment and either: 

• Dwell on negative events from the past which cannot be altered at this point or
• Project fear and worry into the future about things that may but probably won't happen.

When we abandon the present moment for these negative flights of fancy we get tangled up in a stressful train of thoughts, where one negative thought leads to another to yet another. In short time we are stressed even though nothing bad is happening right now.

Usually in the present moment we are OK and mindfulness meditation has several methods to bring us back to the now. 

Paradoxically, when we are mindful we can become more effective problem solvers since we are operating from a place of strength rather than fear.

In my hypnosis practice I have found that the principles and techniques of mindfulness blend perfectly with traditional methods of hypnotism.

If you would like to learn more about the class on 7/14, please visit lhttp://njhypno.com/nj_hypnosis_classes_id125.html