Stanford Professor Shares a Surprising Technique To Manage Stress

In the modern workplace, stress has become an unwelcome companion, particularly among leaders and middle managers. This escalating stress not only threatens productivity but also increases the risk of burnout. To combat this, many turn to short-term remedies that can sometimes be ineffective or even detrimental – from fleeting vacations to impulsive shopping or maladaptive coping mechanisms such as alcohol and drugs.

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At Soul Career, we're on a mission to redefine the relationship between work and life, enabling individuals to thrive. While working with our clients we’ve noticed the prevalence of stress and anxiety among professionals. In response we frequently connect our executive coaching clients with psychologists, and are in the process of weaving a safety net of holistic support into our coaching programs.

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In addition, our training programs - Soul Career Executives (for leaders), Soul Career Professionals (for mid-level professionals), and Soul Career Transitioners (for those seeking their dream job) - cover vital topics like resilience, energy management, rest, and fostering a positive mindset. This commitment to holistic development paves the way for well-rounded success.

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Enter the captivating world of hypnosis. Dr. David Spiegel, a preeminent guest on our podcast, brings over four decades of clinical and research experience to the table. As the Wilson Professor and Associate Chair of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University School of Medicine, he directs the Center of Stress and Health and serves as Medical Director at The Center of Integrated Medicine. A luminary in psychology and its interplay with illness, stress, health, pain control, sleep, and hypnosis, Dr. Spiegel has authored 13 books and numerous journal articles.

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I recently had the privilege to discuss hypnosis and its potential as an alternative method for managing stress and anxiety with Dr. Spiegel.

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The Hypnotic Key: Defining Hypnosis 

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Hypnosis serves as a gateway to refining our focus, detaching from habitual patterns, and forging new connections. It offers a chance to reevaluate our relationship with our body, reshape our self-concept, and lower our day-to-day preoccupations. By managing stress more effectively, we're equipped to explore fresh perspectives and maintain clarity.

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Hypnosis vs. Meditation: Divergent Paths to Transformation 

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Comparing hypnosis to meditation, we discover nuanced differences. Dr. Spiegel illuminates that meditation centres on being, allowing thoughts to flow through our minds. In contrast, hypnosis is a purpose-driven Western practice, employed to solve specific issues such as sleep troubles or anxiety reduction. Hypnosis propels us into a state of intense concentration akin to losing oneself in a movie – a profound tool for managing stress and releasing emotional burdens.

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Hypnosis Unveiled: A Fast Track to Relaxation? 

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Can hypnosis expedite relaxation more swiftly than meditation? Yes, it can. Dr. Spiegel reveals that hypnosis excels in reshaping our response to psychological and social stressors, rather than just physical threats. By empowering us to control our physiological reactions, like heart rate elevation, hypnosis offers a unique approach to stress management.

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Embarking on Your Hypnotic Journey: Three Tips to Begin 

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For those intrigued by hypnosis, Dr. Spiegel offers three invaluable tips:

1. Gauge your hypnotizability level.
2. Start by addressing one specific issue, allowing you to gauge hypnosis's efficacy.
3. Embrace exploration, uncovering its potential to enhance focus, imagination, and overall life enrichment.
   

Soul Career: Elevating Your Journey 

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Soul Career is more than a career coaching company; it's a transformative catalyst. Our programs empower executives, professionals, and entrepreneurs to discover their true vocations, lead authentically, and build companies aligned with their genuine selves. Whether you're feeling disconnected from your current role or a senior executive seeking novel ways to motivate your team, we're here to support your journey. Reach out for a free consultation to explore how we can foster your professional growth.

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Hypnosis stands as a promising alternative in the realm of stress and anxiety management, offering a new lens through which to view challenges and nurture well-being. As you navigate the intricate web of career development, may hypnosis illuminate your path towards tranquillity and success.

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