By Fort Myers Hypnotherapist Katie Romano Griffin

Manage Stress Naturally By Fort Myers Hypnotherapist Katie Romano Griffin

Did you know that in just minutes a day you can improve your ability to cope with the daily stress of life? Daily breath work, meditation and, or hypnosis can help manage stress naturally.  All you will need is the commitment to change your life, a consistent effort, and the ability to breathe.  To learn the specifics, visit the blog for my office: Axis Natural Medicine, the best Fort Myers Acupuncture and Holistic Healing Clinic.

By Katie Romano Griffin, Fort Myers Hypnotist, Life Coach, LPN

When I used to think of life coaches, I would  get a visual of Chris Farley and the “van down by the river” Saturday Night Live Skit.  Then I would think of big-dollar workshop weekends headed by tanned perfectionists that end with empty wallets and broken promises.

How many books have you read, workshops have you been to, only to return to the same old habits or life?  After a certain period of time you have to ask yourself, are all life coaches and hypnotists liars?

I’m not sure where you are at, but most of the folks I meet through my Fort Myers Hypnosis and Life Coaching practice have been to countless seminars by respected coaches;  they are well-read self-help enthusiasts and after each workshop or program they have a honeymoon period of success then CRASH! Failure!

Do you know why this happens?  Are their coaches and hypnotists liars?  Are your coaches and hypnotists liars? Is my Fort Myers Hypnosis and Life Coaching Practice a den of lies?

I could tell you “no” but I think I’d rather you should make the decision yourself.

Let me tell you a little secret. It’s a secret so big that a lot of coaches and hypnotists have probably uttered but you didn’t hear it:

Right now, your subconscious is deleting, distorting and generalizing all of the information it takes in and anything that is different from what is already in your subconscious will create great discomfort and fear if it is even registered in the first place.  RIGHT NOW YOUR SUBCONSCIOUS MIND IS DELETING, DISTORTING AND GENERALIZING EVERY PIECE OF INFORMATION YOUR MIND TAKES IN, AND ANYTHING THAT IS DIFFERENT FROM WHAT IS ALREADY IN YOUR SUBCONSCIOUS WILL CREATE GREAT DISCOMFORT AND FEAR IF YOUR MIND EVEN REGISTERS IT IN THE FIRST PLACE.

Look, I’m sorry I shouted, but it’s in our nature to skip over or get angry and discard information that doesn’t gel with what we “know”.  I had to repeat the message to make it stronger, too. You see repetition and association are essential in creating new behaviors; we’ll talk more about that in a bit.

First,  I want to tell you about a little theory I usually share with all of my first time clients in my Fort Myers Hypnosis practice: According to the Kappasinian Theory of Mind, your bad habits and routines are considered to be the devil your subconscious knows, which (according to your subconscious) is way safer than the “new” idea it doesn’t “know”.

And I hate to break it to you, but things get worse…

Some experts say the subconscious is about 88% of your mind. 88%!  That leaves only 12% for conscious decision-making.   When most people first start a new plan or program, often times their excitement can keep them going forward, but as soon as they reach some resistance like birthday cake, a party, or a weight loss plateau—BAM! They are off the wagon and back to sleeping late and beer and wings every weekend—just like old times. The tipping point is when the conscious mind becomes inundated with message units, breaks down, and the good ole subconscious takes the reigns.

Keep an eye out for these signs of upcoming doom…

In addition to my Fort Myers Hypnosis and Life Coaching practice, I am also the CEO of a Marketing and PR Firm that Publishes speakers and authors. I essentially spend a good portion of my days marketing others, helping them to shine in the limelight, and I’m darned good at it. Here’s the thing, though, I don’t often spend a lot of time marketing myself because my focus is always on helping others. This is a bad thing when you own your own business!  To break the habit of passing myself by, I am writing this blog myself. Boy does it feel uncomfortable too!  My attention is wavering. I want to clean the house up so that I can concentrate better, or maybe I could take a nap?  I can do some work on our books, review profit and loss statements… I can think of millions of things I could or should be doing, I mean I have people to write blogs for me, why am I doing this again!

All of the feelings and thoughts I’m having are self-sabotaging thoughts—all plausible—but still subconscious resistance to change.  Here are some other ways you might have thoughts indicating resistance to change: You start to feel too tired to do that journaling exercise, you start to develop a million reasons why you can’t possibly continue to bag your lunch, work suddenly needs more of your time and it’s just not feasible to meditate, call your mom, or do whatever it is that you’re trying to institute as a life change.   Most times these are just excuses, often completely plausible excuses,  that our subconscious tosses our way.  As long as what we are doing is reasonable and healthy, this is the time when we most need to press on. In the immortal words of my old track coach, “on the days when you most want to skip your morning run, that’s the day you most need to do it.”  You see most times when you meet resistance you’re actually headed for a breakthrough.  Coach knew that and was right every time.

Coaches and Hypnotists are guides, not gods…

There isn’t a talk, book, widget or tool that is a magick cure for your current quagmire. But, knowing this still doesn’t make Coaches or Hypnotists liars.  Change will take time if it is to be lasting and your persistent participation is a must. Heck, that’s what makes it all worth it.

Workshops and seminars are awesome for a jumpstart. I teach several myself, just remember the workshop is a seed that you plant, follow up is needed to make your garden grow. You see you need repetition and associations with something already in your subconscious to make things stick—repetition and association are your fertilizer, your weeding and watering.  I also recommend regular hypnosis to help continue to build stronger “knowns” in the subconscious that correlate with the life you are building. For the folks who come for 1to 1 sessions in my Fort Myers Hypnosis practice,  I also teach how a trigger phrase or action can help keep the conscious mind in control.

Here’s some really good news…

You CAN change your life. Seminars, books, tapes and workshops can help. Even better, tools like regular life coaching and hypnosis can help make the process easier.   Better still, most coaches do what I do at my Fort Myers Hypnosis and Life Coaching practice, we offer FREE STUFF so you can check us out before scheduling!  I say carpe free stuff-um!  Seize the free stuff, learn all you can and get an appointment so you can start making changes!

What are you waiting for?

Sincerely,

Katie Romano Griffin

Fort Myers Hynotist, Life Coach, LPN

PS  I want to know if this blog was helpful, give me a call at: 239-288-0900 and let me know.  THANKS! 

By Katie Romano Griffin, Fort Myers Hypnotist, Life Coach, Author

It’s been a great year and a half and I really feel like I’m taking the best with me as my practice moves to Axis Natural Medicine, the premiere place for Fort Myers Acupuncture, Fort Myers Hypnosis, and Holistic Health in Fort Myers.  You can check out the details and the doctors that I’m on the same team with below:

Axis Natural Medicine Team

I hope to see you soon! You can call to set up an appointment at the new office by calling: 239-288-0900.

Katie

By, Dr. David Martin and Katie Romano Griffin, Certified Hypnotist, Life Coach and LPN

What if making just a few different food choices could mean the difference between life and death?  What would you do?

Here’s are the facts:

Every 34 seconds a person in the U.S. dies from heart disease.  Every 20 seconds someone in the U.S. has a heart attack, and most will die on their way to the hospital.

Here’s what YOU can do:

• Eat more oatmeal, studies show that it reduces cholesterol. Choose the real kind (“old fashioned”), not fast food or in easy-cook packets. Look for key words like, “Steel-Cut” or “Rolled”. Oatmeal can even be soaked the night before so that it cooks faster.  Or, even easier, just pour boiling water on it and walk away for 5 minutes.  It may not be “instant”, but it’s close!
• Up your antioxidant intake. The best way to do this is to increase the fresh vegetables you eat. Strive for between 7-11 each day.
• Say hello to my little friends… “Garlic” and her friend “Cayenne”. Garlic and Cayenne are reputed to support circulatory function. Keep in mind fresh is always best.
• Love it or leave it. Try writing things that stress you out on a piece of paper and toss it in the trash “leaving” it for the trash collector instead of carrying the negative thoughts or feelings in your mind. Follow this activity with a couple of deep, cleansing breaths to break the stress cycle and help calm you down.  Then at night, write 5 or more moments in the day that you are grateful for. Turning your thoughts to positive ones is a great way to increase your joy in life and decrease your frustration.

Do you need help to stay on track? The most powerful tools we have as humans are our thoughts which drive our choices, and our choices which create our behaviors.  So it’s important to do all that you can to learn about your food, where it’s best to shop, and how to make eating well easy. We are lucky enough to live in an area with many dedicated healers who offer free classes throughout the month on nutrition, classes that are geared towards education rather than pushing the latest pill or product.  If you need help finding one of these classes or if you need some extra support in fighting cravings and are ready to embrace a natural approach,contact Katie Romano Griffin at: 239-288-0900.

By, Dr. David Martin and Katie Romano Griffin

Katie Romano Griffin & Husband Sean. Photo by Debbie Irberseder of Irberseder Productions.

If you haven’t already guessed, it was a very magical day for Fort Myers Hypnotist and Life Coach,  Katie Romano Griffin this past Saturday and the entire team at Lotus Blossom would like to congratulate the happy couple.  It’s also interesting to mention that right smack in the middle of the happy couple’s vows they affirmed that they will, “make time for regular marital check ins”.   Other vows included, “Respect the democratic process, make time for each other above all others,” and many more power statements that one might not hear often, but would expect from a life coach and a couple living consciously.  You see, most couples spend more time planning their vacations, their careers or their workouts, than they do planning their life with their partner.  How can we expect a relationship to run smoothly if we don’t put time into maintaining it?  Waiting until there is a fight or a break down is like waiting for your engine to explode before considering changing the oil!  Furthermore, imagine how much better your life would be if it wasn’t wasted resenting, or fighting with your life partner!

Are you ready to celebrate life with your partner?  Begin by suggesting a weekly date night and quarterly check in. Marital check ins in our families involve shutting off the phone and having a romantic evening where we fist celebrate what’s going well in our marriage and lives and then begin planning and sharing what we would like to improve next.  The list of what we are working on goes on the fridge to remind us as we work towards our joint personal and relationship goals!  

Do you need help to stay on track? The most powerful tools we have as humans are our thoughts which drive our choices, and our choices which create our behaviors.  So it’s important to do all that you can to learn about your food, where it’s best to shop, and how to make eating well easy. We are lucky enough to live in an area with many dedicated healers who offer free classes throughout the month on nutrition– classes that are geared towards education rather than pushing the latest pill or product.  If you need help finding one of these classes or if you need some extra support in fighting cravings and are ready to embrace a natural approach, feel free to call Katie Romano Griffin at: 239-288-0900.

By, Fort Myers Acupuncturist Dr. David Martin and Fort Myers Hypnotist and Life Coach Katie Romano Griffin

There are times in everyone’s life when they indulge in something that they probably should have skipped: like their second, third or forth brownie.  Many people indulge in unhealthy things because they have neglected to partake in the things that matter to the body, mind and spirit.  I call this type of behavior “overs”. Over compensating at work or home, overeating, too much time on facebook/internet/video games, you name it.  This behavior is destructive and contributes to more negative feelings and self talk.

How often do you harp on yourself to get more activity, or think you “should” be doing something?  What if you chose to stop reminding yourself and instead did something?   This week’s newsletter from the Love and Logic Institute offers a solution to the self-talk that participates in the perpetuation of negative habits.  The solution to what ails is often: solid boundaries, acting more and reminding less.  How different would you life be if you held to your personal boundaries, took the time to indulge in what’s good for you and chose calm action instead of harping on yourself or others?

My favorite college psychology professor once referenced those little bumper stickers that say things like, “I’d Rather be Fishing.”  She said, “If you’d rather, you could be.  You’re making a choice not to. So either do the thing you want, or go forward with the choice you made. No blame. No Shame.” This morning, I took her advice. (That’s right, even coaches, doctors and nurses, need to be reminded of some good advice). I was working early, trying to squeeze in some work on my wedding while also managing some projects for one of my businesses. I noticed I was frowning at my computer–not usually my style.  I felt like I’d rather be having fun. I love what I do, I’m excited about the wedding, so why was I feeling frustrated?  In a word, “details.” I felt like I was drowning in a sea of tasks and micro-details. I thought  I “should” be having fun instead of letting the details bog me down.  Right?

Once the “should” word popped into my mind I knew it was time to take a break.  After a brief interlude of jamming to “Shake Your Groove Thing” I was back at my computer, sharper, more focused and yes–smiling.  I’m still smiling even now as I write this piece more than 8 hours after my special moment with the Peaches and Herb crew. And the really really good news is that after my little fun spree, I crushed my to do list in record time!

What does this mean for you?  Well, it means that even if you don’t have time to make a healthy 4-course meal that you think you “should” make, you do have time to add an extra vegetable to your plate.  If you don’t have time to do to the gym like you “should” you can still park farther away from the door at work and enjoy the fresh air as you head in.  You may not have time to meditate for 20-minutes, but you can pay attention to your breathing for 3-5 minutes before you go to bed at night.  You may not have time or money to go on a date with your spouse once a week like you “should”, but you do have time to talk or spend with them that’s uninterrupted by setting a healthy boundary around your task list.

Taking the time to to indulge in these healthy choices can go a long way to meeting the needs of your body, mind and spirit. And when those needs are met, you just might notice a whole lot less of the desire for extra brownies, TV or shopping.

By: Fort Myers Acupuncturist Dr. David Martin and Fort Myers Hypnotist and Holistic Life Coach Katie Romano

You are an endangered species.  More than just one in a million, you are one part of a gigantic ecosystem, unique in your own design. You are complete and perfect with your own set of gifts, sphere or influence, and life purpose.  Without your significant organism in this world of ours, the very fabric of humanity will shift.

Yes. We are talking to you, and here’s why this message is coming to you from your healthcare team:  As your partner in health it is our job to remind you that you are a whole being.  You are a body, mind, and your emotions; all of which must remain in balance for you to live in wellness.

1) When we remember that each interaction and choice we make as individuals affects the entire planet, we realize that we are a part of something better. That our choices have meaning.

2) Knowing that we are an endangered species with our own unique gifts, on Earth for a limited time only, forces us to take that painting class, call our mother, spend that extra ten minutes reading a book with our kids, and wave to our lonely neighbor as we walk the dog, eat that extra serving of broccoli, examine our carbon footprint.

3)  Believing that we are more than just a sleepwalker, moving through life “doing” and “getting” requires us to stop, breath, meditate and prioritize based on our own value system, versus that of society.

This week’s challenge:  Spend an hour, a day, or more remembering that you are crucial to this world and share your experience with us via email at: katie@katieromano.com, or call Katie Romano Griffin at: 239-288-0900. 

Small changes can make a big difference.  So keep making those changes and call today for your FREE 30-minute health risk assessment.

By Dr. David Martin, Fort Myers Acupuncturist and Katie Romano, LPN, Certified Hypnotist and Certified Life Coach.

The sun had barely peered through the clouds when his tiny feet slid into my fiance’s cowboy boots. Still rubbing his small oval eyes, he marched out the door, boots flopping wildly. The rapid thudding stopped as he paused to water our organic herbs and pinch off a mint leaf while he thought I wasn’t looking.  The mint is new, recently transplanted and struggling to make it, so we try to treat it gently, but it is hard to resist for our little gardener.  I can’t say I blame him.

I certainly love starting our mornings at this nice, easy pace, knowing that even when our boys are sneaking treats, they are healthy home grown treats. I’m not sure just when we all became a part of the slow food movement, or when this process of bonding with nature became an integral part of managing my stress. What I do know, is that it was the fastest way to getting the whole family to eat healthier and come together with a common purpose.  Caring for the plants together keeps us all a bit more vested in what we put in our bodies, it seems to ground us, and bind us together.  It also opens us up to moments like this morning, when our mini-man discovered a bit of independence while acknowledging the interdependence of man and nature.

Read on for some super-foods that can help you  de-stress (even if you don’t decide to grow the food yourself).

1. Oatmeal isn’t just soothing to irritating splotches of skin, it also soothes your spirits. Uplifting B-vitamin rich Oats can go a long way to making your day!  Stick with whole grain varieties and avoid the sugary processed types, as the instant/sweet versions will increase the load on your system by creating a flux in blood sugar levels.
2. Nuts like Pecans, Almonds, and Walnuts (all as raw varieties) contain Selenium and Omega-3 fatty acids.  Decreased Selenium levels are linked to anxiety, and Omega-3 fatty acids are considered helpful in protecting against depression.
3. High Calcium foods like tasty greens (kale, collards), and even raw yogurt or almond milk, can help you to ward off stress-induced hormones.
4. Take Time for Tea and spice things up!  Fresh herbal teas made from Chamomile, Lemon Balm and even Ginger can help to relax you naturally.  Spice things up with basil, ginger and thyme in foods.  These commonly found spices chill you out while adding some “bam!” to your dishes.
5. C-how much fun this is?  Boost your vitamin C with strawberries and pineapple. Then  try adding some extra “Giggle-mins” to your day!  Laughing often is the fastest way to brighten your day!

Small changes can make a big difference.  So keep making those changes and call today for your FREE 30-minute health risk assessment.

By Dr. David Martin, Fort Myers Acupuncturist and Katie Romano, LPN, Certified Hypnotist and Certified Life Coach.

One of the most costly and common mistakes made by emerging health enthusiasts  involves taking supplements based on cursory research on the internet and from nutritional health books.  Researching supplements is a great plan, but taking supplements without having the proper supervision can be down right deadly. Deceptive packaging may also lead you to believe you need something when you might not. For instance, did you know that too much vitamin D3 over a prolonged period of time can cause serious neurological complications, weight loss and more? Vitamin  B6 can  reach toxic levels in your system, too.  St Johns Wort, popular as a natural treatment for depression, interacts with many medications and causes sensitivity to light. These are just a few supplements that should be monitored closely. So what is a lay person looking to take charge of their health to do?

Doctors of Traditional Chinese Medicine like Dr. Martin and Dr. Snow, observe a hierarchy of  health when considering what treatment is most appropriate for a patient.  Which of these basics can you safely check?

What is your  access to clean, fresh air? Our bodies need oxygen to function.  Walking in nature for 30 minutes a day can make a huge difference in your bodies ability to function well.  A brisk walk can also chase away the blues by increasing endorphins.
How much pure, clean water do you drink each day?  For an adult of average health, we recommend taking the body weight and dividing it in half, drinking that number in ounces a day. For instance, a 100 pound woman would drink 50 ounces each day, remembering to add more pure water in for each cup of coffee you drink, and be sure to replace fluids from working out.   Keep in mind that dehydration can cause symptoms akin to depression, anxiety and irritability.

Are you eating 7-11 fresh vegetables a day?  Preferably organic?  Vegetables are a number one source of nutrition and natural cleansing to our bodies.  Small frequent meals containing nature’s power foods can also help to regulate blood sugar levels.  Stable blood sugar can lead to clearer thinking and a better quality of life.  Meditating, hypnosis, daily, gratitude journals and food journals are also tools that can help you to stay on track with eating and feeling better over all in life.  So consider adding those tools as well.

If you are meeting the first three requirements more than 80% of the time, and receiving some type of wellness treatment like acupuncture, chiropractic, hypnosis, etc. for your presenting problem, then we start to think about what herbs or nutritional supplements might be needed to reset your system.  Most supplements are meant to be taken short term, and once the goal of the treatment is accomplished, you are directed to stop taking them.  The more you do your “homework” by meeting goals 1-4, the shorter your span of supplemental treatment will most likely be.

For persistent problems that do not respond to the above treatments, and for urgent or acute matters, we always recommend Western Medicine. Western Medicine is fast and potent.  It’s the number 1 course of treatment for acute problems, particularly of the life threatening variety.  Integrative and alternative therapies excel more in the area of chronic issues.

So what do you do with your medicine cabinet full of supplements and herbs?  Should you take them? Ditch them?  Just respond via email to: katie@katieromano.com to get your 30-minute consultation appointment.  Bring a food  and gratitude journal and receive additional advice from Life Coach and Hypnotist Katie Romano Griffin.