• Transform Anxiety into Calm: James’ Journey to Panic Attack Recovery
    Oct 10 2024

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    The ABGW™ Method- My 31 Days to Balance and Wellbeing Programme: https://youtu.be/yQ2XYlfYBsw

    Every step you take, no matter how small, is a step toward a brighter, more balanced future. Trust in your journey, and remember, progress is progress—no matter the pace.- Cheryl Paris

    Ever feel like your mind is a runaway train racing full speed towards stress city? Today, we're pulling the emergency brake and showing you how to steer yourself back to calm town. In our latest podcast episode, we delve into the inspiring journey of James, a high school teacher who once faced panic attacks on a daily basis. But now, thanks to a few practical tips, he's got his anxiety on a leash.

    Imagine yourself in a chaotic beehive, where panic attacks are those pesky bees that won't leave you alone. Sound familiar? Keep listening because today we're transforming that anxiety-ridden beehive into a serene garden of calm and control. Understanding panic attack symptoms is crucial, and James's story sheds light on how simple breathing exercises can turn things around in seconds.

    James experienced classic panic attack symptoms: a pounding heart, a tight chest, and a feeling of drowning. But by identifying his stress triggers and incorporating grounding exercises into his daily routine, he began to tackle the root cause of his anxiety. James's journey is a testament to the power of the right strategies in managing anxiety.

    One of the key techniques James used was deep breathing. He practised a simple yet powerful technique: inhaling slowly through his nose for a count of four, holding it for four seconds, and then exhaling through his mouth for four seconds. This technique helped him gain more control over his panic attacks and feel more grounded.

    Grounding exercises also played a significant role in James's recovery. When he felt a panic attack coming on, he would name five things he could see, four things he could touch, three things he could hear, two things he could smell, and one thing he could taste. This 54321 method helped him stay present and reduce the overwhelming feeling of anxiety.

    Mindfulness was another crucial tool in James's arsenal. Just five minutes of mindfulness practice a day made a world of difference. James engaged in mindfulness through meditation and mindful walking, which helped him stay present and reduce his anxiety. The more he practised mindfulness, the more peaceful and centred he felt.

    James's story is not just his own; it can be yours too. By taking control of your mental wellbeing through deep breathing, grounding exercises, and mindfulness, you can turn stress into strength. Remember, the more you understand your anxiety triggers, the less power they have over you. Practising these techniques daily can help you move from merely surviving to truly thriving.

    So, if you're ready to transform your anxiety into a life filled with calm, confidence, and joy, tune in to our latest episode. Learn from James's journey and discover the tools that can help you manage your anxiety and live a more fulfilling life. Your resilience is a powerful force shaping your life, so may your force go with you. Until next time, stay amazing, brilliant, gorgeous, and wonderful.

    "Understanding what's causing your panic attacks and anxiety, believe me, is the first step towards managing them."

    "The greatest weapon we have against stress is our human abi

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    11 mins
  • How to Give OCD the Heave-Ho
    Sep 26 2024

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    ABGW - Amazing, Brilliant, Gorgeous, Wonderful

    Episode: Tackling OCD with Hypnotherapy

    Hey, fabulous listener. Welcome to another episode of ABGW Podcast. Where I mix a dash of my humour with a whole lot of hearts to help you transform your mind, reclaim your peace, and thrive in this wonderfully chaotic world of ours. I'm Cheryl, your resident mental trauma coach and hypnotherapist. And today we're diving into something many of you know all too well: pesky OCD symptoms that seem to run the show. But guess what? They don't have to. You can give them their walking orders.

    If you've ever wanted to hit pause on that mental hamster wheel and finally take control, you're in the right place because I've got some practical tips, inspirational stories, and maybe even a few laughs. So let's go. Amazing, brilliant, gorgeous, wonderful, helping women just like you who are unhappy, perhaps even with your supposed "good life". This is a mum-and-daughter duo, and we're not pulling any punches as we explore trauma recovery and ideas for building resilience so that you're working smarter and definitely not harder to create a transformational life. A life you love more often than not.

    Understanding OCD can be challenging. Imagine feeling like your brain is a broken record, replaying the same thoughts over and over again. You might even find yourself flicking a light switch like you're trying to signal to a distant ship at sea. Or maybe your home has turned into a maze of must-have items. These, my friends, are uninvited guests at your mental obsessions and compulsions that just refuse to leave. Now, can you imagine a life where you spend less time worrying and more time enjoying your favourite hobbies? Well, hypnotherapy can help get you there.

    Let's dive into the impact of bereavement on OCD. Think about the overwhelming sense of loss when something significant in your life changes. Maybe a relationship's end, you've lost your job, or a loved one has passed away. This kind of bereavement can sometimes trigger or worsen OCD symptoms because suddenly, you might feel the need to hold on to every little thing, filling every space with items that bring a fleeting sense of comfort.

    But here's the good news. If you try hypnotherapy, you might just find a calmer, happier, joyful you. It's all about being ready to embrace the present while honouring the past. Hypnotherapy can be a game-changer for managing OCD. Picture yourself in a state of deep relaxation, your mind open and receptive. Hypnotherapy works its magic by helping you break the cycle of obsessive thought and compulsive behaviour. Targeted suggestions can guide you in developing healthier thought processes and responses.

    Take Sara, for example. She's a marketing executive and mother of two. Sara's perfectionism led her to an exhausting cycle of triple-checking emails and sleepless nights. After starting hypnotherapy, she learned effective techniques for OCD management, reclaiming her evenings and actually enjoying time with her family. Hypnotherapy helps dial down the intensity of OCD, putting behaviours in their proper context.

    This episode of ABGW is brought to you by Her Guru Hypnotherapy and Coaching. Her Guru provides mental fitness coaching and hypnotherapy services. You can find out more details by visiting herguru.co.uk.

    Here are some practical tips you can start using today:

    Practical relaxation techniques: Start your day with a simple breathing exercise.

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    18 mins
  • Turn Chaos Out Of Your Life: Hypnotherapy for Stress Management
    Sep 12 2024

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    Hi there, fabulous mums. Welcome to another episode of ABGW Podcast, where we're turning life's chaos into calm. And with a sprinkle of joy, just a little bit.
    I'm Cheryl, your friendly guide through the wild world of balancing work, motherhood and PTSD. Do you ever feel like you're juggling flaming swords? Yep, we've all been there. So today we're diving into some super simple, practical strategies to help you manage it all without losing your mind.
    Think about mindful multitasking and some other cool tools and techniques you can actually use right now, today. So grab a cup of tea, get comfy, and let's tackle this together.

    Amazing, brilliant, gorgeous, wonderful helping women just like you who are unhappy, perhaps even with your supposed "good life". This is a mum and daughter duo, and we're not pulling any punches as we explore trauma recovery and ideas for building resilience so that you're working smarter and definitely not harder to create a transformational life, a life you love more often than not.

    The connection between anxiety and attention. I was really lucky a few years ago. My bro. bought me a new top-of-the-range Samsung tablet to use. And I want you to imagine that your mind is like the browser that you have open, but with a thousand tabs open. Because the thing is, anxiety and attention issues often go hand in hand, making it tough to focus, doesn't it? But what if you could turn that chaos into calm? Now, you probably already know that balancing work, kids, your partner and self-care is like performing a circus act. But look at you. You're the star of the show.

    Researchers have found in a study that was done by the University of Texas that anxiety really can mess with your attention span. But here's a twist. Instead of fighting it, why not embrace it? Yes, I know you're thinking, what are you talking about, Cheryl? But just bear with me. Let's talk about mindful multitasking. Yes, you heard me right. Mindful multitasking. Now, I know you think I'm not that good at multitasking but just bear with me for a minute. I want you to think of it as a mental tapestry menu. Instead of tackling everything at once, you break your tasks down into small, delicious, manageable bites. Can you imagine feeling totally in control of your day? It's like finding a four-leaf clover in a field of daisies.

    So how can you do this? Why not start your day by jotting down your tasks and grouping similar ones together and handling them in a dedicated time slot? Now, I have found that this works for me because one of the things that used to drive me absolutely crazy at work was getting task after task after task, and then you'd be flitting from one thing to the other, to the next thing and to the next thing. What I did, I would group similar tasks together, so that I was doing similar things all in one go. And that way I felt as if I'd accomplished something. And this way, I think you're embracing your natural multiskilling ability, but in a totally controlled and mindful way. So you're not just doing things, but you're doing things in a structured way that helps you keep control of things. And for a deep dive on how to manage effective multitasking without losing your sanity, check out my blog post on mindful multitasking for stress management, unconscious anxiety and hypnotic journaling.

    I'm really lucky. You know, for many, many years, we'd always have a family barbecue on the August summer bank holiday weekend, either on Sunday or the Mon

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    15 mins
  • Feeling Overwhelmed? Here’s How to Turn Stress into Strength
    Sep 5 2024

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    Welcome, gorgeous girls. If life has been throwing you a few curveballs lately, whether it's work stress, juggling the kids, or just another annoying driver who cut you off this morning, this episode is for you. Today, we're diving into something that affects all of us: venting. But what if venting isn't the answer? What if you could turn that frustration into something powerful?
    Join Cheryl as she shares practical tips to help you breathe through the chaos. Imagine sitting down with a trusted friend over a warm cup of tea, sharing stories, insights, and a few laughs. This episode explores trauma recovery and ideas for building resilience so that you're working smarter and definitely not harder to create a transformational life, a life you love more often than not.
    Cheryl guides you through the importance of preventing unpleasant feelings from taking over, starting with something as simple as deep breathing. Discover how deep breathing can calm your nervous system, reduce stress, and improve your focus. Learn to respond calmly and with clarity, even when life throws unexpected challenges your way.
    Explore the power of accepting discomfort and how it builds emotional resilience. Embrace life's unpredictability and find playful ways to integrate resilience into your daily routine. Cheryl shares her personal experiences and offers fun, practical tips to help you stay composed and resilient.
    From setting priorities to assuming responsibility, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you navigate life's ups and downs. Whether it's negotiating conflicts or seeking validation from a trusted friend, Cheryl provides insights and strategies to help you handle emotions constructively.
    And if you find yourself frequently angry or upset, consider the benefits of hypnotherapy. Cheryl offers a safe space to explore your emotions and develop new coping skills, empowering you to make positive changes in your life.
    Remember, every time you choose a positive response over venting, you're training yourself to be more calm, resourceful, and resilient. Let's support each other on this journey toward better mental wellbeing and trauma recovery. Share your experiences on social media using the hashtag #ABGWPodcast.
    Thank you for joining us today. If you've enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a review. Your feedback helps us grow and reach more amazing, brilliant, gorgeous, and wonderful people like you. Until next time, take care and stay resilient. You are more powerful than you think you are.
    Catch you next time. Bye for now!

    Episode References
    Calm
    https://www.calm.com/

    Headspace
    https://www.headspace.com/

    Iron Man
    https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0371746/

    Peaceful Warrior
    https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0438315/

    Heraclitus
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heraclitus

    Buddha
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gautama_Buddha

    Seven Habits of Highly Effective People
    https://www.franklincovey.com/the-habits/

    Pride and Prejudice
    https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0414387/

    Atonement
    https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0783233/

    Wonder Woman
    https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0451279/

    Her Guru
    https://herguru.co.uk/




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    19 mins
  • Reclaiming Your Power NOW: Recognising Abuse and Starting Your Healing Journey
    Aug 29 2024

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    This is a warning because some of the details in this podcast episode might be distressing. The names have been changed to protect the privacy of those involved, but these stories and experiences are based on actual events. So take care of yourself.
    Recognising the Signs of Abuse: Hey there, gorgeous selves. It's Cheryl here. Welcome back to another episode of ABGW, the podcast where we celebrate everything that makes you you.
    Amazing, brilliant, gorgeous, and wonderful. Now, today's episode is a special one because we're diving into something super important, and that's recognising those sneaky signs of abuse that might be lurking in your life, whether that's emotional, psychological or even financial. No more flying under the radar here. We're getting real, we're getting empowered. And yes, we're doing it with a sprinkle of fun because life's too short not to. So grab your favourite cup of tea or that secret stash of chocolates, and let's get ready to start this healing journey together. Are you with me? Let's go.
    Imagine this for a moment: You’re in your own home, the place that’s supposed to be your sanctuary. But instead of feeling safe, you’re always on edge, like you’re walking on eggshells. The air feels thick, your muscles are tense, and you’re not even sure why. There’s this knot in your stomach that just won’t go away, and you’re constantly second-guessing yourself—what you say, do, and even breathe. That’s not how home should feel.
    Abuse isn’t just about physical harm. It’s often much sneakier, showing up as emotional, psychological, or even financial control. It can start so subtly that you might not even notice it at first. Maybe it’s those little jabs at your self-esteem or the way you slowly disconnect from family and friends. Over time, it chips away at who you are until you hardly recognize yourself one day.
    But here’s the good news: Awareness is power. When you can name what’s happening, you can start to change it. As Eckhart Tolle said, “Awareness is the greatest agent for change.” By learning to spot these signs, you’re permitting yourself to step out of denial and into the truth. This awareness can lift that heavy weight off your shoulders, bringing clarity and reducing anxiety. The more you trust your intuition, the more confident you’ll feel about making bold decisions.
    Let me share something personal. Growing up, I thought constant criticism, tension, and silent treatment were just part of everyday family life. I thought everyone experienced it. I remember the dread I felt every time I heard footsteps on the stairs, bracing myself for what might come next. It wasn’t until much later that I realized what I’d been through wasn’t normal—it was abuse. Maybe you’ve had similar experiences, or maybe this is the first time you recognise these patterns in your life. Realising this is the first step toward change. It’s acknowledging that your feelings are valid and that what you’ve experienced is real. Once you do that, you start the healing process and take back your story.

    Thank you for joining me on this episode of ABGW. If today’s chat about recognizing the subtle signs of abuse resonates with you, take a deep breath and know you’ve got this. Healing isn’t a sprint; it’s a beautiful, messy, empowering journey. You’ve got a whole lot of power waiting for you.

    National Domestic Abuse Helpline for free and confidential advice, 24 hours a day on 0808 2000 247- UK

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    31 mins
  • Transforming Chaos Now: Resilience and Empowerment for Working Mums
    Aug 22 2024

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    Ever wonder why life feels like a game of Twister, where you're always stretching in every different direction? Or maybe it's like trying to herd cats, managing everything all at once? If that sounds familiar, then today's episode is just for you.

    Join Cheryl, your host and guide, as she delves into the intricate dance of personal leadership and trauma recovery. Imagine sitting down with a trusted friend over a warm cup of tea, sharing stories, insights, and a few laughs. That's the vibe we're going for as we explore how to turn struggles into strengths.

    This episode is dedicated to helping women who feel unhappy despite having a "good life." We dive deep into trauma recovery and building resilience, ensuring you work smarter, not harder, to create a transformational life you love.

    Understanding Trauma Recovery in Leadership

    Picture this: a heavy weight lifted off your shoulders, the kind of relief you feel when you finally take off uncomfortable high heels after a long day. Effective trauma recovery can do that for you. As a leader, acknowledging and addressing your trauma can transform both your professional and personal lives in unimaginable ways. When you take steps towards healing, you become more empathetic and resilient, guiding yourself through challenges with newfound clarity and calm.

    Meet Emma, who stood in front of a mirror, adjusting her blazer for the millionth time, muttering, "You've got this." Despite her rising anxiety, she faced her fears head-on and nailed her presentation, feeling like she had conquered a mountain. Remember Emma's inner pep talk the next time you're in a similar spot because you've got this, too.

    Harnessing Choice Bias for Growth

    Imagine the joy of choosing your own adventure, where every decision leads to a treasure trove. Start by picking your rewards. After a tough meeting, treat yourself to a walk in the park or savour your favourite snack. These small self-choice rewards can make a big difference. Be flexible with your choices, understanding that while choice bias gives you a sense of control, it's okay to adapt and appreciate what comes your way.

    Julia, an amazing marketing director, received an email from the VP offering her a position. Despite her fears and imposter syndrome, she realized her strengths and embraced the opportunity. Julia's story reminds us that sometimes others see our potential before we do. Embrace your next big opportunity, even if it scares you.

    Building Resilience in Your Surroundings

    Your resilience directly impacts the people around you, creating a ripple effect of positivity and strength. When you model healthy coping strategies and recovery, you inspire those around you to do the same. Encourage people to make their own choices, fostering a culture where everyone feels valued and motivated.

    Rachel, a startup's chief operating officer, decided to set strict boundaries, delegate more, and schedule time with her family. Balancing work and personal life can be like a tightrope walk, but setting boundaries and asking for help can make all the difference. Remember, it's okay to step back and prioritise your well-being.

    Practical Tips for Everyday Empowerment

    Let's wrap up today's episode with some practical tips for integrating choice bias and empowerment into your daily routine:

    Recognise your own power, even on tough days. You are the captain of your own ship, steering through rough seas with confidence.

    Limit you

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    21 mins
  • Balance Now: Navigating Trauma Recovery While Leading a Team
    Aug 15 2024

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    Navigating Trauma Recovery While Leading a Team


    Ever feel like your work-life balance is a see-saw, but you're the only one sitting on it, and your email inbox is a bottomless pit of stress? Or sometimes, like Nyah, do you ever feel as if your to-do list is growing faster than your toddler left alone with a packet of crayons? Well, if that's you, then today's episode is right up your street.

    Hello, beautiful souls, and welcome to ABGW - Amazing, Brilliant, Gorgeous, Wonderful. I'm Cheryl, your host. Today's episode is all about navigating trauma recovery while leading a team.
    This episode is for you if you're a professional woman managing a group of amazing people while still trying to deal with your own healing journey. Balancing work and life feels like juggling flaming torches, but together, we'll learn how to keep those flames in check. Let's dive in and discover how we can turn our struggles into strength.

    Join us as we explore trauma recovery and ideas for building resilience so that you're working smarter, not harder, to create a transformational life you love. We'll start by recognising the incredible strength it takes to lead others while also healing yourself. Picture yourself as a lighthouse in a storm, steadfast and guiding others while ensuring your light stays bright.

    We share the story of Claire, an executive and mum who navigates the pressures of a demanding career and motherhood. Through her journey, we learn the importance of acknowledging our strengths and struggles, fostering self-compassion, and allowing ourselves to be human.
    Discover how the film Peaceful Warrior can inspire you to balance your inner struggles with outer challenges.

    Next, we delve into the power of communication, comparing it to tending a garden where each team member thrives with honest and open communication. We hear about Jane, another brilliant executive, who finds genuine connections at a networking event, proving that real communication can spark meaningful relationships.

    We then explore the importance of a strong support network, likening it to a tree with deep roots connected to a resilient forest. Laura's story illustrates how a support network can provide emotional safety and help us overcome feelings of imposter syndrome, boosting our confidence and success.

    Self-care strategies are essential for leaders. Imagine a soothing spa day or a simple walk in nature—these moments of self-care recharge your batteries and improve your overall well-being. Whether it's yoga, meditation, or a relaxing bath, find what works for you and make it a priority.

    Finally, we discuss leading with empathy and strength. Picture yourself as a river nurturing everything in its path while staying true to its course. Empathetic leadership enhances emotional connections and fosters a positive environment, both at home and at work. Embrace your superpower of empathy and lead with both compassion and strength.

    By now, you should feel equipped to navigate your journey with grace. Remember, you are amazing, brilliant, gorgeous, and wonderful, just as you are. Your strength and vulnerability make you an incredible leader. Embrace self-compassion, open communication, and a strong support network to transform stressful experiences into opportunities for growth. Thrive, find balance, and enjoy authentic joy and fulfilment in both your personal and professional lives.

    Thank you for joining me on this journey today. If you en

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    24 mins
  • Riding the Waves of Change: Empowering Trauma Recovery for Professional Women
    Aug 8 2024

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    Do you sometimes feel overwhelmed by unexpected problems, questioning your strength to overcome them? Or have you ever found yourself in a situation where everything seemed to be falling apart, and you weren't even sure where to turn? If so, this episode is tailor-made for you. Join Cheryl as she delves into the art of transforming struggles into sources of strength and resilience, turning wild waves into gentle ripples.
    In this episode, Cheryl explores the importance of identifying stressors, the power of resilience, and the necessity of seeking support. Through relatable stories and practical advice, you'll learn how to embrace life's storms with humour and grace. Whether it's through journaling, physical activity, or finding your 'why,' Cheryl provides actionable steps to help you navigate chaos and create a life you love.
    So grab your metaphorical life jacket and get ready to discover how to turn your struggles into strengths. Remember, you're not just surviving the storm; you're surfing it with style and a smile.
    Chapters:- Spotting the Storm: Identifying stressors and managing them effectively.
    - Braving the Waves: Harnessing resilience and staying positive.
    - Clinging to Your Why: Finding and holding onto your purpose.
    - Seeking Shelter: The strength in reaching out for help and community support.
    This episode of ABGW is brought to you by Her Guru Hypnotherapy and Coaching. Visit herguru.co.uk for more details.
    Thank you for joining us. Remember, life's unexpected storms are just like those surprising meetings—unwanted but manageable. Identify the stress, lean into your resilience, and seek support to turn chaos into calm. Until next time, keep finding and embracing those outrageous unconscious joy moments. Bye for now.

    Episode References

    National Trust
    https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/

    Force Majeure (Film)
    https://www.netflix.com/title/80013689

    Her Guru Hypnotherapy and Coaching
    https://herguru.co.uk/

    Quotes from Cheryl

    "Imagine making those things more accessible naturally and automatically."

    "Spotting the storm... step one is always, always, always in any kind of life, in any one of life's storms is identifying them."

    "You can turn the wounds that you have into wisdom, can you not?"

    "Remember, life's unexpected storms are just like those surprising meetings, unwanted but manageable."

    "Identify the stress. Lean into your resilience and seek support to turn chaos into calm."

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    14 mins