Hypnotherapist helping people to beat the holiday blues

As the UK’s Covid19 lockdown continues and the government warns Britons against making holiday plans just yet, many people may find their state of mind slipping downwards without their annual summer trip to look forward to. So in response, world-renowned hypnotherapist Sheila Granger is helping people to travel to their favourite destination – from the comfort of their own armchair.

Amid the despair and grief of this pandemic, it might seem silly to focus on holidays, but they undoubtedly play a huge part in our mental health and wellbeing. From the excitement of choosing a destination and accommodation, researching everything from sights to restaurants, to the actual week or fortnight itself followed by the recollection of treasured memories, holidays really do matter.

It’s about ‘life experiences’, relaxation, and most importantly, escapism from everyday life. Clinical hypnotherapist Sheila, from Anlaby, East Yorkshire, understands why this is so critical to the average person’s psyche. “The coping process of escapism is common to many people in difficult times, and by wanting to still book a holiday, we are actively engaging in escapism behaviour,” she explained.

“Escape is key in our mental self-care, and it can be good to seek a happy escape when things seem impossible – that feeling of ‘I just need to get away’.”

And of course, many forms of our regular escapisms, such as going out to the gym, bars and restaurants, have been taken away from us, increasing our desire to plan ahead for getaways once lockdown is lifted.

Award-winning therapist Sheila, who trains hypnotherapists around the world and is the author of two Amazon bestselling books, has now created five free downloads to enable people to spirit their minds away to an amazing holiday destination and in doing so, take back a little of the relaxation and release they would have enjoyed had they actually been away.

She said: “At a time when we can’t guarantee a lengthier reprieve, something as simple as taking a ‘virtual holiday’ can offer a brief moment of escapism. This allows you an outlet for the stress we are facing, and the energy to re-engage with life in lockdown.”

The free downloads are a form of self-hypnosis, and simply require you to sit down in a quiet and comfortable spot, close your eyes and listen to Sheila’s soothing words, visualise the holiday destination, and relax. Sheila has chosen five types of holiday for her recordings – beach resort, mountains, safari, road trip, and Disney – to reflect predictions made by Solihull-based independent travel agency Andara Travel, which specialises in organising tailor-made trips for people around the world.

Sandra Mutter, Managing Director of Andara Travel, believes there will be a number of key things holidaymakers will look for once the travel industry reopens for business. She said: “We’re expecting people will be seeking plenty of space and fresh air after being cooped up for so long – destinations such as New Zealand, Canada and America will be popular, especially for self-drive trips. Also, many people will feel like doing something completely different as an antidote to months of boredom, so an adventurous African safari might well appeal.

“Conversely, some families might want privacy to reconnect with each other after enduring being forced apart for such a long time. I think we will see idyllic islands like those in the Caribbean proving popular for multi-generational groups involving grandparents, parents and children all enjoying some quality time together, whereas couples might favour treating themselves to some luxury in the Maldives.”

She added: “We understand how essential it is for many people to have something to look forward to once we emerge on the other side of this terrible pandemic, and a holiday away from their lockdown base will be a real tonic.

“I think Sheila’s offer to help people take a short break, in spirit if not in body, is a lovely idea, and hope it helps people stay positive in these difficult times.”

The downloads are available on Sheila’s website: https://believe.sheilagranger.com/virtual-holidays