Why physical activity beats social media activity in the quest for happiness
There’s no denying that physical activity has the power to improve your mood – scientifically proven by the rate at which the ‘happiness hormone’ dopamine is released when we are being physically active – so if there is one change you need to make right now, it’s ditching your social media habit in favour of more physical activity – and what better time to do it than as Dubai Fitness Challenge begins?
The onset of social media has undoubtedly connected people more, but some of the downsides are the increased risk of depression, anxiety, loneliness, and feelings of inadequacy. On top of that are the constant notifications – as highlighted in the new Netflix documentary The Social Dilemma – that detract you from reaching your goals.
WATCH THE SOCIAL DILEMMA TRAILER
If you’re serious about getting your mojo back after what has been a long and difficult year, follow my tips on swapping social media activity for physical activity to help you be the best human you can be.
Discipline = results
First things first: understand that ditching the phone is going to take discipline. Why? Because you’re addicted to the instant gratification that you get from your phone. Don’t feel bad though; every one of us is addicted to something, to some extent, and kicking any kind of addiction requires discipline by the truckload. Start by setting ground rules for yourself and committing to following them. Create rules for when you can check emails, messages and social media – this ensures you aren’t mindlessly checking it every 30 seconds. Be warned that this in itself is not an easy process – it will get easier, but you need to be disciplined to see results. Put in the hard work and then you win.
Marcus ran 30 marathons in 30 days for the Dubai Fitness Challenge, 2018
Desire to change is the ultimate key
Change is key – and the desire to change is the ultimate key. If you don’t want to ditch your phone and get out and live an active and healthy life, then embarking on this journey is going to be tough. Check the point below about what you want your legacy to be and then reconsider if you truly have the desire to make some changes.
Check-in on your goals often
Here’s the thing – goals don’t need to be huge like we often hear. Instead, set two smaller goals; one related to physical activity, so there’s a reason to get up and get moving, then set another goal related to using your phone less often. To do this, record how much phone time you currently rack up in a week, and set a target for the following week to use it for less time. Achieving a goal sounds simple, but you must start with setting a goal first, which far too many people don’t do. Keep yourself on track by having your goals clearly written down with timelines and be committed to those timelines.
Take a Social Media Detox
Quitting technology cold turkey is unrealistic, but taking the odd day off can work wonders for your wellbeing. If this makes you anxious, leave your phone in a drawer for an hour, and build up the time from there. You’ll probably feel lost at first, but you’re able to fill this time with something fun and productive, and instead of documenting every moment of your weekend, you can enjoy each moment without the pressure of being constantly connected. There are countless activities you can replace your screen time with, so get creative about how you can move your body in a way that works for you.
Switch Off Notifications
The rule is simple here: turn off notifications when it’s time to get your head down and work, or simply enjoy some you-time without distractions. Do you really need to be disturbed each time someone replies to your Facebook post or likes your picture on Instagram? While we’re not completely to blame – studies show that with every “like” or “follow,” the brain releases the neurotransmitter dopamine, effectively causing it to rewire itself to constantly crave social media – ask yourself what value that brings to your life. A notification does not make you a better human being, so best to turn it off. I have another rule of thumb: unless it’s a call from your family or an important contact or a calendar reminder, then your phone should never light up. If you’re at work, your work deserves 100% focus. If you’re with family and friends, they deserve 100% of your attention. If you’re at the gym, your exercise deserves 100% of your effort.
Consider Your Legacy
Think about what you want to be remembered for. What do you want your legacy to be? Do you want to be remembered as the guy or girl that’s always on their phone, has poor social skills, and is not active at all? Sounds brutal, but if you do not put that device down then that’s all you will become. Your parents had bigger plans for you, you had bigger plans for yourself before you allowed technology to take over your life. Think about it and decide if putting your phone away or turning off notifications is worth the reward of becoming the person you want to be.
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As 2024 Approaches, Are You Ready to Unpack Your Past?
Regression therapy may be the answer.
Do you find yourself stuck in a pattern of attracting the same type of relationships and situations? This could be linked to your past lives, which could have possibly revolved around certain significant events that are now interfering with your present mental and emotional well-being. This is exactly when regression therapy can come to the rescue.
‘Regression’ means going back in time. While the body cannot go back in time, your mind, awareness, and thoughts can, revisiting the pleasure- or pain-associated memories of the past. Pleasure associations are a treat for the mind to recall as they have a satisfying and pleasant effect. However, when traumatic memories resurface, they leave a deeply draining effect. These trauma-induced memories cause emotional damage to the confidence, self-esteem, trust, creativity, and potential of the individual, leaving them feeling helpless and hopeless. Past life regression therapy is a method to explore the root cause of such traumas.
Such incidents are often overpowered and dominated by intense emotions such as feeling unloved, unwanted, and ignored. A past life regression therapy specialist is a therapist who can systematically guide the client’s awareness back in time to a specific event, retrieve missing parts, and rebuild the associations, unhealthy beliefs, and past conclusions drawn by the client. There are four kinds of trauma regressions:
1. Age Regression
Age regression therapy is very effective. It is about going back in time to heal life events of a certain age, where a personality trait remained incomplete due to neglect, abuse, controlling attitude, criticism, situational void, or self-inadequacy. Age regression focuses on the significant events from a past life that must be dealt with to resolve the behavioural issue that the client has come with. Age regression also primarily targets behavioural problems that are a result of our wounded inner child. This inner child subconsciously holds onto toxic traits as we grow up.
We notice these traits through our relationship problems, career setbacks, family issues, or limiting beliefs that whisper at us to seek help and heal our inner child. For instance, thoughts like ‘I am not confident’, ‘I can’t make decisions with clarity’, ‘I have lingering self-doubt’, ‘I am unhappy in my relationship’, or ‘I am not good enough’ are examples of age-related trauma. Age regression can successfully help in finding the cause of this effect or toxic trait. Regression therapy therefore can be a powerful approach to healing core issues of the past.
2. Intrauterine Regression
This form of regression span is the most important span from the types of regression therapy. Intrauterine Regression targets the perspective of parents planning to conceive a baby. The willingness of the parents to conceive a child – whether the baby was planned or an accident where the mother had no choice but to keep the pregnancy – defines a lot for the child coming. The beliefs and issues of the baby who is coming into the world can also stem from the amount of stress a mother goes through, the number of times she thinks of aborting the baby, and the support that she gets from her husband and family. These factors form the basis of the data that goes into the child by default.
For example, regression therapy performed on one couple determined that their now adult child might have some money beliefs that got formed when the parents were discussing finances while they were still in the womb. It’s also possible for the adult of today to feel unloved and uncared for as people didn’t react positively to their mother’s pregnancy. For instance, a client who had an allergy to lactose and eggs, went through regression therapy. The allergy was rooted in the trauma that the client’s mother went through. The mother followed a plant-based diet while the child’s father was a non-vegetarian.
The father of the child thought that the child would not develop properly in the womb because the mother wasn’t eating meat or protein-rich food. He then started forcing his pregnant wife to drink milk and eggs with a daily dose of protein and nutrients for the sake of their child. The mother consequently felt traumatised and cursed the child in the womb since she had to change her diet – something that meant a lot to her – for the sake of the child. This feeling from the mother then got associated with the client’s existing allergy.
This form of regression therapy takes the client’s consciousness to the higher self. Further, it takes the soul to the universal collective unconsciousness to understand their life’s purpose and karmic learning for which their life path was planned. The life skills and wisdom from the divine plan and spiritual resources are to be extracted while the client is in the theta state to walk the highest path in their current life.
Inter-life regression helps in finding out the cause of one’s traumas. When someone seeks a therapist because they feel victimised, has money issues, or faces abusive relationship patterns, the therapist seeks answers from the higher self and the soul council as to why someone attracted all these things in their life. Based on the answer to that, healing begins.
4. Past-Life Regression
Past-life regression is the most popular form of regression therapy. It is well known across the world. However, while many agree to age regression therapy, not everyone is willing to go through a past life regression therapy because of cultural beliefs and biases. This approach requires a deep sense of understanding of the subject. Further, the past life regression therapy therapist needs to have various religious perspectives in order to not hurt or conflict with the client’s existing belief system. This involves answering questions such as:
Does past life exist? Or is it a facet of my imagination?
My religion doesn’t believe in past lives – what then?
How do I know it’s real?
Is there one life or multiple lives that need healing?
How many regression sessions are required to heal such deep-rooted issues?
Past-life regression is usually done in case of psychosomatic ailments such as asthma, psoriasis, eczema, vitiligo, or chronic allergies and even severe phobic panic reactions due to height, fire, drowning, breathlessness, or claustrophobia. It is also done in cases of relationship and sexual abuse or relationship disharmony, recursive patterns of anxiety or paranoia, or a panic disorder due to fear of abandonment, loneliness, or even the loss of a loved one. There could be many reasons why a therapist might suggest a past-life regression therapy as a solution.
One such reason could be to find out the last dying conclusion or thought with which the past-life personality died. Thoughts like ‘I couldn’t secure my family’, ‘I died lonely’, ‘I didn’t have enough money and success hence my family left me’, ‘I wanted to marry this person but couldn’t be with them’, ‘I felt weak and helpless because I was raped and abused’, or ‘I committed suicide because I was ashamed’ were left unfulfilled at the time of death in the previous life, which is why the soul had to reincarnate. When a person is dying, these unfinished matters or unfulfilled desires of the past life leave behind a part in the earth realm for which the mind has to come back to heal and recover that fragmented awareness.
Frequently Questions
Is regression therapy safe?
Regression therapy, also known as past-life regression therapy, is a type of therapeutic technique that aims to address issues and explore possible connections with past experiences or lives. It is considered safe when practiced by a qualified and experienced therapist. However, it is important to note that it may not be suitable for everyone and must be approached with caution. It is always recommended to consult with a licensed therapist or healthcare professional to determine if hypnotic regression therapy is appropriate for your specific needs and circumstances.
What are the three stages of regression therapy?
Regression therapy typically involves three main stages:
Preparation: This stage focuses on developing a therapeutic relationship between the client and the therapist. It involves discussing the client’s expectations, concerns, and goals for the regression therapy and types of regression therapy including hypnotic regression therapy, age regression therapy, past life regression therapy and so on. The therapist will explain the process, answer any questions, and ensure the client feels comfortable and safe throughout.
Regression: In this stage, the therapist guides the client into a relaxed state, often using relaxation techniques or guided imagery. With hypnotic regression therapy, the therapist then guides the client to explore specific memories or experiences from their past. This may involve revisiting significant events, childhood memories, or even exploring potential past lives. The purpose is to uncover unresolved issues, understand their origins, and gain insights that can aid in healing and personal growth.
Integration: After the regression experience, the therapist helps the client integrate and process the insights and emotions that emerged during the session. This stage involves reflection, discussion, and potentially incorporating new understandings into the client’s present life. The therapist may also provide resources or techniques to support the client in further personal growth and healing beyond the regression session.
How long does a typical regression therapy session last?
The duration of a past life regression therapy session or an age regression therapy session etc., can vary depending on various factors such as the therapist’s approach, the client’s needs and preferences, and the depth of exploration required. Typically, a session may last between 1 to 2 hours. Some therapists might conduct longer sessions if needed, while others might prefer shorter sessions.
It’s important to keep in mind that regression therapy involves delving into deep emotional and potentially intense experiences, so it’s essential to allow sufficient time for the client to process and integrate the session. Therapists often prioritize the client’s emotional well-being and may schedule follow-up sessions as necessary to provide ongoing support and guidance.
Does regression therapy work?
Regression therapy has been found to be beneficial for some individuals, but its effectiveness can vary from person to person. It is important to remember that past life regression therapy, like any therapeutic approach, is not a guaranteed solution for everyone. Some people may find it helpful for gaining insights, healing unresolved issues, and facilitating personal growth, while others may not experience the same level of benefit.
What is hypnotic regression therapy?
Hypnotic regression therapy is a specific type of regression therapy that incorporates hypnosis as part of the process. Hypnosis is used in hypnotic regression therapy to relax the client and guide them into a focused and receptive state, allowing easier access to subconscious memories and experiences. This approach aims to help individuals explore and potentially resolve issues rooted in past experiences, including childhood trauma, past lives, or other significant events.
Like all forms of therapy, the effectiveness of hypnotic regression therapy depends on various factors, such as the client’s openness, willingness to explore, and the skill and experience of the therapist facilitating the session.
Final Thoughts: Are there any potential risks or side effects of regression therapy?
While hypnotic regression therapy or past life regression therapy can be beneficial for some individuals, it’s important to be aware of potential risks and side effects. Here are a few points to consider:
Emotional Intensity: Regression therapy may involve revisiting past traumas or unresolved emotions, which can lead to intense emotions. It’s important to be prepared for potentially strong feelings and have appropriate support systems in place.
False Memories: In the process of hypnotic regression therapy, there is a risk of generating false or distorted memories. Memories accessed during regression therapy could be influenced by suggestion or imagination. It’s crucial to work with a skilled and ethical therapist who can help distinguish between real and potentially fabricated memories.
Catharsis and Emotional Release: Age Regression therapy may trigger emotional release or catharsis as you explore past experiences. While this can be therapeutic, it’s essential to have proper support and resources to process and integrate these emotions effectively.
Ethical Considerations: Past Life Regression therapy may involve exploring past lives or experiences from different time periods. It’s important to approach these experiences with an open mind and recognize the subjective nature of interpretation. Ethical considerations need to be addressed in how regression experiences are understood and applied.
Sensitization: In some cases, regression therapy may cause temporary sensitivity or heightened awareness of emotions and memories. This increased sensitivity could potentially impact day-to-day functioning. It’s important to have ongoing support and follow-up sessions, if needed, to manage these effects.
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