If we all had a crystal ball that allowed us to look into the future, we’d probably be able to live a stress-free life without worrying about the road that lies before us. But one of the things that makes life so exciting is not knowing what the future holds, and this – unfortunately – can lead to high amounts of stress and anxiety, as we worry about what tomorrow might bring.

The good news is that this fear of the future can be addressed and overcome through accepting that we can never know what to expect in our lives and working to change our fear into a sense of positive optimism. Hypnotherapy is one of the most effective methods known to work in helping people to challenge their fear of the future.

Human beings like to be in control of their lives. We spend vast amounts of effort trying to dictate our futures, from choosing a profession that will allow us to earn a decent living to selecting a partner who we hope will make us happy for the rest of our lives.

However, in reality, there is only so much that we can do to dictate our life paths, with the rest up to our social connections, external environment and, well, pure chance. This fact can cause unease within our minds in the knowledge that some things are out of our control, often leading to stressful thoughts and concern.

Live in the Now

Having a fear of the future is called “Chronophobia”. In a nutshell, this specific fear can be described as an irrational yet often unrelenting fear of time and of the passage of time. This fear can often penetrate into other aspects of our lives, influencing and sometimes inflaming other fears around our health, finances, and general happiness.

Various therapies subscribe to a core principle of encouraging people to live in the present moment, or “The Now”. This healthy belief guides us to let go of the past and redirect our attention away from the future, focussing our minds on the immediate moment. Living in the now allows us to enjoy what we have in the present instead of worrying about the past or future things that we cannot change.

Try to Look on the Bright Side

While this is easier said than done, a positive attitude and outlook on life can greatly benefit our mental health. When we are faced with a distressing situation, we are told to focus on the positive outcomes of the problem. However, in reality, this can be almost impossible.

Hypnotherapy allows us to slowly train our subconscious to see the bigger picture in things – both the good and the bad. While some philosophies tell us to ignore the bad, hypnotherapists are very much aware that dealing with both the ups and downs in life is crucial to wellness.

When we look to the future during a particularly tough time, the road ahead can look very bleak and challenging. It is in these moments that our mental health can take a turn for the worse. It is only when we find ways to consider both the bright and dark sides of our future that we can choose the path we want to take. Hypnotherapy works to show you that you have a choice when facing the future.

No Matter What, It Always Gets Better

Imagine you’ve just lost your job or have recently been dumped after a long relationship. In the hours and days following these difficult events, looking to the future can feel like staring into a pitch-black abyss. However, after a couple of days or weeks, the transformation is amazing! You will no doubt be back to looking for a new job (one that you might actually enjoy), and you’re much more likely to be back on the dating scene.

The same is true of almost everything in life. Time heals most things, but we need to be patient while waiting for the pain to subside. It is during those dark early days that our fear of a future we didn’t plan for can seem overwhelming and even suffocating. But, remember – no matter what, things will ALWAYS get better.

Defeating Your Fear

We all plan for the future we dream of but seldom see the outcome we wanted. This is a part of life and allows us to face difficult challenges that can often lead to new, better opportunities. It is how we manage our fears and outlook on the future that defines how well we deal with this phobia.

At Hypnocare, we are acutely aware that the future is not set in stone and the stressful feelings this can cause. Our therapists are people, too, many of whom share these fears and draw from their own experiences to help patients overcome their challenges. So, if you’re staring into a future that frightens you, remember you’re not alone. Pay us a visit, and we’ll gladly work with you to see a brighter, better future.