More than seven million people tuned in for the explosive finale of the third series of hit BBC series 'The Traitors', an entertaining romp through the psychological effects of dishonesty. The BBC has succeeded in making adjustments so that dishonesty doesn't always win, but the finale showed clearly how it evaporates trust. In a wider context, it's becoming increasingly clear that social media is driving people apart by enabling people to express views and aggression 'at arms length' — the removal of fact-checking is another significant step backwards. Does social media drive people apart? We should not delay in seeking more research on the question. Background music: 'Hidden Agenda' by Kevin MacLeod — 'Hidden Agenda' by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Image source: Wikipedia
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Original Broadcast: The Hypnotist
Even for successful business people, social situations can raise their anxiety level to the point when some resort to drink or drugs. Retreating from these comfort blankets can, however, result in continued discomfort and even a sense of shame for having let people down, causing further detachment. Adam Cox explores how to re-construct a sense of calm and relief in one's own company and transfer it into some of the more common social situations, thereby enabling a new belief system and a way back from isolation.
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We carry out most bodily functions — for example, breathing — sub-consciously. Here's a situation where focusing attention on something — in this case, swallowing food and choking — can give rise to anxiety. Adam Cox draws attention to the challenge that can be created by trying to do something, but failing in the attempt, in order to recreate an intuitive unconsciousness.
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Many people resort to alcohol as a means of tackling stress, but it can be a slippery slope downwards. Adam Cox, whose route to a different relationship with alcohol led to him becoming fully teetotal, explores ways of tapping into different alignments for dealing with stress in order to change that resort to alcohol.
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A disciplined approach to losing weight is not uncommon in the new year, but does it give rise to a feeling of inner conflict and resistance? If you feel coerced into losing weight, perhaps this more harmonious approach might help, using the analogy of a Venn diagram to find the cross-over between rigid self-discipline and enjoyment in order to reduce feelings of impossible expectations.
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The challenge of losing weight is often accompanied by a set of self-imposed rules, and such an approach is an invitation to feel 'good' or 'bad' about it. Breaking the rules can become or source of joy leading to binges, and rigid diets can easily lead to internal conflicts. This is defined as 'polarity responding' by hypnotists, and Adam Cox helps by explaining how this adopted morality is all a bit artificial.
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Having resolved the anxiety that can follow a relationship break-up, it's time to look forward. But what sort of person might be right for you? Adam Cox helps by focusing on the missing piece of a puzzle, looking for the characteristics of a complementary fit which will be right for both parties.
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Is there something about you that troubles you — appearance, body shape, or something else? Many people feel emotionally challenged by such things, needing a boost in confidence and self-esteem. If you're looking for more confidence and control, this episode could be just the ticket.
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Original Broadcast: Thought for the Week
Matters of life and death featured strongly in the House of Commons last Friday. thanks to Kim Leadbeater's Private Members' Bill on assisted dying — it's curious how the new UK parliament has developed such a fixation on 'end of life'. The Government's plans for inheritance tax might encourage people towards a serious look at philanthropy — register to join Philanthropy Impact's webinar on Donor Advised Funds, starting at 12 noon this Wednesday 4th December. Background music: 'Wandering Soul' by Asher Fulero Image source: Philanthropy Impact
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As we enter what for many is the most sociable season of the year, there are those who find it challenging and may be in need of new resources to cope with social anxiety. Adam Cox can help with this episode to build that more resourceful, capable and confident approach when you're around other people.
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