Reach out for help. We all want to be independent, but it’s okay to ask a friend or family member to simply listen to your concerns or to help you with activities, such as getting groceries, mowing the lawn, or lifting something heavy. Relieving a burden either physical or mental will help reduce stress.
With all that’s going on in our country, in our economy, in the world, and on social media, it feels like so many of us are under a great deal of stress. We know that chronic stress can be as unhealthy as smoking a quarter of a pack a day. For many of us, our work, our livelihood, is a particular cause of stress. Of course, a bit of stress is just fine, but what are stress management strategies that leaders use to become “Stress-Proof” at work? What are some great tweaks, hacks, and tips that help to reduce or even eliminate stress from work? As a part of this series, I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Hollywood Hypnotist Kevin Stone.
Hollywood Hypnotist Kevin Stone formed his two highly successful companies: Mind Growth Technologies™ (the medical side of hypnosis) and Deep Sleep Entertainment™ (the entertainment side of hypnosis.)
Kevin Stone is widely sought after for his expertise in hypnotherapy as well as his impressive teaching skills. He balances his time in the capacity of “Senior Clinical Instructor,” at the Craniofacial Pain/TMJ Clinic of the Otolaryngology Foundation at the White Memorial Medical Center in Los Angeles, California. He has worked with and trained physicians in the areas of pain management and TMJ disorders. Kevin through Mind Growth Technologies™, which has blossomed into a full-service hypnotherapy clinic, has helped thousands of people to improve their lifestyles as well as on a worldwide scale through the entertainment media of Deep Sleep Entertainment™.
Kevin Stone is known both as the “Hollywood Hypnotist™” and the “Master of Suggestion™.”
Is a highly sought-after motivational and keynote speaker for many organizations and companies worldwide. He offers a wide variety of seminars including weight loss, smoking cessation, and stress reduction as well as others geared toward corporate needs. He leads seminars, workshops, and corporate training programs for major Fortune 500 companies and others all across the globe. His seminars include teaching personal empowerment and life-building strategies, interpersonal relationships, and communication skills as well as training management on how to motivate their employees and staff. He combines his own innate sense of humor and vast knowledge of human behavior along with his highly developed, fine-tuned skills in the area of showmanship in creating workshops and seminars which are fun-filled, educational, and entertaining. Kevin creates an atmosphere where learning is fun!
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Before we dive in, our readers would love to know how you got from “there to here.” Inspire us with your backstory!
My passion for hypnosis started in my early youth and grew steadily over the years.
I learned that my unique gifts and talents are meant to be used to help others see themselves and make changes they want to make. I decided to sell my successful business to pursue my lifelong dream, enrolling in the only accredited college of hypnosis, The Hypnosis Motivation Institute (HMI) in Los Angeles, where I studied under the world-renowned Dr. John Kappas. After graduating from HMI holding the degrees of Master Hypnotist and Certified Hypnotherapist, I furthered my studies earning the title Board-Certified Hypnotherapist.
What lessons would you share with yourself if you had the opportunity to meet your younger self?
I would tell my younger self not to be afraid to try new things, take risks and put myself out there for opportunities. If things don’t work out, don’t stay down, ask yourself what lessons you can learn from it, and move ahead. Don’t isolate yourself, reject people’s judgment and opinions of you, and realize you can’t be everything to everyone.
None of us are able to experience success without support along the way. Is there a particular person for whom you are grateful because of the support they gave you to grow you from “there to here?” Can you share that story and why you are grateful for them?
This is a difficult one because when I look back at the road I’ve traveled, I see so many people who have helped me in so many ways and I’m grateful for each of those lessons. But if I had to choose one, it would have to be my Uncle Jimmy. It was his personality and outlook on life that really honed the skill set that I employ on the day-to-day. In my years of study, I’ve picked up various nuggets of knowledge from so many sources: books, classes, workshops, and others; I put them into practice, and I developed a discipline, attempted, failed, tried again, and again and eventually incorporated.
Are you working on any exciting new projects now? How do you think it might help people?
Unfortunately, I can’t talk about most of the projects until they are done, but there are some very exciting things in the works so keep an eye out for Hollywood Hypnotist Kevin Stone! However, I can tell you that I am currently working on many self-help audio programs and books designed for those who desire to enhance and improve the quality of their personal life.
Ok, thank you for sharing your inspired life. Let’s now talk about stress. How would you define stress?
Stress is how we react when we feel under pressure or threatened. It usually happens when we are in a situation that we don’t feel we can manage or control. We experience stress when we believe that we don’t have the time, resources, or knowledge to handle a situation. In short, we experience stress when we feel “out of control.”
In the Western world, humans typically have their shelter, food, and survival needs met. So what has led to this chronic stress? Why are so many of us always stressed out?
Stress is experienced when you face a stressful event and need to respond to it. What may be a stressful event for you might not be for someone else. So, there’s no one-size-fits-all definition of a stressor or stressful event or a single cause of stress. However, different people handle stress differently, in different situations. You’re more likely to handle stress better when you feel confident in your abilities and are able to take control of a situation and if you feel that you have adequate help and support.
What are some of the physical manifestations of being under a lot of stress? How does the human body react to stress?
There are several here are just a few of the common ones: Headache, Anxiety, Overeating, or under eating, Muscle tension, or pain, Restlessness, Angry outbursts, Chest pain, Lack of motivation or focus, Drug or alcohol misuse, Fatigue, Feeling overwhelmed, Social withdrawal, Stomach upset, Sadness or depression, Sleep problem.
Is stress necessarily a bad thing? Can stress ever be good for us?
Stress is not always a bad thing. Let’s look at an example of good stress. We generally look forward to the outcome of the situation. Planning a wedding, getting a new job or promotion, or having a baby are common examples of good stress. Although these experiences involve a lot of work and even cause some difficult feelings, as any bride or new parent will attest the benefit of the event is worth the challenge.
You may think any type of stress is bad, but that isn’t the case. Good stress, or eustress, is the type of stress you feel when you’re excited. Your pulse quickens and your hormones surge, but there is no threat or fear.
You might feel this type of stress when you ride a roller coaster, compete in a game, or go on a first date. Good stress is short-term and it inspires and motivates you, focuses your energy, and enhances performance.
Bad stress, however, is the kind that wears you out, leaves you jittery, and is harmful to your health. Bad stress, or distress, can lead to anxiety, confusion, poor concentration, and decreased performance.
Bad stress can be short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic). Acute stress doesn’t take a heavy toll on your body if you can find ways to relax quickly. However, chronic stress, when you repeatedly face stressors, can take a heavy toll on your body and can cause negative health effects. Chronic stress can cause headaches, insomnia, weight gain, anxiety, pain, and high blood pressure.
Is there a difference between being in a short term stressful situation versus an ongoing stress? Are there long term ramifications to living in a constant state of stress?
Acute stress (Short Term) occurs during a particular time or event and is isolated to that incident. You might experience acute stress when you have a near-miss car accident, or you’re preparing for an important presentation at work.
Chronic stress (Long Term) is ongoing. Similar to chronic pain or chronic illness, chronic stress could increase or decrease in severity but is relatively consistent in its presence.
This could be due to any number of things, from an unhealthy relationship where you’re constantly arguing to a job that is burdensome and leaves you overworked daily.
Long-term ongoing stress can increase the risk for hypertension, heart attack, or stroke. Repeated acute stress and persistent chronic stress may also contribute to inflammation in the circulatory system, particularly in the coronary arteries, and this is one pathway that is thought to tie stress to heart attack.
Is it even possible to eliminate stress?
We need the body’s stress (“fight or flight”) response to get us through tough times. When you sense a threat or danger, your body rises to the challenge by releasing stress hormones, tightening your muscles, making your blood pressure rise and your heart and lungs work harder, and releasing a surge of fat and sugar to give you energy. When danger subsides, your body goes back to normal operations.
The best way to cope with stress is by getting at least seven hours of sleep per day, eating a predominantly healthy diet, exercising regularly, hypnosis, and staying socially connected. If you’re practicing all these healthy habits, it helps you become more resilient and better able to adapt to life’s challenging situations.
In your opinion, is this something that we should be raising more awareness about, or is it a relatively small issue? Please explain what you mean.
Being aware of our own warning signs of stress or mental ill health not only ensures we look after ourselves more effectively, but also enhances our emotional intelligence and will result in higher empathy towards others.
Knowing how to manage stress can improve mental and physical well-being as well as minimize exacerbation of health-related issues. It’s critical to recognize what stress and anxiety look like, take steps to build resilience, and know where to go for help. Create or maintain a routine that includes movement, healthy meals, regular sleep, keeping up with hygiene, and spending time with family and friends in your household or online.
Let’s talk about stress at work. Numerous studies show that job stress is the major source of stress for American adults and that it has escalated progressively over the past few decades. For you personally, if you are feeling that overall, work is going well, do you feel calm and peaceful, or is there always an underlying feeling of stress? Can you explain what you mean?
Stress isn’t always bad. A little bit of stress can help you stay focused, energetic, and able to meet new challenges in the workplace. It’s what keeps you on your toes during a presentation or alert to prevent accidents or costly mistakes. But in today’s hectic world, the workplace too often seems like an emotional roller coaster. Long hours, tight deadlines, and ever-increasing demands can leave you feeling worried, drained, and overwhelmed. And when stress exceeds your ability to cope, it stops being helpful and starts causing damage to your mind and body as well as to your job satisfaction.
You can’t control everything in your work environment, but that doesn’t mean you’re powerless, even when you’re stuck in a difficult situation. If stress on the job is interfering with your work performance, health, or personal life, it’s time to take action. No matter what you do for a living, what your ambitions are, or how stressful your job is, there are plenty of things you can do to reduce your overall stress levels and regain a sense of control at work.
Okay, fantastic. Here is the main question of our interview: Can you share with our readers your “5 stress management strategies that busy leaders can use to become “Stress-Proof” at Work?” Please share a story or example for each.
1) Hypnosis: Do a relaxation exercise. The relaxation response the opposite of the stress response was defined by Harvard Medical School professor Herbert Benson. It slows your breathing, reduces your heart rate, and lowers your stress hormones.
To elicit this state, I recommend a basic breathing exercise, such as taking 10 very slow breaths in and out. Or try an imagery exercise: “Imagine being in your favorite vacation place, maybe the beach or in nature,” I suggest. “Imagine all the sensations you’d experience there, such as the sight and sound of the waves, the smell of the ocean, and the breeze brushing against your skin. Hold this image for a few minutes and notice the relaxing effect.”
Add hypnosis techniques to your everyday routine. Hypnosis relaxation techniques promote overall health and give you a chance to step away and clear your head. It doesn’t have to be a big time commitment; it can be accomplished with deep breathing exercises.
2) Use positive self-talk. When you’re self-critical, that automatically activates the stress response. If you give yourself praise and support, it helps reduce stress. Words to use: “You can do this. You’re smart and strong and you’ve done bigger things before. Even if things don’t go your way, you’re doing the best you can.”
3) Accept there are events you can’t control. There are things in life beyond your control, such as someone else’s behavior. Instead of stressing about what you can’t control, focus on what you can control and how you react to the problem. That way, you are expending your energy where it can be more effective.
4) Stay healthy and fit. A well-balanced diet and staying active ensures your body is better prepared to fight stress. Exercise relaxes your body and mind while improving your mood. In fact, physical exercise has been proven to play a key role in preventing and reducing the effects of stress.
5) Reach out for help. We all want to be independent, but it’s okay to ask a friend or family member to simply listen to your concerns or to help you with activities, such as getting groceries, mowing the lawn, or lifting something heavy. Relieving a burden either physical or mental will help reduce stress.
Do you have any favorite books, podcasts, or resources that have inspired you to live with more joy in life?
I am passionately committed to helping individuals live the lives they dream about, the lives they are meant to live a life of enlightenment that leads to more joy, more purpose, and more fulfillment. Hypnosis is and has been scientifically proven to be one of the most effective natural organic ways to eliminate stress and to live the life we all dream about. My website has great resources and important information.
You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. ☺
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. I respect and admire his journey and contributions to entertainment and business. I’ve always been impressed by the people who can contribute in multiple departments, the people who have slashes in their titles. The writer/directors, the writer/actors, the producer/actors, and no one does this better than Dwayne Johnson, so I would love to have a few moments to absorb how his mind works.
What is the best way for our readers to continue to follow your work online?
People are welcome to visit and bookmark www.hypnotist.com Drop a hello through the contact page.
This was very inspiring. Thank you so much for the time you spent on this. We wish you only continued success.