The Caffeine Connection

Caffeine is an addictive substance. Even a small amount stimulates the production of insulin and other stress hormones including cortisol. It is so important to understand the concept that what you put in your mouth causes a chemical response inside your body and that these responses also effect the working of your mind. Some responses work for you and others work against you. Some are noisy and others are silent, but they all count, just as if you deposited them in a bank account...Elizabeth Bohorquez, RN, C.Ht

Your skin is a good indicator for certain toxins including caffeine and tobacco. Pay attention to the internal and external messages sent by your skin and other organs as you work to place healthy choices in your body. Saying good-bye to caffeine is important. You may question if you are addicted. Your initial response to the first sentence in this paragraph is a good indicator.

What was your inner level of resistance?
What sort of thoughts can up?
How about the emotions that were triggered?




If your goal is high level health and performance and at the very least you should be looking for ways to decrease your caffeine intake. It's a good idea to keep a daily caffeine log for a week or so. You may be shocked at what you place in your body. Also pay attention to the foods and beverages you are ingesting that have caffeine. Coffee, tea, soda, chocolate are common ones, but be sure to read labels and look for those hidden ingredients.

You already know that we tend to live mindlessly and carelessly. It's time to pay very good attention and to be self-responsible. Start to consider what changes might truly benefit you. Do this even if you sense resistance or blocking, for these are the areas where you need change the most.

Mind Exercise

Decide to take some quiet time for yourself right now or make an appointment with yourself to relax deeply into this exercise. Most of us rush from one thing to another and do not allow ourselves to experience deep stillness or purposeful stress-release. Relaxing in front of the television does not release stress, but actually builds it. Make certain that you will not be disturbed for the next 10 minutes or so. You will decide what is truly sufficient for you in this moment, remembering that all moments are different. When you are ready, tilt your eyes up about 20 degrees and locate your mind screen.

Ask your addictive tendencies to come forward and present themselves. Notice they each have a backpack filled with stressors that were experienced today, as well as old pattern books. Ask one of your tendencies to step forward and to share these stressors with you. Notice how easy it is to pay good attention to what is being presented, as you are now truly detached and willing to see clearly. Notice how many stressors or negative mind-states were self-imposed and therefore, could have been better managed. Let your addictive tendencies know that you are in the process of making changes and their backpacks will be lessened from now on. Continue to be still in this knowing until you are ready.

This mind exercise is one of "intention." It is setting the stage for high expectation and future change. This is a very valuable part of self-hypnotic suggestion, as it builds motivation based on understanding and desire while engaging the subconscious mind in active planning. Your subconscious mind already knows what to do and just needs you to have intention and to relax deeply. Help is on the way.

Elizabeth Bohorquez, RN, C.Ht is a Clinical Hypnotherapist, President & Program Designer for Sarasota Medical & Sports Hypnosis Institute located in Sarasota, FL & online at http://www.hypnosis-audio.com & http://www.sugar-addiction.comShe is the author of Sugar....the Hidden Eating Disorder & How to Lick It, Beyond Disorderly Eating...The Truth About Sugar, Bingeing & How to Stop, as well as The MindBody Fitness Boot Camp... Lifestyle Change Made Easy. She has also written & produced +350 audio CD's & mp3's. The websites include moderated discussion groups, ezines, library & a host of other educational tools for learning Interactive Self-Hypnosis. Visit the online Boot Camp & work directly with the author. Download a free mp3 each month.