Being Mindful in a Digital Age

Published on 8th April 2016

Last week I went on holiday to Turkey, which was an amazing holiday with my wife. Obviously because I am a self-employed Mindfulness-based therapist and hypnotherapist  I was concerned about my existing and possible new clients not being able to contact me so I ensured I had roaming on my phone and that there was WiFi internet at our hotel. I made the decision to not have roaming internet service as this was a holiday and I wanted to relax, unwind and be mindful with my wife.

When we arrived 9pm on Saturday night I found that the WiFi was only available in the lobby, bar and restaurant of the hotel which was absolutely fine with me. So for the next six days I was only able to check my email and use social media in the morning at breakfast or when we got back to the hotel. I found this very refreshing and mindful as I only spent a few minutes checking my mail in the morning and perhaps 5 minutes in the evening. What struck me was the people who seemed to be constantly on their phones checking Facebook, twitter and other social media.  This made me think of clients I have worked with who suffer with Social Media Anxiety Disorder or addiction to social media. How being Mindful in this digital world is becoming more and more difficult when we are in instant contact of everyone else.

Today I have 94 friends on Facebook and that seem’s to be a small number compared to many. How many friends do I really have or how many friends could I really cope with? Dunbar’s Number suggests that the human brain can cope with, maintain 150 social contacts. So how do people with 500 or 1,000 Facebook friends cope?

I am 48 this year and my childhood was very real world, meeting and playing with friends without mobile phones or the internet. I can remember arranging to meet friends at Morden Tube station on Saturday at 9am or going around their houses to see if they could come out to play. Being Mindful is so much harder when there are constant distractions and virtual worlds to be exploring.

So I will continue to use mobile phones and the internet, but will be much more mindful about how much time it takes up and distracts me for.

70% of teenagers say they suffer from NOMO phobia a fear of being without their mobile phone.

FOMO  Fear Of Missing Out

On average we check our phones 34 times a day.

Clinical addiction to Facebook and other social media sites is now recognized.

I find myself working with more and more clients who suffer from some of the above

Stop Smoking with Hypnotherapy in Surrey and London

Why I Am Passionate About Smoking Cessation Hypnotherapy (Even
If Other Therapists Think It’s “Boring”)

When I tell fellow hypnotherapists that a large part of my practice is dedicated to helping people quit smoking, I often get a surprising reaction. Some are shocked.

They tell me it must be “boring” or “same old, same old.”

But to me, there is nothing boring about supporting and witnessing clients make life long changes in their lives .

Every time a client walks out of my clinic as a non-smoker, their health, well-being and future instantly change. Knowing that my work might give someone years of extra life with their loved ones makes this one of the most rewarding jobs in the world.

My Personal Journey: 30+ Years Smoke-Free

My passion for this work isn’t just professional—it’s deeply personal. Over 30 years ago, I sat in a hypnotherapist’s chair as a smoker. In just a single session, I stopped smoking completely.

That pivotal moment was my introduction to the incredible power of hypnotherapy, and it is the exact reason I eventually trained to become a qualified hypnotherapist myself back in September 2007. I know first-hand that it works because I lived it.

Hypnotherapy: What Actually Happens?

Many people are hesitant and scared to try hypnosis because of how it is portrayed on television. I always take the time to explain exactly how the process works to my clients so they feel completely safe and comfortable.

  • You remain in control: You are always awake, alert of your surroundings, and aware of my suggestions. You cannot be made to do anything against your will.
  • Accessing the unconscious mind: By guiding you into a light, relaxing hypnotic state, we can bypass the conscious critical mind.
  • Rewriting the habit: Once we access the sub-conscious mind, we can work to completely remove the smoking habit-behaviour.

During the session, your mind absorbs the powerful suggestions to “become a non-smoker now and forever, and to never smoke again.”

Real Results: From Heavy Smoker to Cravings-Free

If you are wondering if it can work for you, take comfort in the experiences of those who have been in your shoes. One of my recent clients shared this about their session:

“I have been smoke-free for over two months and haven’t experienced any cravings at all, despite having been a heavy smoker throughout my adult life. Adrian is highly competent and skilled… I felt completely comfortable discussing my triggers and always felt listened to, understood, and supported throughout the process.” A client that was seen 2026

Take Your First Step To Becoming a Non-Smoker

Quitting smoking is one of the greatest gifts you can give to your health, your family, and your wallet. If you are ready to break free from the habit for good, let’s work together to make it happen.

If you would like some more information about Stopping Smoking with Hypnotherapy, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Adrian Sonnex

Hypnotherapist since September 2007

Written by Adrian Sonnex

I own and run wellbeinghypnotherapy.org.uk. I am a Mindfulness-based Teacher / Therapist & Hypnotherapist covering London & Surrey.

You May Also Like…