The Power of Anchoring

NLP Anchoring uses an external stimulus like a sound, an image, a touch, smell or a taste to trigger a consistent response in you.

For many their mood is connected with their surroundings. If they see sunshine, they feel happy. I am one such person who is affected by the change in weather often. I have no clue how and when this association was made. But since my childhood I somehow hate gloomy weather. It just puts me in a bad mood. If I don't see sun shining I get a sense of doom. For years I struggled with this, until I discovered a trick. Whenever I would be affected by the weather, I would close my eyes and imagine a happy time and transport myself back in those times and make that memory bigger and brighter in my mind. After a few minutes of this visualisation I would be fine for a few hours. At that time I had no idea what I was doing, but I knew I had tumbled upon something powerful.
Years later when I was studying Neuro Linguistic Programming, I learnt a technique used for dealing with fears and phobia known as anchoring. It was similar to what I had been practicing. Learning the psychological side of the technique helped me understand the human response better and create a sustainable defense mechanism against mood swings.
So what is anchoring and how can it be used in day-to-day life? NLP Anchoring uses an external stimulus like a sound, an image, a touch, smell or a taste to trigger a consistent response in you. This helps in making links and associations. When something is anchored in our subconscious mind, we react without thinking. This can be beneficial or painful. The smell of certain perfume brings back painful memories. Or visiting your grandmother taps into joyful memories of childhood and fills you with happiness. When we use NLP Anchoring, we make or break those associations knowingly using something that works best for us.
So every time you feel down or depressed due to some events, pick a happy memory or a pleasant sound or uplifting smell that can pull you out of it. The more you practice the better you will get at it. Sometimes simple techniques can help you to deal with the black clouds and lead you to that small silver lining. All you need to do is practice.
Shivani Adalja is a Dubai-based wellbeing expert. She runs the Alignment Insitute which offers effective solutions that focus on stress management and overall well-being. Email align@shivaniadalja.com