Coping with last night's disappointment

Coping with Disappointment: Lessons from England's Euros Loss and Hypnobirthing Techniques

The sting of disappointment is all too familiar. England’s heart breaking loss in the Euros last night has left many fans in a state of shock, sadness, and frustration. When things don't go as planned, whether in sports or life, it can be challenging to navigate the emotional fallout. However, we can draw valuable lessons from an unexpected source: hypnobirthing techniques. These methods, often used to manage the intense experience of childbirth, can also help us cope with life's disappointments and setbacks.

Acknowledge Your Feelings

The first step in dealing with any disappointment is to acknowledge your feelings. It's natural to feel upset, angry, or even despondent when something you care about doesn’t turn out as hoped. Hypnobirthing emphasises the importance of accepting all emotions without judgment. This principle can be applied to any situation. Allow yourself to grieve England’s loss. Talk about it with friends, share your feelings on social media, or write them down. Recognising your emotions is the first step towards healing.

Breathe and Ground Yourself

Hypnobirthing techniques place a strong emphasis on controlled breathing as a way to manage pain and anxiety. Deep, slow breaths can help calm your nervous system, reduce stress, and bring a sense of control. When disappointment hits, take a moment to focus on your breathing. Inhale deeply through your nose, hold for a few seconds, and then exhale slowly through your mouth. This simple act can help centre your thoughts and provide a moment of calm amidst the chaos of emotions.

Reframe Your Perspective

A key aspect of hypnobirthing is reframing pain and fear into something more manageable. Similarly, reframing disappointment can help you see the situation in a new light. Instead of focusing solely on the loss, try to appreciate the journey. England’s team showed incredible skill, determination, and sportsmanship throughout the tournament. Celebrate the highs, the moments of brilliance, and the unity it brought to fans across the nation. This shift in perspective can transform feelings of despair into appreciation and hope. Something I woke up thinking this morning was 'Imagine if your child was in that final, all you would feel is pride'

Visualise Positive Outcomes

Visualisation is a powerful tool used in hypnobirthing to create a positive mindset. By picturing successful and happy outcomes, you can train your mind to stay positive even in challenging situations. Apply this technique by visualising future successes. Imagine England lifting the trophy in the next tournament or envisioning personal victories in your own life. This forward-looking mindset can help you move past the current disappointment and focus on future possibilities.

Seek Support and Connection

Hypnobirthing encourages the presence of supportive partners during childbirth, emphasising the importance of connection. When dealing with disappointment, don’t isolate yourself. Reach out to friends, family, or community groups. Sharing your experience and feelings with others who understand can provide comfort and support. Together, you can find solace in collective strength and shared optimism for the future.

Practice Gratitude

Finally, practice gratitude. Hypnobirthing teaches gratitude for the body’s strength and the process of childbirth. In the face of disappointment, finding things to be grateful for can shift your mindset. Reflect on the joy and excitement the Euros brought, the memories made, and the pride in your team. Gratitude can be a powerful antidote to disappointment, reminding you of the good amidst the bad.

Thank you to Harry Kane ( our 3x Wise Hippo dad) and the entire team for a wonderful final. While England’s loss in the Euros is a significant disappointment, applying hypnobirthing techniques can help you navigate the emotional aftermath. By acknowledging your feelings, practicing controlled breathing, reframing your perspective, visualising positive outcomes, seeking support, and practicing gratitude, you can find a way to cope and emerge stronger. Life, much like football, is full of ups and downs. How we handle the downs makes all the difference in our journey forward.

With warmth and wisdom

The Wise Hippo x