Missing the freedom and adventure of exotic holidays? A Notts clinical hypnotherapist is offering a brief moment of escapism, helping people to travel to their favourite destination - from the comfort of their own armchair.
Cherry Heath said holidays play a huge part in our mental health and wellbeing - from the excitement of choosing a destination and researching sights and restaurants, to the actual week or fortnight itself followed by the recollection of treasured memories.
And without a summer trip to look forward to, no wonder we're getting down in the dumps.
Cherry, of Southwell, is whisking people away to five holiday destinations, including the beach, a safari and a family holiday to Disneyworld through free downloads from her website.
By enabling people to spirit their minds away to an amazing holiday destination, they can take back a little of the relaxation and release they would have enjoyed had they actually been away.
Cherry said: "The coping process of escapism is common to many people in difficult times, and by wanting to still book a holiday, we are actively engaging in escapism behaviour.
"Escape is key in our mental self-care, and it can be good to seek a happy escape when things seem impossible – that feeling of ‘I just need to get away’.
"At a time when we can’t guarantee a lengthier reprieve, something as simple as taking a ‘virtual holiday’ can offer a brief moment of escapism. This allows you an outlet for the stress we are facing, and the energy to re-engage with life in lockdown.”
The free downloads are a form of self-hypnosis, and simply require you to sit down in a quiet and comfortable spot, close your eyes and listen to Cherry’s soothing words, visualise the holiday destination, and relax.
Cherry's recordings reflect predictions made by Nottingham-based independent travel advisor Stacey Jillings at Designer Travel, which specialises in organising tailor-made trips for people around the world.
Stacey believes there will be a number of key things holidaymakers will look for once the travel industry reopens for business. She said: “We’re expecting people will be seeking plenty of space and fresh air after being cooped up for so long – destinations such as New Zealand, Canada and America will be popular, especially for self-drive trips.
"Also, many people will feel like doing something completely different as an antidote to months of boredom, so an adventurous African safari might well appeal.
“Conversely, some families might want privacy to reconnect with each other after enduring being forced apart for such a long time. I think we will see idyllic islands like those in the Caribbean proving popular for multi-generational groups involving grandparents, parents and children all enjoying some quality time together, whereas couples might favour treating themselves to some luxury in the Maldives.
“We understand how essential it is for many people to have something to look forward to once we emerge on the other side of this terrible pandemic, and a holiday away from their lockdown base will be a real tonic.
“I think Cherry’s offer to help people take a short break, in spirit if not in body, is a lovely idea, and hope it helps people stay positive in these difficult times.”
The downloads are available on Cherry’s website at cognisity.com/virtual-holiday
