Learn Self Hypnosis
What is self hypnosis?
Self hypnosis is the use of certain tools and techniques to guide yourself into a deeply relaxed state of mind. In addition to being healing and restorative, we are often more suggestible in hypnotic states of consciousness. Using self-hypnosis to create the conditions for a receptive state of mind can mean that we can often make positive changes with more ease. This powerful tool can be used to increase confidence, improve performance, support positive lifestyle changes, and create new habits.
You can learn many different methods to help you access a hypnotic state. Common ways are breath-work, visualisation and muscle relaxation. Some people find that focusing on a repetitive movement or placing their attention on a single place or object can lead to a trance. Many everyday activities, like reading a really good book or becoming absorbed in a television show, create a similar state of consciousness but do not necessarily offer the same benefits.
How can I learn self hypnosis techniques?
The best way to learn self hypnosis is through practice - this way you can try out different techniques and discover what works best for you. Many people find that learning to relax the body makes it easier to access a state of hypnosis, so this is a good place to start. There are lots of places to access source material such as books on hypnosis, reputable websites, or apps with guided meditations. If you read about a self hypnosis technique you like, you could record a hypnotic induction using the voice memo function on your phone and then listen to it on headphones. There are many audio recordings available for self hypnosis, many dealing with specific issues like phobias, weight loss, confidence, and other common challenges.
It is important to note that, while pre-recorded self hypnosis audio can be helpful, it will not be as effective as having a session with a professional who can guide you through the process and design resources specifically for your needs. For this reason, especially with complex issues, it can be advisable to seek help from a qualified hypnotherapist.
A simple self-hypnosis exercise for relaxation
Before you begin, find a comfortable chair or other cosy place. Try to find somewhere quiet and make sure you won’t be disturbed - it can be disorientating to be unexpectedly brought out of a hypnotic state.
Do not do this type of exercise when you need to be alert (driving, operating heavy machinery, have pots on the stove, etc).
Make sure that you are warm - perhaps have a nice fluffy blanket to hand.
Although you can do this self hypnosis exercise in bed, there is the risk that you may become so relaxed you will fall asleep!
Gently close your eyes and imagine a relaxing light flowing through your body. Feel free to try different colours until you find the one that is most relaxing for you.
Imagine this relaxing light moving down through each part of your body.
The crown of your head, eyes, ears, jaw, mouth, throat, neck ...
Then flowing gently down from your shoulders, upper arms, elbows, lower arms, palms and fingers …
Then flowing from your neck down to your sternum, chest, torso, belly, groin …
Then into your hips, thighs, knees, shins, ankles, feet, toes …
Now imagine this pure, flowing energy inside your body - relaxing your internal organs, bones, muscles, tendons …
And expanding out relaxing your skin and nails and hair …
Sit with this flowing light for a while, enjoying feelings of relaxation and letting any thoughts to dissipate in the light or flow away …
When you are ready to return to an alert, waking state you can begin to notice some external sounds in the room. Notice your body in the chair and your feet on the floor. Begin to wiggle your toes, your fingers, and any other parts of your body taht want to move. Inhale and feel the sensation of your breath. Gently open your eyes when you are ready.
When you finish this exercise, you will need some time to adjust back to everyday reality. Don’t
If you prefer you can integrate this exercise with the chakras and use different colours for each area - crown chakra (gold, silver or violet), throat chakra (blue), heart chakra (green), solar plexus (yellow), sacral chakra (orange), and root/base chakra (red).