Self-hypnosis is a powerful tool and can bring with it many physical and mental advantages. Despite carrying something of a stigma for being used in sinister ways, self-hypnotism is very real and is something nearly everyone has probably experienced themselves on some level. If you don’t know a great deal about self-hypnotism but you’re still interested in it, the following guide is a great starting point!
1. Make Sure You’ve Slept Well the Night Before
You may think that hypnotism and sleep are closely related and certainly there are some similarities between these states of consciousness. But it’s important not to feel tired when you practice self-hypnosis as you run the risk of simply nodding off to sleep rather than experience the clear-minded state you’re after.
2. Find a Peaceful, Quiet Place
Where you choose to meditate of hypnotise yourself, you need to be in a tranquil, private place free of distractions. Some popular places might be the beach, the park or somewhere surrounded by nature. As you practice self hypnosis more and more, you’ll find that it pays to put yourself to find a regular place that you always go to do it. You mind will start to associate the place and the feeling, making it easier to fall into this state of mind.
3. Sit in a Comfortable, Symmetrical Position
Finding the location is one thing, but the way you sit and your comfort levels are another. It’s important to be as relaxed as possible, and given that you’ll be seated in the same position for a period of time, ideally you want to keep your back straight, you hands out of the way and each of your legs in the same position.
4. Concentrate on Breathing Steadily and Slowly
A good way to clear your mind is to close your eyes and focus on breathing in a consistent manner and taking large, deep breaths. Suck in deep breaths through your nose and out through your mouth. Concentrating only on your breathing will take away any other thoughts and help you enter the right state of mind.
5. Visualise Yourself Going Deeper and Deeper
One method to go to the next level is to think about yourself moving down a set of stairs, with the knowledge that as you move to the next step, you are becoming more at ease and more relaxed. You can count at the steps in your mind. When you reach the last step, imagine that you will be at a point of utter relaxation and peace.
6. Turn Your Focus onto Positivity and Success
People use self hypnosis for different things. If you’re trying to overcome something that is proving challenging to you, it can help to visualise yourself overcoming it and the sensations you will feel when you do so. You can also think about the best parts of you and how you can use them to reach your goals. Other methods can be to imagine a problem as a boulder and visualise it crumbling away to nothing.
If you are using self hypnosis simply to relax yourself, you might think of a safe, or happy place from your past or imaginary. As you enter a deeper state of consciousness, you can imagine being in this place; the sights, sounds and other senses. If you imagine a secluded beach you can think about the smell of salt, the feeling of sand in your toes and the crashing of waves, etc.
This process can be repeated multiple times during a session of self hypnosis. There are sure to be thoughts creeping into your mind throughout, but it’s important to calmly acknowledge them and focus your mind to concentrate on the things that help you relax. One thing that can assist greatly is hypnosis CDs; the music has helped many people enter this state and is used by people that are still beginners and those that have experience. Feel free to browse the range on our website.
