What is Self-Hypnosis anyway...?

Self Hypnosis is simply being in a meditative sometimes trance like state. When we are in this state we have a highly focused attention with heightened suggestibility. There are 2 parts to self-hypnosis – firstly taking yourself into a calm meditative state (this is an essential first step and is where there is similarity to meditation), and once there making suggestions to yourself of what you want. 

Self-hypnosis is a tool and technique to embrace and make it work for you. Self-hypnosis is like meditation, except more goal-orientated, which is why many success-driven people are drawn to it.  All forms of hypnosis in theory is self-hypnosis, because no one can make you do anything you don’t want to do - despite what you see on TV about hypnosis being brainwashing or mind control.

Most of us have experienced some kind of hypnosis before in our everyday life. Watching your favourite tv show – fixated on the show, and all other things in your mind are tuned out of - this is a kind of hypnosis. So in the analogy of zoning out to the movie - when we tune out to our worries and doubts, about our job, finances, the endless to do list, relationships/family concerns, these concerns they all fade away as you just focus on the show/movie etc. And what’s very important is that in this state, you are also highly suggestible. When we purposely do self-hypnosis we aim to tell our unconscious mind what we want for ourselves. 

Many great people business leaders, surgeons, sportspeople, musicians, performers will all use a form of self-hypnosis to get them into the zone, and see and feel in their mind what they want for themselves. Hypnosis has been part of the Russian Olympic teams training programme since the 1960’s.  

STEP BY STEP GUIDE TO SELF-HYPNOSIS MEDITATION

SIT IN A COMFORTABLE POSITION WITH LEGS UNCROSSED

Reduce distractions by being somewhere you won't be disturbed. This is your time.

LOOK UP AT THE CEILING & TAKE A DEEP BREATH IN

Without straining your neck pick a spot on the ceiling and fix your gaze on that point. Keep your eyes fixed on that point take in a deep breath, hold it for a moment, then breathe out. Silently repeat to yourself... “My eyelids are tired and heavy, I am ready to relax and let go”. Repeat this a couple of times, close your eyes and relax.

LET YOUR BODY RELAX

Slowly count down silently from five to zero. Tell yourself that with each and every count you’re becoming more and more relaxed. Stay in this relaxed state for a number of minutes. Become aware of your breathing, and how relaxed your body is becoming.

ADD YOUR SUGGESTION AFFIRMATION

In this relaxed state, calmly & confidently state your positive suggestion to yourself, either out loud or quietly in your mind. Repeat a few times, feeling the suggestion wash over your mind & body. 

 COME BACK TO THE ROOM COUNTING FROM 1 - 5

Tell yourself that you are becoming aware of your surroundings and at the count of five you will open your eyes, stretch your body.

REPEAT THIS TECHNIQUE DAILY

Repeat this technique as often as you can, notice how each time you reach a deeper level of relaxation. If you find you do not relax as much as you would like, be patient with yourself, don't force it.

Self-hypnosis is a form of mindfulness and meditation, but is even more powerful, as you add a goal to the process. So not only are you aiming for a sense of calmness which is good for your mental wellbeing alone, but you can also empower your mindset, and start to work on your personal development goals.

CLAIRE ARISTIDES

Founder and creator of Mindology App an app to calm and empower the mindset. Download on the app store and download on googleplay.