5 METHODS OF SELF HYPNOSIS YOU CAN LEARN

The Difference between Meditation and Self-Hypnosis.

Meditation is where an individual uses a technique, such as mindfulness, to train attention and awareness, and achieve a mentally clear and emotionally calm and stable state.

Hypnosis is a relaxation technique to develop the mind, but is more goal-orientated – the goal being to relax, take in a new suggestion, or be in a state of repair.

Self-hypnosis is often compared to meditation. Both induce a similar decrease in mental processing, whilst relaxation and focus increase. Self-hypnosis has been called the new mindfulness. It is seen by many as the next step in managing well-being – instead of clearing your mind, it’s all about developing it.

Self-hypnosis is an art that everyone can master quite easily. However, what works for one person doesn’t necessarily work for another. By experimenting a little, you can find the way that works for you, and then it’s just a case of practice makes perfect! The more you practice, the easier it is and the better you become at it.

5 ways for you to learn Self Hypnosis:

1. Autosuggestion

A suggestion you give to yourself. It can take the form of a verbal affirmation.

Autosuggestion is the simplest mind-power technique. It’s easy, always accessible, can be done anywhere, at any time and requires no special skill or training. It can boost your confidence, help you relax, improve concentration, provide energy and help you sleep. Autosuggestion involves simply repeating a new idea about yourself, to yourself, on a regular basis. Most typically, this exercise takes the form of affirmations.

Use affirmations that are believable and achievable, writing them on something like a Post-it note and placing them in strategic areas where you will see them, for example at work and at home.

2. Progressive Muscle Relaxation

One of the easiest ways to relax and induce a self-hypnosis trance state is to gently tense the muscles, and then allow them to relax:

• Find somewhere comfortable to sit
• Close your eyes, slow your breathing and breathe through your nose
• Relax each of the muscle groups, working your way down your body, from your head to your toes.
• As you feel yourself relaxing, give yourself positive suggestions
• Wake up

3. Eye Fixation

Eye fixation is probably one of the best known ways of inducing hypnosis:

• Sit in a comfortable chair, look upwards and find a spot or a mark on the ceiling to concentrate on
• Stare at the spot for a few minutes as you continue to breathe more slowly
• Be aware of the degree of slight discomfort from the steady upward staring
• Hold on to this feeling of discomfort as you close your eyes and let your head slowly move down towards your chest
• Take a deep breath, hold it for a few seconds and then breathe out slowly. As you exhale, give yourself the suggestion that your body is becoming more and more relaxed and you are letting go of all stress and tension.

4. The Art of Visualisation

Visualisation is a very effective type of self-hypnosis. Simply create positive images, for example, top athletes will visualise themselves winning a race before it has even started. The brain picks up the visualisation as reality and will obey the mind as if it has already happened, therefore the athlete will believe they have won/will win the race.

5. Anchoring

Anchoring is a direct instruction to your brain to release feel-good hormones and can be achieved easily:

• Close your eyes, press your thumb and finger together and think of a memory that makes you feel happy.
• Open your eyes and let go of your thumb and finger.
• Close your eyes, press your thumb and finger together and think of a memory that makes you feel calm.
• Open your eyes and let go of your thumb and finger.
• Close your eyes, press your thumb and finger together and think of a memory that made you feel proud of yourself.
• Open your eyes and let go of your thumb and finger.
• Close your eyes and press your thumb and finger together and think of a memory where you felt loved.
• Open your eyes and let go of your thumb and finger.

By repeating this exercise simply pressing your thumb and finger together you will begin to start to feel happy, calm, peaceful and experience a feeling of wellbeing.

So, in summary… By experimenting a little, you can find the method of self-hypnosis that works for you, and then it’s just a case of practice makes perfect! The more you practice, the easier it is and the better you become at it.

If you need some help with this, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. tamsin@tamsincooper.co.uk.

Until next time.