May 28th, 2021

Self-hypnosis involves becoming highly focused and absorbed in the experience while giving yourself positive suggestions about ways to reach your goals. Self-hypnosis is an individual practice, unlike when you are working with a therapist. It can be a most empowering practice as you learn to have better control of your thoughts and reactions while enjoying the physical and emotional benefits of the relaxation that is typical of self-hypnosis techniques.

Self-hypnosis is very similar to meditation in that both involve entering a calm and relaxed state. The main difference is that when people practice self-hypnosis, they tend to have a specific goal in mind, something that will improve them and their quality of life in some way. In a typical meditation practice there is no particular goal, just an easy acceptance of wherever the mind goes without judgment or intention. Both meditation and self-hypnosis have the potential to promote physical and mental health in parallel ways, thus highlighting the merits of learning to develop and use focus meaningfully.

How to practice self-hypnosis

1. Sit comfortably in a quiet place. Know that you can use self-hypnosis anywhere, but distraction-free surroundings certainly help with focus, especially if you’re new to the practice.
2. For a few moments, breathe deeply, rhythmically, and slowly. You may want to inhale and exhale to the count of four. Or breathe in, hold for a moment, and release for a longer exhalation. Find whatever feels most calming for you. If you haven’t yet, close your eyes.
3. Picture yourself in a place that brings you comfort and peace. It doesn’t have to be anywhere you’ve ever been or even a real location. You could be riding a unicorn on Jupiter if it soothes you. Or you might choose somewhere more everyday, like your bathtub or the beach. You can even return to a happy memory. Just isolate a pleasant environment where you’d like to spend some time.
4. Engage all of your senses to ground yourself in your new mental surroundings. Smell your grandmother’s family-recipe apple pie, if you’ve chosen to return to a childhood memory. Feel the ocean breeze on your face and the sand between your toes as you visualize lying on the beach. Watch the flicker of candlelight from your vantage point in a relaxing bubble bath.
5. Choose an affirmation you feel you need at this moment. An affirmation can be tailored to the specifics of any situation or as simple as a few little words like, “I am safe” or “I am strong.”

Read more on self-hypnosis:

• Self Hypnosis: What It Is & How to Do It
• This Self-Hypnosis Technique Will Bring You Instant Calm