What Self-Hypnosis Is & How To Do It

Self-hypnosis is a natural state of mind that anyone can experience. While it might seem like something out of a science fiction movie, self-hypnosis is real. It’s possible because we are all naturally hypnotic. 

Self-hypnosis can be used for healing purposes, to help you relax and unwind, or even an exciting pastime. 

It’s important to note that self-hypnosis isn’t a replacement for professional hypnotherapy; it’s something different with similar benefits. 

Self-hypnosis is a great tool to help you relax and get your mind focused on the task at hand. 

Even if you aren’t entirely sure what self-hypnosis is or how to do it, there are ways to ease yourself into this trancelike state without much difficulty. 

You don’t need any special training or experience to do it either. However, you need a little bit of patience and the willingness to give this technique a try. 

Here’s everything you need to know about self-hypnosis and how to do it yourself.

What is Self Hypnosis?

Self-hypnosis is a natural state of mind in which the brain enters a trancelike state. It’s something that anyone can experience and is easy to do.

The Benefits of Self Hypnosis

Self-hypnosis has many benefits. It can help relieve stress and anxiety, improve focus, and increase productivity. It is also a great way to self-regulate the mind and body when feeling overwhelmed or unfocused. 

Self-hypnosis is used in conjunction with therapy as well. 

There are also a variety of different ways to self-hypnotize yourself. For example, some people prefer guided meditation to relax their minds to be more receptive to suggestions from the hypnotherapist. 

Others use visualizations to create an imagined scenario that helps them remember what they want to achieve or avoid doing in real life. 

You can even use self-hypnosis each night for a relaxing sleep ritual.

Self Hypnosis vs. Meditation

First, let’s talk about the difference between meditation and self-hypnosis. 

Meditation is a technique that involves focusing on an object of concentration, like a candle flame or an image of a peaceful scene. 

When you meditate, you are trying to clear your mind and find peace within yourself. However, self-hypnosis works a little differently. 

You might imagine yourself in a place that makes you feel safe and secure, where nothing can bother you. 

With self-hypnosis, you aim to focus your thoughts on what is happening at the present moment without allowing anything else to enter your mind. 

You are not trying to achieve enlightenment by clearing your mind; it just helps create a sense of relaxation for the user.

How to Hypnotize Yourself Including Steps on How To Do It

Here are the steps you should follow to get into a self-hypnotic state: 

Step One: Follow your breathing. Take a deep breath in and then exhale slowly, counting to four. Notice how this feels. 

Step Two: Focus on your thoughts. Notice what’s going through your mind and focus on that thought or feeling. 

It might feel like your mind is too noisy or distracting, so concentrate on it more until it goes away. For example, you might find it helpful to repeat a word or phrase that you find soothing, such as “peace” or “relax.” 

You can also focus on an image you associate with relaxation and peace, such as the water lapping at the shoreline. 

Step Three: Your trigger words are the words that will bring you out of hypnosis when you want to wake up. 

You don’t need special training to use these phrases because they’re just words you should be able to say without thinking about them. 

They are typically things like “wake up” or “I’m awake.” If self-hypnosis becomes too difficult for you, say those simple phrases aloud and then focus on your thoughts until they disappear again.

Using Imagination and Action in Self-Hypnosis

When doing self-hypnosis, it’s essential to use your imagination and action. For example, you can imagine yourself in a peaceful ocean or walking barefoot through the grass on an incredible day. 

You can also imagine yourself feeling relaxed and at ease. 

Action is just as essential in self-hypnosis because it allows you to focus on what you want to achieve and gives you the chance to control it.

An action could mean using deep breathing or counting backward from ten to zero. 

To have a lasting impact, you must perform the actions in this trancelike state.

Self-Hypnosis or In-person Hypnotherapy?

Self-hypnosis is different from professional hypnotherapy because you can do it yourself on your own time. And it relaxes your mind and focuses on the task. 

Professional hypnotherapy usually requires an appointment with a registered professional therapist. 

If you are looking for someone to help you practice, there are many online resources available for you to try. 

You can also find a therapist in your area through the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis (ASCH) website.

Self-Hypnosis in the Medical Field

You will find Self-hypnosis treatments in various medical centers around the world. 

It is proven to help with insomnia, anxiety, and substance abuse. 

Numerous studies have shown that self-hypnosis can be a suitable replacement for traditional medical treatments.

Tips For Hypnotic Suggestions

When practicing self-hypnosis, it’s essential to be patient. For some people, it might take a few minutes of quieting your mind before you can get into a hypnotic state. 

It is normal because the mind doesn’t want to give up all its ideas and fears at once. 

It will fight against this process and resist the idea of going into a trance. 

Don’t worry; stick with it, and eventually, it will happen. 

There are some ways you can help speed up the process from taking longer than usual: 

  • Focus on your breathing and try to relax as much as possible 
  • Please close your eyes, place your hand over them and focus on what’s happening inside your head.
  • Try to clear your mind of any thoughts other than those related to what you want to do.

Conclusion

Self-hypnosis is a powerful tool that can help reduce stress, improve your sleeping patterns, boost creativity, and even increase concentration.