Self Hypnosis: Go From Bummed to Bold in Just 30 Days!

By Mike Shery
What is hypnosis? It is a state of mind characterized by a trance-like, hyper-attentiveness. When you enter a hypnotic state, you are aware of deep relaxation, of your imagination beginning to flourish and of a state of letting-go or hyper-suggestibility.

Under this altered mental state, you are more apt to be open to suggestions of positive changes from someone else or yourself. Contrary to the beliefs of most laymen, hypnosis is not a state of sleep or unconsciousness.

As a matter of fact, when hypnotized, you are alert throughout the entire process. Not only that, but I bet you did not know that hypnosis occurs regularly in our daily waking life, without our even being aware of it.

It is merely hyper-alertness and hyper-awareness. One example is our experience of total absorption in a movie or book, in which, for a time, we notice nothing else in our environment, but we are highly aware of what is taking place in the movie or book.

So this being the case, what is hypnosis used for? It is used to treat or manage many things, including chronic pain, weight gain, asthma symptoms and cigarette smoking.

Hypnosis is used in the treatment of illnesses and behavioral problems like deficient self-esteem, shyness, and even premature ejaculation. In many cases, hypnosis is not used just by itself, but in combination with other treatment modalities.

There are several methods used to induce the hypnotic state. Usually it is induced, using the skills of a qualified hypnotherapist.

With this method, the hypnotherapist delivers calming and relaxing suggestions, which help in blocking distractions and enhancing your openness to suggestion. This facilitates your ability to deeply concentrate on the therapist's suggestions.

The therapist will target particular goals and ways of managing certain situations that are relevant to you when making his suggestions. He may also suggest alternative strategies for you to implement to facilitate the achievement of certain goals.

Mental or guided imagery is another widely used hypnotic strategy. When using this, the therapist activates your imagination by inducing your creation of relevant mental images.

The idea is to visualize images of the things that you want to obtain or achieve. For example, a student might visualize the image of a report card filled with all As.

The third and most convenient technique is self-hypnosis, in which you induce hypnosis independently in yourself. For self hypnosis, various techniques apply, such as using positive affirmations targeting goal achievement or stimulating images that will trigger enhancement of your confidence level.

Self hypnosis is used primarily to assist in habit management and in the sculpting and controlling of certain problem emotions and behaviors you may have.

When you place yourself in a hypnotic state, believe it or not, you will still have full and conscious control over your behavior and your mind. One huge convenience of self hypnosis is that you can place yourself in a hypnotic state independently, without having to rely on an outside hypnotist.

How is it done? How do you hypnotize yourself? First, arrange things so that you are not disturbed during the process.

Then, before starting, identify only one goal that you want to achieve. Other goals can be addressed, individually, in subsequent sessions.

In starting your session, first concentrate on a spot or item situated slightly above the level of your eyes. Then, breathe deeply and mentally instruct yourself to relax both your mind and body.

As part of this process, close your eyes and concentrate on a simple sound, such as a bird chirping or rain drops. Once relaxed, imagine yourself steadily climbing a staircase, on the top of which is your ultimate destination such as, a tranquil, serene and beautiful beach.

Tell yourself that with each step you take, you will be letting go of your anxieties and tension. When you come upon the last step, before reaching the final destination, begin repeating your pre-planned suggestions to yourself.

After finishing them, imagine arriving at the scene of the final destination. Take several deep breaths and slowly open your eyes. Your session of self hypnosis is now finished.

People most often use self hypnosis to manage the effects of daily stress in their lives because it facilitates reduction in the activity of stress hormones and anxiety.

Do this every day for 30 days; then, be prepared to be astounded at the results!