Self-hypnosis is essentially a technique of putting yourself into a trance so that you can make beneficial suggestions to yourself. You may think it will be difficult to do this to yourself, but it isn’t as hard as it seems. As humans, we all actually go in and out of trances throughout the day. When you fall asleep for example, you are going into some form of trance and connecting to the subconscious. If you do not feel that self-hypnosis is for you, there are currently zoom hypnosis sessions available.
Our human brain operates using brain waves, and the waking brain waves are called ‘Beta waves’. A level down from this is alpha waves, then theta waves and delta waves. Beta waves are the fastest, and delta is the slowest. To be in a trance-like state you want to slow your brain waves down to ideally the theta waves. Being all the way in delta waves will mean you will fall asleep.
Is self-hypnosis beneficial?
Self-hypnosis has a lot of benefits for the mind and the body. The most obvious benefit from it are the ones you practice to change your subconscious thoughts. You can improve your sleep, balance out your hormones and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.
Is there a difference between self-hypnosis and meditation?
During both meditation and self-hypnosis, you are going into a mild trance-like state. Your brain should be producing theta waves if you are relaxed enough.
The key difference between the two is that, during meditation, you would not be using positive suggestions. This still may be your purpose, however, just delivered differently. For many many years, gurus and yogis have used mantras to think more positively.
When should I do self-hypnosis?
Usually, the hardest part of self-hypnosis is getting started with it. It will work best if you set yourself a time each day to practice it. Put this on your calendar and stick with it.
You could carry out your self-hypnosis therapy in bed, just before you are about to go to sleep. You will most likely fall asleep at the end of your session this way, but that is ok. It also means you won’t be going over things you should have or shouldn’t have done that day, making you fall asleep more relaxed.
Tip: If you are struggling to stay focused on the self-hypnosis, then you could use an audio recording to help. There are lots you can find for free online hypnosis or you can purchase one from a professional. This is still considered self-hypnosis as you are not working directly with a hypnotist.
