How to Do Self-Hypnosis for Relaxation, Self-Help and More

Self-hypnosis can be extremely helpful for anyone, whether they wish to relax a little more or quit smoking. Sometimes self-hypnosis can work instantly whereas other times it takes practice to get the hypnosis part down. Some people find it easier to relax their entire bodies in order to prep themselves for hypnosis whereas others are just naturally stressed and worrisome. With steady practice, you may even be able to instantly hypnotize yourself for relaxation purposes or to wind down after a long day at work.

Use the following steps daily in order to get the best results from self-hypnosis.

1. Find an area in your home that is quiet, comfortable, and clear of distractions for at least thirty minutes. The lighting should be somewhat ambient. If you do not have any lights that can be dimmed, just turn out the lights in the room and light candles or use a few small night lights.

2. Get comfortable. Sit up in a position that you will be comfortable in for the next thirty minutes or so. Do not cross your legs or sit on your knees as this could temporarily cut of circulation and become uncomfortable. The best way to sit is up with pillows against your back and your head resting on the wall. You could also lie down, but lying down makes you more likely to fall asleep during the self-hypnosis process.

3. Begin by breathing deeply. Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth until you feel your body relaxing. After your physical body feels relaxed, you may begin to breathe normally.

4. Work on ridding your mind of any unnecessary thoughts. Your mind should be clear in order to prep yourself. If you notice any thoughts entering your head, do not get frustrated or give up. Simply acknowledge the thought and let it slowly drift away. This is the part of self-hypnosis that usually takes the longest.

5. After your mind is clear, begin focusing on putting your body into a completely relaxed but still conciously aware state. Do this by focusing on your body starting at your feet. Imagine the tension slowly “evaporating” from your feet and floating far away in a dark cloud. Continue doing this for your legs, thighs, stomach, chest, hands, arms, neck, and head.

6. Enter your subconcious. Do this by imagining that you are walking into the untouched area of your mind. Once you’ve entered, quietly ask yourself what your mind is trying to tell you. If you are trying to get over someone or relieve pain, say something along the lines of “I am letting go of my need to constantly think about ______” or “My head feels great. I no longer have a headache!” (or if you’re trying to quit something this would be the moment to say, “I feel great and my smoking urge has subsided forever” for example).

7. After you’ve accomplished what you came to do, slowly imagine yourself walking out of your mind into an area that is becoming brighter as you approach. This should help you to open your eyes and slowly come back to reality. As you open your eyes, say aloud, “I am awake, I am awake” until you are fully awake and out of the hypnosis state.