Understanding Hypnosis and Your Subconscious Mind and How It Can Change Lives

Self-hypnosis is all about reprogramming the mind and embedding newer, more favorable beliefs. This form of hypnosis is achieved through a trance like state where your reasoning is turned off. Our reasoning helps us to make important judgment calls that can save ourself and is an integral as well as very necessary component for our livelihood. However, there is a saying that we are our worst critics. Many times, our reasoning is influenced by subconscious beliefs stemming from childhood and whatever traumas we might've experienced in our lives. Our environments and cultures heavily impact our perceptions on certain subjects. These beliefs can either put us at an advantage or limit us.

For instance, let's say you were never encouraged to go to college because your parents believed you were destined to do something more "practical". As an adult, you may still hold onto the apprehension and belief that going to college is quite unrealistic.

This is just one minor example of how our subconscious beliefs can limit us in what we are able to achieve. Thus, one doesn't quite live their lives to the fullest due to such fear or ignorance. However, what if you could implement healthier belief systems into your mind that will allow you to believe that anything is possible? Well, this is possible through self-hypnosis.

What is Hypnotherapy?

Hypnotherapy or self-hypnosis is a means of reprogramming the mind and how we think. It is especially beneficial to those with addictive behaviors or anyone who needs help kicking bad habits as well as establishing healthier routines. Self-hypnosis is done through a self-induced hypnotic state where the mind is not as active as it would be in its normal "problem solving" mode. The subconscious mind is much more accessible in this state of hypnosis for self-suggestion.

What is Auto-suggestion?

Auto-suggestion is a psychological method used to convince the subconscious mind of certain ideas that will effectively change one's behavior as a result of repetitive verbal statements. It works somewhat like a placebo as one must believe it will work in order for it to work. This can be difficult to do if not in a deep relaxed and hypnotic state.

How Does the Subconscious Mind Operate?

The subconscious mind absorbs all kinds of information whether you think it is pertinent or not. Self-hypnosis is not quite like meditation as meditation mainly aims at establishing self-awareness in the present moment. Self-hypnosis requires that one be in a trance-like state or unconscious for the suggestions to be effective. It is also used to better one's self in a certain area of their lives such as work, relationships, mental health, eating habits, etc.

Repetition is one of the tools used to implement habits as well as get rid of them. When you do or say something repeatedly, it almost becomes second nature or an actual reality of yours. All of this exposure can either reinforce your perceptions negatively or positively. Luckily, with self-hypnosis, you can bypass the reasoning of the conscious mind.

You may try to believe that you are rich. However, there is that little voice in the back of your head that will tell you that you are not rich. This is why some people have very little luck using affirmations. Their subconscious mind still holds negative beliefs that conflict with whatever they are trying to convince themselves of. Self-hypnosis is like a direct line to the subconscious that gives you the right exposure.

How to Perform Self-Hypnosis

There are many ways to induce a trance like state and perform self-hypnosis.

The following way incorporates some mindfulness meditation which helps stabilize any arising thoughts that present themselves.

1. Find a comfortable place to lay down or sit up.
2. Get in a comfortable position as you will likely be in this position anywhere for 15 minutes to an hour.
3. Close your eyes and focus on breathing slowly and deeply.
4. If any thoughts arise, observe them. Do not judge them as this will just reinforce them. Also, don't force these thoughts away as that will just create more tension.
5. After observing each arising thought, refocus your attention back towards your breathing.
6. Once you feel as though you have achieved a deep, relaxed state.
7. Focus on your goal or objective. (e.g. I want to lose 10lbs)
8. Visualize yourself exercising and eating healthy and speak affirmations that help create this vision (e.g. I will shed the weight with ease.)
9. Continue visualizing by feeling the excitement of losing the weight as if you are your ideal weight.
10. Say statements that reinforce this idea. (I now feel 10lbs lighter.)
11. Take a few moments to feel the emotion and gratitude of the hypnosis and gradually come back to your full awareness.

Benefits of Self-hypnosis

Many people deal with self-degrading perceptions of themselves and insecurities that prevent them from going after the things they want in life. Perhaps they do not feel good enough or deserving. Self-hypnosis will help you improve your value as you establish your self-worth. Others will be able to see how much you value yourself and will act in accordance to the new you. You don't have to be a product of your environment or be a victim of your circumstances. In addition to being more ambitious towards your goals, self-hypnosis also calms nerves, alleviates stress, promotes deeper relaxation, promotes healthier thinking, boosts self-esteem, enhances relationships, increases productivity, and improves concentration.