The key to overcoming your fears could be as simple as making the most of meditation and positive affirmations. Best of all, you can do it from the comfort of your home
If you think hypnosis is something that happens on stage, complete with swinging pendants and people acting like chickens, well we’ve got news for you. While many people make this assumption, it’s far from reality.
Hypnosis is less about what someone does to you, and more about how you can facilitate your own change. Imagine it as a kind of meditation – with a dash of personal development thrown in for good measure.
Whether you’ve always wanted to conquer a fear that’s been holding you back, or you’re looking to try an alternative form of relaxation, there are many reasons why hypnosis could benefit you. All it takes is an open mind and a readiness to create change for yourself. The best bit about it is that it’s personal to you; there’s no wrong or right way to go about self-hypnosis.
But, to help you get started, here is a five-step guide loaded with handy hints to help you find a method that works for you:
1. Relax
The term hypnosis actually comes from the Greek word hupnos, meaning “sleep”. While self-hypnosis isn’t about actually falling asleep, we are more susceptible to suggestion when we’re relaxed.
So, find a calm environment where you aren’t likely to be disturbed and place your phone out of sight. Sit or lie down in a comfortable position. Slow your breathing and let yourself relax more deeply with every breath.
The best bit about it is that it’s personal to you; there’s no wrong or right way to go about self-hypnosis
2. Should I close my eyes?
Hypnotherapists have different opinions on this. Some think that by keeping your eyes shut, it’s easier to block out distractions. This can help with concentration and imagination, allowing you to relax easily and your unconscious mind to be more open. However, if this feels uncomfortable (or you find yourself falling asleep!), just leave your eyes open. The choice is yours.
3. Focus on the outcome you want
Push away limiting habits from your mind, and provide a healthy alternative of how you’d like to think or feel. Put firm belief in what it is you want to achieve. The important thing is to visualise yourself accomplishing your goals. For example, if you want to give up smoking, imagine yourself cigarette-free, fit and healthy, and breathing in fresh air.
This helps to place you in an “achieving” state of mind that allows you to believe in yourself, and to manifest positivity in your life.
4. Practise affirmations
Use positive, simple statements to reinforce your thoughts. To successfully plant these ideas in your unconscious, these statements need to be genuine, honest and simple – the more straightforward the better.
Use “I”, focus on something specific and always prepare your statements as present-tense facts. Remember, this is you telling your own unconscious that you can do it. To relieve stress at work, you might say “I am relaxed at work”. To overcome public speaking nerves, you might say “I am a confident speaker”.
Concentrate on one or two statements and really commit to them. Repeating this process is key and will strengthen the connection you have with this new way of thinking.
5. Develop a routine
As with anything, consistency is important and so is regular practice. Find a time in your day that you can commit to, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Then stick to it.
Visualise your future. How does it feel? Don’t worry about the process and actions it will take to get there, just believe in yourself and your power to make change.
For more help and advice visit Hypnotherapy Directory.
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