Self-hypnosis is real! You can use a combination of guided imagery, counting, and other techniques to hypnotize yourself. It can help you reach your goals, overcome stress, reduce anxiety, and more.
In this article, we explore what exactly self-hypnosis is and how it works. We also cover the difference between self-hypnosis and meditation, since some find it hard to distinguish between the two. We give you some of the top self-hypnosis benefits and uses . Plus, we provide a step-by-step self-hypnosis guide. Finally, we share the best way to get started with self-hypnosis today, for free!
What is Self-Hypnosis?
Technically, all hypnosis is self-hypnosis. Even if a hypnotist guides you through the process, you put yourself into the hypnotic trance. This is similar to taking a yoga class. Though a yoga instructor may guide you through the positions, they are not doing the yoga for you. You are the one bending, stretching, breathing, and most importantly, receiving the benefits! Hypnosis works the same way.
However, when many people refer to self-hypnosis, they are referring specifically to entering the hypnotic state without the assistance of a trained hypnotist.. You can perform this type of hypnosis on yourself by following a script or using a hypnosis app.
While there are limitations to self-hypnosis when compared to using a guided hypnosis app or working with a mindset & performance coach trained in hypnosis, it’s a fantastic skill to have in your toolkit when neither of those options are immediately available to you.
But what exactly is hypnosis?
Hypnosis is an approach that guides you into a relaxing, trance-like hypnotic state. You or a hypnotist can steer you to this state through hypnotic techniques like counting and visualization. Once you’re in this relaxed state of hypnosis, your subconscious mind is much easier to access.
The subconscious mind is also called the unconscious mind. It’s the part of your mind that holds all your deeply-seated beliefs, memories, fears, and more. Your subconscious motivates the vast majority of your thoughts and behaviors. Though, you’re not aware of it in your day-to-day existence.
To really effect change for yourself, you need to work with your subconscious mind rather than your conscious mind. And hypnosis helps you do just that. Hypnosis allows your subconscious to enter a suggestible state. Once in this state, your hypnotist (or you) can make targeted suggestions to help you achieve your goal.
Examples of hypnosis goals may include quitting smoking, reducing emotional eating, overcoming social anxiety, increasing focus, and boosting performance in important situations and competitions.
Without a hypnotist to guide you into a trance, the easiest ways to enter this state is with a self-hypnosis script or by listening to a guided app. If it’s your first time using hypnosis, just remember to go into it with an open mind. It’s a powerful tool for self-improvement, mental health, and overall wellness—but you have to be ready to receive its benefits.
The Difference Between Self-Hypnosis and Meditation
You can think of hypnosis as a type of meditation. Essentially, hypnosis is meditation but taken one step further. In fact, Some refer to hypnosis as “meditation with a goal.” Plus, the hypnotic induction can be nearly identical to mindfulness meditation.
However, the difference lies in the purpose of each practice. On the one hand, the purpose of mindfulness meditation is to help you tune in to the present moment. While a meditation practice may impact your thoughts and behaviors over time, it’s not designed to make targeted changes.
On the other hand, the purpose of hypnosis is to enact change and make improvements in your life. A hypnotist (or hypnosis app) may also ask you to recall memories, envision scenarios, delve into certain beliefs, and more. This is all in an effort to help you reach a specific goal, whether that be eliminating bad habits or changing your thoughts and behaviors in some other way.
You can think of it this way: Meditation asks you to let go of your thoughts, while hypnosis asks you to use them in a specific and targeted manner.
Benefits of Self-Hypnosis
The benefits of self-hypnosis are largely tied to how accessible it is. You can do it whenever you want, wherever you want, and as often as you want.
You can use it habitually in the mornings to set yourself up for a positive, productive day. And you can also use it in big moments to help shift your mindset. (For example, when you have to give a last-minute presentation at work.) You can even use it at night to help you let go of the day’s stressors and fall into a peaceful sleep.
Plus, self-hypnosis is empowering. Having the tools to change the way you think and behave at a deep level puts the power directly in your hands. It can help you feel confident and motivated to know no one else must create those feelings for you.
Uses for Self-Hypnosis
- You can use self-hypnosis for most things that you would use “conventional” hypnosis for, including but not limited to:
- Increasing performance in sports
- Increasing self-esteem
- Reducing anxiety and stress
- Improving sleep
- Promoting healthy weight loss
- Helping you to stop smoking
As we’ve mentioned, you can also use it on a case-by-case basis to address the stressors of everyday life. Self-hypnosis is an extra tool in your toolbox that’s handy to have when you need it. This is because you can do it as often as you want and at the exact moments you need it most!
How to Hypnotize Yourself
There are two primary ways to hypnotize yourself. The first is to follow step-by-step instructions. The second way is to listen to pre-recorded hypnosis audio primers.
The following is a generic self-hypnosis technique. Before you begin, be sure you have your hypnosis goal in mind. Then follow these instructions:
- Choose a Self-Guided Hypnosis Suggestion. This suggestion is positive, present tense and focused on your target state.
- Find yourself in a comfortable position, seated or lying down. Take a deep breath and as you slowly exhale, close your eyes.
- Imagine yourself relaxing under your version of a perfect waterfall with the perfect temperature, intensity and sound. See that water running through you from the top of your head, all the way through to your toes, taking with it any stress, worry or thoughts not serving you at this moment. Notice how the water runs clearer and clearer as these wash away.
- Count down from five very slowly. Say to yourself “five – drifting deeper and deeper, four – drifting deeper and deeper” all the way to one
- Repeat three times (out loud or in your mind) “I am open. This is my choice. I am ready.”
- Repeat your self-guided hypnosis suggestion at least 10 times, out loud or in your head.
- See, feel and experience yourself demonstrating those qualities, successes or state of being.
- Feel that satisfaction, allow it to spread through your body as you smile and open your eyes, ready to move forward with your day.
This technique is impactful and the more you practice the better you get. You will soon be able to do it without opening your eyes.
Some people enjoy using techniques like this in addition to using the Primed Mind app. Within the Primed Mind app, you are seamlessly guided through the hypnotic process allowing you to plug in and simply let go.
You can enjoy finding your perfect balance of Primed Mind app guided hypnosis and Self-Guided Hypnosis to achieve the results you desire.
Easy Hypnosis with Primed Mind
The results are in: Self-hypnosis is an excellent way to enact behavioral and mental change at a deep level. Self-hypnosis is safe and effective, plus it really works!
The easiest way to reap the benefits of hypnotism is to use the one thing you tend to have close: your phone. Downloading the Primed Mind app to your phone (or tablet) gives you access to hundreds of hypnotic “Primers.” You can use these Primers anytime, anywhere to help you reach your goals and improve your state of mind. It’s free to download, and new primers are added every month with topics like “Be More Patient,” “Self Esteem Boost,” and “Let Go of Stress.”
You can do a one-off primer whenever you feel like it. Or you can take one of Primed Mind’s 7-day courses to help you go deep and really succeed in a specific arena of your life, like health and fitness or communication.
Now that you know how beneficial hypnosis can be for your life, get started with Primed Mind for free today, and watch your life change.
