How to Use Self-Hypnosis to Manage Stress

Reducing stress in your everyday life with self hypnosis is as natural as doing meditation or yoga but with even stronger benefits. The deep relaxation and complete concentration of being in a hypnotic state is a calming experience in itself. Add to that suggestions to your subconscious mind and it can be a winning combination.

There are two ways self hypnosis can work to relieve stress. One way is through the calmness of the deeply relaxed state in which you become during hypnosis that can help to prevent illness due to chronic stress. The second way is by using self hypnosis to make lifestyle changes that may be adding to your stress, such as teaching yourself to be more organized or to exercise more. Sometimes little changes in your lifestyle can take away loads of stress.

Anyone who is open to the experience of hypnosis can, with a little practice, use self hypnosis to put themselves in this relaxed state of mind. The process of self-hypnosis is safe with no side-effects.

Before you begin a self-hypnosis session you should first think of your goal for that session and turn that into a positive phrase you will repeat over and over while in a trance-like state. Phrases should come in a positive form like "I will be calm" because the subconscious mind doesn't work well with negative phrases such as "I will not be stressed". Instead of focusing on being calm the mind will absorb the word stress.

Once you've picked your goal and a positive phrase you need to decide if you will repeat this phrase over and over in your head, say it out loud or visualize it once you are in a hypnotic state. The first few times you may want to record the phrase and play it back to help keep you focused.

Pick a quiet, comfortable place for your session and wear comfortable clothing. Lying down, sitting in a chair or sitting on the floor are all good ways to get comfortable. Soft music in the background may help but for some it is a distraction. As you become used to self hypnosis you will find what works for you.

Now you are ready to begin. Sit in your chosen spot and begin breathing deeply while keeping your shoulders relaxed. Imagine you are breathing in calmness with each inhale and breathing out stress with each exhale. Relax each muscle throughout your body, letting your mind clear itself from the day's events.

Next, visualize a place that is relaxing to you, like a favorite walking path in the park or on a boat on the lake, anywhere that makes you feel calm and relaxed. Imagine yourself heading toward this place and leaving your physical place behind. As you focus on this visualization you should begin to feel as if you are in a dreamlike state or a state of deep concentration. The first few times you try self hypnosis you may not experience as deep a hypnotic state as you expect, but given time you will improve.

Once you are in a state of full concentration you can begin to repeat your positive phrase, play it on the recorder or visualize it. Let this phrase wash over you and become your whole concentration. As your concentration begins to wane, take a deep cleansing breath as you come out of your hypnotic state.

You may not feel any significant results after the first time you try self hypnosis but keep trying. As you become more relaxed with the process you will absorb more from each session. So sit down, relax, and breathe.