Self-Hypnosis To Reduce Stress and Help Visualize

(This blog was posted with permission from the author Holly Stein.  Author wrote this at her own will, with no directive or request from me. I was so impressed with her blog that I asked her if I can post if here. To see more of Holly Stein's other awesome blogs, please visit, 
​http://www.journeyofselflove.com/blog/2015/8/22/self-hypnosis-to-reduce-stress-and-help-visualize)

November 25, 2015 Holly Stein

​I could not be more grateful for all of the healing that has taken place in my life since returning home from Costa Rica!  One workshop I stumbled upon was called "Self-Hypnosis To Reduce Stress."  Hypnosis sounded super interesting to me and I'm always ready and willing to add another tool to my kit to battle and stress and anxiety that comes my way.  The workshop was led by Mee Vaj of Myoho Wellness.  She's a certified hypnotherapist and reiki master, and I've actually since started working with her as a hypnotherapy client.  I have nothing but positive things to say about her!  I would highly recommend reaching out to her if you would like to learn self-hypnosis or if you'd like to use hypnotherapy to overcome anxiety, fears, phobias, etc.  
Before learning self-hypnosis, it's important to know what hypnosis is NOT.  Here are four misconceptions of hypnosis...

1. Loss of Control: You will NOT have loss of control.  Every time I've done self-hypnosis I've felt completely under control.  EVERY time I have done hypnotherapy where Mee has put me in a state of hypnosis I have felt in control.  If I wanted to get up out of the chair and walk out of the door, I certainly could.
2. Loss of Consciousness: If you are unconscious (asleep), you are not in hypnosis.  Hypnosis is the state in between being fully conscious and asleep.
3. Mind Control: You still have free will.  You cannot be made to do things that you do not want to do (like rob a bank).
4. Brainwashing: You will not be brainwashed during hypnotherapy.  Hypnosis is actually a great way to UNbrainwash someone as it encourages you to follow your own path.

Hypnosis is no more than a natural state of awareness that we experience every day.  Being in hypnosis is the state in between being fully conscious (awake) and unconscious (asleep).  We go into hypnosis every day in the transition from waking up and falling asleep.  Do you ever drive home from work and think, "How did I even get here??"  You were in a state of hypnosis. We go into hypnosis several times a day.  When you get into the state of hypnosis you are essentially opening the door to your subconscious mind and putting in the thoughts and patterns you WANT to have.  We operate about 90% of our lives subconsciously, which may be why you feel like you have challenges with changing habits.  You CONSCIOUSLY want to change them, but if you are only living your life 10% in your conscious mind, it's going to be extremely difficult!  You need to be able to get in and work on your SUBconscious mind.  
Self-hypnosis is really great for meditation, relaxing, falling asleep, visualizing and releasing stress.  This state allows your body and mind to heal, and I often feel like I've woken up from a refreshing nap!  I personally love self-hypnosis for visualizing because it helps put these ideas into your subconscious.
Below is how you actually get into a state of self-hypnosis.  Please do NOT try this the first time without being guided by a hypnotherapist!  Mee hypnotized us first and gave us suggestions that would allow us to do it on our own.  If you'd like to learn how to do self-hypnosis safely and effectively, give her a call!  She's awesome! 

1. Pick a spot on the wall.  Take 3 deep breaths and close your eyes on the third breath.  Focus on your breathing
2. Do a progressive physical relaxation with your key word. (Mine is "Relax").  Start with relaxing yourself physically.  Relax your head, your shoulders, arms, fingers, etc.  Say the key word again and really attach the feeling to it.
3. Count backwards from 5 down to 0, focusing on calming your mind.  Say your key word a few times while counting (Mine is "Calm").
4. Imagine yourself on the top of a staircase with 20 stairs.  Count from 20 down to 0 and imagine yourself walking down the stairs.  When you hit 0, say the word "Deep Sleep."  After these four steps you are now in a state of hypnosis.  You can use this time to relax, visualize, give yourself affirmations, etc."
5. When you are ready to come out, count yourself out, aloud, in a commanding tone. 
   "1-2-3-4-5! Eyes Open, Wide Awake!"

Mee recommends about 15-30 minutes max for self hypnosis.  A few other important tips include...

1. Make sure you are in a quiet, comfortable place
2. NO lying down.  Sitting or reclined only.  If you fall alseep you are NOT in hypnosis
3. ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS be sure to wake yourself out of hypnosis after each session!  Otherwise you are leaving your subconscious mind open.
4. Always be in a neutral or positive state of mind.  Do not go into hypnosis if you are in a bad mood.  It will only be amplified.
5. When using affirmations and visualizations, attaching a feeling is the most important part!

I have personally had a LOT of positive experiences with self hypnosis and hypnotherapy!  I have found that it has really helped increase my confidence and self esteem!  If the above description intrigues you in any way, I would highly recommend contacting Mee from Myoho Wellness (Long Beach).  If you have any questions regarding my experience with hypnosis, please feel free to leave a comment! 

In Hypnotherapy, Self Love, Self Help, Mental Tags Self Healing, Self Improvement, Self Love, Self Hypnosis