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Hypnosis sounds like such a scary thing to many people. You go under and maybe lose control of your mind and functions. Someone else is giving you suggestions that you may or may not like. It can be hard for the person who has experienced trauma or who doesnt trust easily to work with a hypnotherapist and let go in a way that helps with healing or change.

Self-hypnosis is a harmless way to keep control and achieve many of the same benefits of working with a hypnotherapist to change behavior. Hypnosis can help with everything from stress management and anxiety, to weight loss and diet changes, to confidence and presentation skills. Learning hypnosis can help you study more effectively, remember things for tests, call up information when you need it from your brain at work, and generally calm yourself to stay open and receptive throughout the day. Hypnosis is no more than your conscious and always-thinking mind being calm long enough for your subconscious mind (which drives the train within you, urging you on and telling you what you should and should not do) to get hold of ideas that are more beneficial and positive for you.

Learning self-hypnosis is fairly easy, but like any new skill, it does take practice. Commit to yourself you will do the following steps at least 2-3 times each and every day until it becomes second nature to you. There are no drugs involved, no medical procedures and no perfect conditions you have to achieve. Just practice and your mind will start to cooperate.

This process is not the same as meditation, because it is more active. You are engaging your mind and your body, but doing it in a calm and centered way. If you cant afford five minutes 2-3 times a day, start with less and work your way up. Once you practice this, you will find the same calm feelings and thoughts spill over into your daily activities even when you have your eyes open. It can be a great cure for stress, anxiety and worry, and it doesnt cost anything except 15 minutes of your time.

Originally posted here:
The Healing Practice of Self-Hypnosis - Psychology Today