How to Hypnotize Yourself

Hypnotizing yourself may seem like a magic trick, but is actually a great way to manage your stress or change a habit.

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Learn 50 ways to improve yourself with the tips in these Howcast videos.

 
 

You Will Need

  • A quiet place
  • A mantra
  • Breathing techniques
  • Visualization techniques

Steps

  1. Step 1

    Find a private, quiet place

    Find a quiet, relaxing place, free from potential interruptions.

  2. Step 2

    Use words to feel positive

    Prepare a word or a one-sentence mantra to repeat to yourself to signal your positive, specific intention to enjoy the moment and your life.

  3. Step 3

    Breathe in and out slowly

    Close your eyes. Breathe in for a count of six, hold your breath for a three count, and release the breath for six again. Repeat as many as 10 times.

  4. Visualize the inward breaths as accepting the good in your life and the exhalations as releasing anger and frustration.

  5. Step 4

    Visualize your descent

    Count backward, visualizing the numbers as a descent down a stairway or an elevator, or floating down a valley. Use a mantra or word like "Relax" to replace the numbers as you go.

  6. Step 5

    Contemplate your problem

    Contemplate your problem and, repeating affirmations, how you will solve it. Visualize writing the problem on a paper that vanishes in flames.

  7. Step 6

    Reverse the count

    Reverse the count to return to consciousness. Start with one and accompany it with an affirmation. Open your eyes and keep saying encouraging things to yourself.

  8. You can use hypnosis to change self-defeating thought patterns, to stop smoking, or for any effort at self improvement.

  9. Step 7

    Repeat this process

    Repeat this process regularly as a method to stay focused and peaceful through stressful times.

  10. Sigmund Freud used hypnotism in his psychoanalysis before moving on to his technique of free association.

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