Relaxation in Hypnosis

Photo by Sara Fogan

When we are relaxed, it is easier to integrate hypnotic
suggestions to change a behavior and to see a previously
problematic situation in a new light.

                It is Friday night, and many people are looking forward to the weekend. Why? Because Saturday and Sunday are typically, “traditionally” (albeit, not necessarily) the days we devote to fun and relaxation. We give ourselves permission to kick off our shoes, loosen our neckties and put on looser-fitting garments to “play” in until Monday (work) rolls around again. If possible, we turn off or tune out that part of our mind that we devote to focusing on our jobs and the projects or responsibilities that preoccupy our attention during the week. The weekend is our time to do what we like, when we want to do it.

                Rest and relaxation are important components for physical and emotional health and well-being. When we experience anxiety, in the form of physical or mental/emotional stress, the adrenal system releases “stress” hormones to help us flee or escape the perceived threat. However, long-term exposure to an emotional or physical threat can compromise our immune systems and increase our vulnerability to opportunistic illnesses (e.g., flu). Our willingness and ability to get away from the daily stresses in our lives not only gives us a new perspective on a problematic situation; it also facilitates our physical and emotional rejuvenation that will facilitate our new outlook.

                I include a lot of deep (diaphragmatic) breathing exercises and progressive relaxation imagery to help my clients relax during their hypnotherapy session. When a client is deeply relaxed, he or she is more open to accepting and integrating hypnotic suggestions designed to change or give up an unwanted behavior to achieve the person’s stated vocational and avocational self-improvement goal. Also, the individual can create new, positive associations (subconscious knowns) between the comfort and relaxation that he or she is experiencing and a new or renewed ability to handle or resolve a potentially challenging situation. Finally, continued “practice” in feeling relaxed while engaging in the new, desired behavior will gradually, subtly transfer to various areas of the person’s life. Not only will the person achieve the stated self-improvement goal; he or she will find it easier to remain relaxed and experience less or no stress while taking on new or additional challenges at work and in life.

                Have a great weekend!

 

 

Sara R. Fogan, C.Ht. is a certified hypnotherapist based in Southern California. She graduated with honors from the Hypnosis Motivation Institute in 2005. For more information about Calminsense Hypnotherapy® and to set up an appointment, please visit http://www.calminsensehypnotherapy.com/

© 2014