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.

Step 1: Find a private, quiet place

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

Step 7: Repeat this process

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

Did you know? Sigmund Freud used hypnotism in his psychoanalysis before moving on to his technique of free association.