Hypnosis, once regarded as woo woo, has gained significant traction in recent years and is now a respected tool for stress management. This mind-body technique involves a focused state of attention and visualisation. One theory on why hypnosis is so successful to help reduce stress is it allows individuals to tap into their subconscious mind and effect positive changes at a deep level.
The growing acceptance of hypnosis for stress relief can be attributed to several factors:
- Increasing scientific evidence: A growing body of research has demonstrated the efficacy of hypnosis in reducing stress-related symptoms and improving overall well-being.
- Integration into mainstream healthcare: Many hospitals and clinics now offer hypnotherapy for many issues and include it as part of their stress management programs, lending credibility to the practice.
- Non-invasive nature: As a drug-free and non-invasive approach, hypnosis appeals to those seeking natural stress relief methods. Hypnosis also allows a person to target the root cause of their stress and not just the symptoms.
- Versatility: Hypnosis can be adapted to address various stress-related issues, from general anxiety to specific phobias or work-related stress.
- Complementary approach: Hypnosis often works well in conjunction with other stress management techniques such as CBT, enhancing their effectiveness.
- Accessibility: The rise of self-hypnosis apps and online resources has made the technique more accessible to the general public.
- Celebrity endorsements: High-profile individuals sharing their positive experiences with hypnosis have helped destigmatize the practice.
- Cost-effectiveness: Compared to long-term medication or extensive therapy, hypnosis can be a cost-effective option for stress management.
- Hypnosis can provide long lasting results more quickly than traditional talk therapies.
As understanding of the mind-body connection deepens, hypnosis continues to gain recognition as a valuable tool in the stress management arsenal, offering a unique approach to achieving mental and physical relaxation.
What Is Hypnosis?
Hypnosis is a focused state of attention, it is not something we hypnotherapists do to our clients it is something we do with them. Everyone experiences this kind of focussed attention several times a day, losing track of time whilst watching T.V is probably the most common example.
Misconceptions
There are many misconceptions about hypnosis. Here are some of the most common::
- Loss of control: Many people believe that under hypnosis, they will lose control of their actions or be forced to do things against their will. Hypnosis is about access to the subconscious/unconscious mind as I explain on my workshops that part of you is always listening and looking to keep you safe.
- Unconsciousness: There’s a misconception that hypnosis is a state of unconsciousness, similar to sleep or being in a coma. Some people will not remember any of the hypnosis sessions and in my experience these types of sessions see the strongest results but hypnosis is not sleep.
- Only weak-minded people can be hypnotised: Some think that only gullible or weak-willed individuals can be hypnotised. On the contrary people with strong minds will see the best results from hypnotherapy. Hypnotherapy is about using your mind to make positive changes in your life.
- Hypnosis is a truth serum: A widespread belief is that hypnosis can force people to reveal secrets or tell the truth. As a hypnotherapist my focus is on helping my clients achieve results such as reduced stress or anxiety. It would be of no benefit to me to get my clients to reveal any secrets they don’t want to reveal.
- Getting “stuck” in hypnosis: Some fear that they might not be able to “wake up” from a hypnotic state. There is no record of anyone ever being stuck in a hypnotic state.
- Instant results: There’s an expectation that hypnosis produces immediate, magical changes after just one session. Most of my clients experience positive results after one hypnotherapy session, for some one session will be enough. Usually I advise my clients to take at least three hypnotherapy sessions for lasting change.
- Stage hypnosis represents clinical hypnosis: Many confuse entertaining stage performances with therapeutic hypnosis. Stage hypnosis is about entertainment and stage hypnotists will select the best hypnotic subjects to create the best show possible.
- Hypnosis can enhance memory with perfect recall: Some believe hypnosis can help people remember events with 100% accuracy. Research has shown that hypnosis can aid memory but your mind cannot tell the difference between a real or imagined event. Memories recalled under hypnosis should not always be accepted as real.
- Hypnotic suggestions are permanent: There’s a misconception that changes made under hypnosis are irreversible. Changes made through hypnotherapy can be permanent but suggestions from just one session probably won’t be.
- Hypnosis is purely relaxation: While relaxation often occurs, hypnosis is more about focused attention than just being relaxed. Similar states can also be reached when playing sports. Through the power of suggestion hypnotherapy is usually a very relaxing state.
- Hypnosis can give people supernatural abilities: Some think hypnosis can endow special powers like mind reading or superhuman strength.
- Everyone experiences hypnosis the same way: In reality, hypnotic experiences can vary greatly between individuals.
What Is Stress?
Stress, like all feelings and emotions, serves a purpose, all humans and animals experience stress. Stress can alert a person when something is wrong and give them the motivation to deal with a stressor or dangerous situation. There is a difference between stress and stressors, a stressor is an occurrence or our perception of it that stresses us out, anything that causes us to feel threatened or overwhelmed could be a stressor. Stress is a hormonal response to stressors,
Cortisol is often referred to as the “stress hormone” due to its crucial role in the body’s stress response. Here’s an overview of cortisol and its relation to stress:
- Production and regulation:
- Produced by the adrenal glands
- Regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis
- Follows a diurnal rhythm, with levels typically highest in the morning and lowest at night
- Primary functions:
- Regulates metabolism
- Helps control blood sugar levels
- Influences blood pressure
- Affects immune system response
- Aids in memory formation
- Stress response:
- Cortisol levels spike during stressful situations
- Part of the “fight or flight” response
- Mobilises energy resources for immediate use
- Temporarily suppresses non-essential bodily functions
- Short-term benefits:
- Increases energy and focus
- Enhances memory formation in stressful situations
- Reduces inflammation
- Helps maintain emotional stability
- Long-term effects of chronic elevation:
- Weight gain, especially around the midsection
- Suppressed immune function
- Increased risk of cardiovascular disease
- Potential cognitive impairment and memory issues
- Disrupted sleep patterns
- Mood disorders like anxiety and depression
- Measurement:
- Can be measured through blood, saliva, or hair samples
- Used as a biomarker for stress in scientific studies
- Regulation in stress management:
- Many stress-reduction techniques aim to lower cortisol levels
- Regular exercise, adequate sleep, and relaxation practices can help regulate cortisol
Watch The Manage & Overcome Stress With Hypnosis Workshop
You can read more about stress and how hypnosis can help in this blog post, how can hypnosis help you deal with stress.
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