Self Hypnosis to Stop Smoking: Does it Work

In case you are under the impression that self hypnosis is religious and spiritual, let me tell you, it is not. In fact, it is a complete psychological procedure. Hypnosis was first conceptualized by Franz Mesmer and later developed and coined by James Braid. James Braid first developed self hypnosis and then went on the develop hypnosis, general. Self hypnosis (which is also known as autohypnosis) is the activity to hypnotize oneself for the purpose of stress management and relaxation.

Although the concept is relatively simple, performing it needs concentration. Don't worry, mistakes will not lead you into any major hassles, its just that it will not work. So, fret not. You just need to make sure that you have a set goal for the self hypnosis. In this case, your goal will be to quit smoking. This process to to help you stop smoking using hypnosis. Make sure that you avoid using negative words. Also, keep one set goal for a session. Each session is for about 30 - 45 minutes each.

You need to keep a few things in mind before you start self hypnosis:

• Keep a clear list of the ideas that you will present to yourself, in your mind. You could even write them down.
• Make sure you select a quiet location to perform the self hypnosis. Make sure that there is no chance of you getting disturbed during the self hypnosis.
• Imagining that you are in your "happy place" would help expedite the process.
• In case you are facing problems in making this method work for you, it would be a good option to take the help of a professional. They can guide you through the process.

Now, we will get down to understanding how to go about self hypnosis to stop smoking. It is one of the best answers that we could find to the question "how to quit smoking cigarettes?" Before you start, make sure that you are sure and serious about this. In case you are simply "trying this out" without any real intention of quitting smoking, then don't waste your time. It will not work, because you will not follow it through. So, make sure that you are serious before you start the process of self hypnosis to quit smoking.

Step 1 of Self Hypnosis to Stop Smoking:
The first thing that you need to do is to sit in a comfortable and quiet place. Be comfortable, however, do not cross your hands or legs. You need privacy during the process. You will be in a serious discussion with your self, and you don't really need disturbance.

Step 2 of Self Hypnosis to Stop Smoking:
Now we start with the conversation. Ask your self why you are smoking? How is it helping you? What would be the benefits if you stopped smoking? Answer these questions. Be sincere, a disagreement with yourself is the best way to stress yourself out. Write down your answers. If the answers direct that you are indeed inclined towards and truly ready to stop smoking, then carry on with the next steps. If not, then you are not yet ready and you can do this again when you are up to it. You could take help by reading more on effects of smoking and reasons to quit smoking.

Step 3 of Self Hypnosis to Stop Smoking:
Now, you need to create suggestions for yourself. At this stage, your conscious mind is convinced, however, your subconscious mind is not. This is what you need to deal with. Make suggestions that you will communicate to your subconscious mind. These suggestions need to be active and positive. Just a couple of suggestions about why smoking does not appeal to you and why you will abstain from smoking further on, should be enough.

Step 4 of Self Hypnosis to Stop Smoking:
Now we come to the step pf auto suggestion or self suggestion. This is the step where you repetitively make the suggestions (the ones you made in step 3) to yourself. You need to do this with complete conviction and determination. Repeat the suggestions to yourself very often. Like when you wake up in the morning, repeat the suggestions to yourself a couple of times, or when you are driving to work, put off the radio and repeat the suggestions to yourself.

Step 4 needs to be carried on for about 2 - 3 weeks. After sincere and honest efforts over 2 - 3 weeks, you will find yourself not wanting to smoke. Even if you do feel a slight craving, something in your subconscious will pull you back and stop you. You will have, finally, kicked away the wicked addiction. Bravo! It is one of the best ways to quit smoking. In case even after 2 - 3 weeks, you have not succeeded at using self hypnosis to stop smoking does not mean that you have failed, it just means that you need more help. So, do not hesitate to take help of a professional.

Read more on

• Addiction Recovery
• Self Motivation

Self hypnosis is used for many other purposes. It works as a good technique to aid drug and alcohol rehab programs as well. In fact, if one wants to convince or prepare oneself for anything, self hypnosis is the best bet. It is used for personal development, creativity boosting and excellence at sports as well. This is where I sign off! Hope you do well!