Smoking can be an addiction for many, who find it difficult to get rid of this habit. There are many chain-smokers, who are unable to stop smoking, even if they know the harmful repercussions, like lung cancer and COPD. They try various methods to achieve their goal, but very rarely succeed in this task. Here is one method, which can help such people to overcome the temptation to smoke. It is called self-hypnosis, a self-induced form of hypnosis. What is Self-hypnosis? Self-hypnosis, which is otherwise known as autohypnosis, is a form of hypnosis or hypnotism. It is a common misconception that hypnosis is an unconscious state. In fact, it is a wakeful state, where the mind is more focused, with more suggestibility and less peripheral awareness. In this state, the mind is more open to suggestions, which are induced by hypnotists, through a procedure called hypnotic induction. Self-hypnosis is a form of hypnosis, which does not need a hypnotist to induce suggestions. It is a self-induced state of hypnosis that involves self-suggestion or auto suggestion. This technique leads the person to a relaxed state of mind, which is open to suggestions. Such suggestions are often related to the person's requirement. If he/she is under stress, the suggestions would be aimed at making the person stress-free. In case of smokers, who want to stop smoking with self-hypnosis, the suggestions must be based on a resolution to quit the habit. Self-hypnosis for Quitting Smoking As mentioned earlier, self-hypnosis is a self-induced hypnosis; which can be used to tune your subconscious mind with suggestions, for some positive changes in your life. This method is found to be very effective in reducing stress and anxiety. In case of normal hypnosis, you have to take the help of a hypnotist for inducing suggestions. In self-hypnosis, you can do it for yourself and control your mind. It takes your mind to a relaxed state, wherein, the mind is more receptive to suggestions. In this case, the mind is more focused, and accepts the suggestions for its face value.

• If you are planning to stop smoking with self-hypnosis, the first and foremost requirement is a quiet and calm place to perform the same.
• Now you can either sit or lie down, and relax. You have to close your eyes, and concentrate on something, like your breathing; or imagine something, like a flower. As you focus more, you will feel relaxed; as if some waves washing out the stress from your body. It could be like some magic wand slowly removing the stress from the whole body, and making your muscles relax.
• You can now use your suggestions. In case of smokers, the suggestions must be based on the positive aspects of smoking cessation. Suggestions can be initially used to deepen the state of hypnosis. Once you are completely relaxed, focus more on the suggestions, and make your subconscious mind accept them.

Once done, slowly come out of the relaxed state. You have successfully undergone a session of self-hypnosis, but this does not mean that you will quit smoking from the very next moment. You have to continue this process more often, and try to repeat the suggestion, every now and then. You have to do this with grit and determination to overcome the temptation of smoking. You will slowly adjust to the nicotine-free life, as you quit smoking with self-hypnosis. Self-hypnosis has been accepted as a popular method to overcome the addiction of smoking. You don't have to worry about what happens when you stop smoking, as many smokers are scared of the withdrawal symptoms. You must understand that such withdrawal symptoms are nothing, when compared to the severity of the medical conditions that can be caused by smoking. As the name rightly suggests, self-hypnosis has to be done on your own. If you find it difficult to concentrate, seek the help of a hypnotist for a few days, or till you become comfortable with the method. Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert advice.