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What is hypnosis? |
Body Works
“You are getting sleepy…very sleepy…”
Perhaps you’ve seen hypnosis featured in a movie or TV show, usually in the hands of a magician with a swinging watch or magic wand. Sometimes the person who is hypnotized does all sorts of crazy tasks, and then doesn’t even remember any of it when they wake up. But while hypnosis does exist, it’s not as supernatural as you may have been lead to believe!
Hypnosis is a state of relaxation in the mind, similar to meditation. Working with a trained professional, a hypnotized person will focus on an object (which is where the stereotype of the swinging watch comes from!) or noise until their mind in clear. This allows them concentrate on something like a memory or sensation without other thoughts or outside babble distracting them.
A hypnotized person is more open to suggestions, which is why it’s sometimes used by adults to help quit smoking or lose weight, but they can never be forced to do anything, and, with very small exception, will remember everything that happened once they “wake up” from the hypnotized state. Hypnosis isn’t magic, and it doesn’t work on everyone – it might be impossible for somebody to relax enough to be hypnotized, which is why it’s often used as a part of a larger treatment or therapy plan.
Adults often use hypnosis to manage stress. What are some things you do to feel better when you have a lot on your mind? Do you talk about how you’re feeling to a trusted adult like a teacher or family member? Run around outside to burn off some extra energy? And don’t forget the benefits of making sure to eat well and get enough sleep!
These are all great starting points for helping to deal with difficult feelings, though you should always make sure to talk to your family doctor for further information and ideas.
