There’s nothing like the start of a new year to motivate you to become a healthier version of yourself. What better time to promise yourself that you will lose weight? Exercise more … quit smoking … drink less alcohol? Globally, these bad habits are among the top ten new year resolutions. Every year. Which means that, even with the best intentions, most of us are failing to make the changes we want in order to enjoy a healthier life.

Get the power of self hypnosis working for you

Unfortunately, will power isn’t always enough when the chocolates or crisps are passed around. And, while it feels liberating to squash your packet of cigarettes and toss them in the bin on New Year’s Eve, this doesn’t necessarily lead to a smoke-free future. If you’re finding it difficult to stick to good intentions, why not try a self hypnosis app for health?

Contrary to what you might think, hypnosis is not an entertaining trick to make people do silly things during a live stage performance. Hypnotherapy is a genuine therapeutic treatment that has proved to be highly effective in treating a wide range of conditions, from anxiety and depression to insomnia. It’s also a powerful tool to get your subconscious on board with your goal of losing weight or giving up smoking.

Can you really hypnotise yourself with a self hypnosis app?

Yes, you can! it’s quick, easy, convenient and safe. And the growing number of users of these apps are reporting positive results. Although it’s known as self-hypnosis, you don’t actually hypnotise yourself. You will be verbally guided through the process by way of a series of recorded messages. Make sure the person doing the guiding is qualified to do so, by choosing an app developed by a trained clinical hypnotherapist. Many top therapists, like the world-renowned Aaron Surtees, offer tried and tested apps you can use with confidence.

How does the self hypnosis app for health work?

You will be instructed to relax in a quiet and comfortable spot in your home. Many people choose to listen to the app in bed, before going to sleep. Or you may prefer your couch. Just make sure the TV is switched off first, so you can concentrate on the recording.

Your app will guide you into a state of deep relaxation. Although it’s often described as feeling ‘sleepy’, your mind is actually intensely aware and focused, while blocking out or ignoring external stimuli. In some ways, it can be compared to being completely absorbed in an exciting movie or book, to the point where you are unaware of anything else that is happening around you.

Aaron Surtees, leading hypnotherapist and Director of City Hypnosis in the heart of London describes hypnosis as a “a state of slightly altered consciousness that is pleasant and energising”.

In this state, you are able to set aside normal judgments and sensory reactions. You become more receptive to suggestions or imaginary scenarios designed to help you change unwanted behaviour. For example, your therapist may guide you to imagine sugary foods as sickly sweet and unpleasant. Or to visualise cigarette smoke curling down into your lungs and poisoning your body.

What happens if I fall asleep while using the self hypnosis app?

You may well feel sleepy or nod off during self hypnosis. After all, your body is calm and relaxed and your mind is focused on the voice of your therapist. But since the self hypnosis app works on your subconscious, your brain will continue to process the words and thoughts you heard as you drifted off.

‘Sleeping on’ a decision or problem has long been advised, and now it’s been backed up by research. A study at Lancaster University found that a test group of people who were able to sleep before solving problems did better than those who didn’t sleep. So don’t worry if you fall asleep during your self hypnosis session. As long as you continue to notice an improvement in your eating, drinking or smoking habits, your app is working!

How will I get out of the hypnotised state?

Your app will suggest techniques to leave the hypnotic state. Or you will naturally return to full consciousness when you are ready to do so. If you fall asleep while you are hypnotised, you will just wake up normally afterwards, feeling refreshed and alert.

No one ever gets ‘stuck’ forever in a hypnotised state. These apps have been tried and tested and are completely safe to use, unless you have a mental illness such as schizophrenia or you suffer from hallucinations. In this case, you are advised to avoid hypnotherapy.

How long does it take to work?

Everyone reacts differently to hypnosis. Some people notice an immediate improvement after only one or two sessions. For most people though, results are gradual. This is why a self hypnosis app is a good choice. You can listen to the recordings as often as you need, whenever and wherever you are.

The Subconsciously app, developed by Aaron Surtees allows you track your progress through a built in super-smart algorithm so you can measure results.

Tap into your subconscious mind

You may think you’re in control of your thoughts, perceptions and behaviour. But most of the time, it’s your subconscious mind that determines how you react to situations. Hypnosis allows you to tap into your subconscious mind to explore thoughts and feelings you might have hidden from your conscious mind. In this state, you can learn to see things like food, alcohol or cigarettes differently. Why not give it a try and make your healthy resolutions stick?

Further reading: How to choose the best self hypnosis app for weight loss.