That Relaxed Feeling: Hypnosis

Ever zoned out mid-conversation and then snapped back to reality thinking, “Wait… what just happened?”
Congratulations, my friend — you’ve been hypnotised.

Yep, hypnosis isn’t some mysterious, woo-woo magic trick reserved for stage shows and swinging pocket watches. It’s that dreamy, floaty, totally chilled feeling — like you’re mentally wrapped in a fluffy doona, blissfully disconnected from the chaos.

You actually drift into this state all the time. Daydreaming, scrolling on autopilot, or getting lost in a movie? That’s mini-hypnosis right there.

But here’s the kicker — most people expect hypnosis to feel totally different. Like lightning bolts and unicorns. But it’s not. It’s just… relaxation turned up to 11.

The Science Says: Chill = Change

In a study on self-hypnosis for people overcoming addiction (Am J Clin Hypn. 2004 Apr;46(4):281-97), participants who used self-hypnosis recordings 3–5 times a week reported major glow-ups:
✨ Higher self-esteem
✨ More inner peace
✨ Less anger and impulsiveness
All because they gave themselves permission to fully relax and let positive suggestions work their magic.

Spoiler alert: Hypnosis works. But only if you’re cool with it.

It’s Like Meditation… With a Fun Twist

Think of self-hypnosis like meditation’s quirky cousin. If you’ve ever done a guided meditation or listened to a calming voice on a yoga mat, you’re halfway there. The trick?
Trust your guide.
Trust yourself.
And know that it’s perfectly fine to drop your to-do list and melt into the moment.

Because when we really want to change something in our lives, what do we bump into?
Fear.
Here are the three classic fears that like to pop up and cause a little drama:

1. Fear of LOSS

“What if I let go of this part of my life and everything changes?”
Yeah… that’s the whole point. Whether it’s relationships, routines, or bad habits — releasing the old makes space for the new. Even if that means you and your pizza-on-the-couch buddy no longer have as much in common.

2. Fear of HARDSHIP

Change isn’t always easy-peasy. New habits take effort. Starting fresh can feel clunky, awkward, and like learning to walk in flippers. But that’s growth, baby.

3. Fear of DISAPPOINTMENT

What if I do all this, and it still sucks?
Well… what if it doesn’t? What if it’s amazing?
The point is, the magic only happens when you decide to show up for it. You’ve got to risk the awkward stage to get to the great stuff.

Permission, Please

Real talk: I didn’t give myself permission to fly a plane until I was 40.
FORTY.
I had to shut down the voice in my head yelling “Who do you think you are?!” and crank up the one whispering, “You’ve got this.”

Same goes for self-hypnosis. You have to let yourself believe that it’s okay to press pause, relax, and change your mind — literally.

Hypnosis: The Myths, Busted

Let’s clear up some of the weird things people ask me:

Q: Is it safe?
A: Absolutely — unless you’re driving. Then, uh… no.

Q: Will it work on me?
A: Only if you’re cool with it. Your brain has to say “yes” first.

Q: Will you make me act like a chicken?
A: Only if you want to. I mean, some people really love chickens.

The Truth About the “Magic Trick”

Here’s the thing: Hypnosis isn’t a quick-fix miracle that zaps away all your problems overnight.
But it is a powerful way to break the habits and patterns that are running your life from the shadows. When you’re stuck and nothing’s working, it’s not because you’re broken — it’s because your mind is trying to protect you in an outdated way.

And sometimes, people say things like:

“I can’t be hypnotised. My problem is different.”
Oh? So you’re the one human on Earth who’s immune to relaxation? Doubt it.

Let me translate that statement for you:

“I’ve worked really hard to build this problem and now I’ve given it a name, a personality, and maybe even a social media account.”

The truth? Your problem isn’t too big. You just haven’t been ready to let it go yet. And that’s okay. But you can choose again — anytime.

It Might Be Unconscious

Don’t beat yourself up if you didn’t mean to create the problem. Sometimes we make unconscious decisions that stick with us, like gum on your shoe. But the great news is: hypnosis can take you straight to the root of it and help you shift it.

Oh, and bonus perks?
Hypnosis can also help you:

• Sleep better
• Calm those frazzled nerves
• Manage pain
• Ease hot flushes (you heard me, menopause warriors!)

But Wait… There’s Science!

Swiss researchers (bless their calm little hearts) measured the brainwaves of participants after hypnosis sessions and found significantly better sleep among those who were open to the experience.
Conclusion? Hypnosis works when you’re ready to say yes to yourself.

So, Why Might You Try Hypnosis?

To:

• Quit smoking
• Launch a new career
• Ditch limiting beliefs
• Crush fear and anxiety
• Nail that speech without sweating buckets
• Regulate emotions
• Let go of harmful habits
• Build new, fabulous ones

Bring It All Together

Hypnosis isn’t doing something to you. It’s you doing something for yourself.
You’re the magic trick.
You’re the switch.
And your unconscious mind is just waiting for you to say, “Let’s do this.”

“Your unconscious mind is ready to work with you. It’s just waiting for you to let go, breathe, and say yes to the change you’ve been craving.”

So give yourself permission. Permission to relax. Permission to change.
Permission to be the pilot of your own life (even if it took you 40 years — no judgement).

And don’t worry — no chickens were harmed or hypnotised in the making of this blog!

Written by Linda A.McCall – glob trotting adventure seeking living my best life