THINKING SKILLS

Self Hypnosis

Self Programming helps us improve memory skills

If we are bored or not bothered about remembering something, then we are unlikely to remember it. If we have a great interest or incentive to remember something, then we are very likely to remember it. With this fundamental understanding we can all learn self hypnosis.

This fact is the central core behind self hypnosis techniques of memory retention.

Positive Thinking

Self programming means reminding ourselves that we want to remember something. We can do this by repeating, "I will remember" over and over again and by saying "I am glad that I will remember this" and similar affirmative phrases. Smiling and thinking positive thoughts is also important. Although you might feel like an idiot saying "I am happy that I will remember this" with a dopey smile on your face, the rewards are going to make up for any slight embarrasment.

Why Self Programming Works

Your smiles and happiness release positive endorphins (happy drugs) into your brain. This seems to strengthen the connections in the currently active braincells (the same cycle which predisposes people to addictive behaviours!). Since your active thought processes are concerned with trying to remember, then your brain associates pleasure with the activity you were undertaking (learning something). The connection between learning that set of facts and pleasure is strengthened and hence your power of retention of those particular facts is enhanced!

Up until recently this was largely thoretical, but recent work on the brain's axons and dendrites (at Reading University in England) seem to mirror the theory of why self programming works for us. So, repeat after me (with a big smile please)...

"I will enjoy learning this, its exciting stuff and I can remember it"

This is a technique that takes a little time to master, so do not get dishartened and gve up before giving it a chance.

How to do it - The audio method

Anybody can tap into the extraordinary powers of self-hypnosis. All you have to do is read through these instructions, record the thing you wish to learn onto Casette or CD then try the five basic steps for yourself.

1) Preparation

2) Relaxation

Relaxation - really deep relaxation - The time it takes to achieve deep relaxation can vary from half an hour to just a minute. The first time you try it you will probably need a full half hour in a quiet warm room.

Our favourite method of deep relaxation is to tense and then relax each of the muscles in our bodies, one by one starting at the toes and working upwards . This technique takes about 10 minutes and really gets results.

3) Deepening Procedure

Once you have completed the relaxation phase you can begin to deepen the relaxed state, using the count-down technique. Just start slowly counting down (in your head) from 100, imagining that you are drifting deeper with each count. Other images and thoughts will probably intrude themselves as you count. That is natural. Just gently brush them aside, continuing with your counting.

4) Self-Suggestion

Now, in a very warm, calm (very suggestible) state you can begin listening to your tape

"I will remember the complete works of shakespeare." Don't laugh, an actor friend successfully used self hypnosis while at the national theatre in order to learn his parts more easily.

4. Termination

Once you have finished your session, you could just get up off the couch but it is better to formally identify the end of every session. By doing this you draw a clear line between the hypnotic state and being fully awake.