More on Sleeping Well with Hypnosis

In February I wrote a blog post about the top five outcomes people desire to achieve through the use of hypnosis.  The runaway #1 was better and more restful at night.

The issue of sleep was top of mind last week when I met with a friend who has struggled for a couple of months with insomnia.  She falls asleep just fine, yet finds herself waking up each morning between 2 and 3 AM with little prospect of returning to rest.

Moreover, the situation has worsened with each passing week as the prospect of another listless night weighs on her mind.

I took her through a hypnotic induction and then shared two visualizations:

1) “Healing Waters” – a personal favorite of mine because it helps reduce stress, tension and anxiety.   

2) “30 Second Self Hypnosis” – a simple process that helps a person slip back into a deeply relaxed state.

I also forwarded her this wonderful article entitled the 7 Sleep Habits of Successful Entrepreneurs about how to create an environment conducive for sleep.

How’s she doing? 

Last I heard she reported three straight nights of peaceful sleep and, more important, she has a more positive outlook on life.

30 Second Hypnosis for School and Test Success

I have just returned from a wonderfully relaxing and enjoyable vacation with my family at the Delaware shore.

While on the beach each day, I had the opportunity to speak with a number of students who are preparing to return to classes – high school, college and graduate level.  Each typically expressed excitement about their prospects for the coming year, yet also concern and, in some cases, dread about the pressures of exam performance.

The academic environment is defined by extended periods of preparation for tests that often comprise a significant percentage of a course grade.  This structure puts a tremendous amount of pressure on the student, often creating anxiety and stress which then impacts the ability to succeed.

We all know smart kids who are poor test takers, right?

Hypnosis and positive visualization can serve as a tool to help a student mitigate stress and mentally prepare for an exam.

Yes…they still have to study and understand the material.  Yet, increased focus (and decreased anxiety) allows a person’s talent, knowledge and confidence to shine.

I’ve included below an easy-to-follow 30 second process that you may want to try or share with others.

PS  This approach also works well for work-related presentations and projects.  

-Take a deep breath and visualize yourself pushing out stress and anxiety when exhaling

-Close your eyes and take another deep breath

-Count down in your mind slowly from five allowing yourself to relax with each number

-Visualize an accomplishment in your life you are proud of (academic, athletic, family, friendship, etc.)

-Think about how this accomplishment makes you feel: confident, secure and balanced

-Take another deep breath

-Count up slowly from one to five feeling yourself energize with each number

-Open your eyes  

On vacation with my family.

Keep Your New Year Resolution with Positive Visualizations

This past Saturday morning I pulled into the parking lot at Bethesda Sport & Health Club to be greeted by row upon row of cars.  It was so jammed that I was forced to make the trek to an off-site public garage to secure a spot.

Welcome to the post New Year's health club with its throngs of newly signed members who are trying to make good on their resolution for improved fitness.  Although the parking inconvenience was an irritant, I am comforted by the fact that many of these January health hounds will toss in the towel on their well-being commitment in just a few weeks.

Come February, weekend parking at the Club will no longer be such a challenge.

It shouldn't be that way though.  For many people, the process of following through on New Year's Resolutions (i.e. better health, smoking cessation, career advancement, etc.) requires a shift in thinking at the subconscious level.

That's the focus of an event I am co-hosting the evening of Tuesday, January 15th in Chevy Chase, Maryland in partnership with a social meetup group called DC Global Adventurers.     

Entitled "New Year, New You:  How Self-Hypnosis Can Help You Stay True to Your New Year Resolution," the event will bring together a group of professionals to discuss their resolutions, and then experience how hypnosis can be used as a tool to maintain focus and motivation.

I plan to use a hypnotic induction similar to the one I employed during the "Hypnosis for Exceptional Living" event I presented in November with Professionals in the City.  It's an incredibly relaxing process with a couple of positive visualizations designed to instill feelings of strength, confidence and self-esteem.

I've included below more information about next week's event, including a link to the registration Web page.  I encourage you to join us or contact me directly at m.russell.hausman@gmail.com or (301) 538-8100 to arrange a one-on-one or small group session.


New Year, New You:  How Self-Hypnosis Can Help You Stay True to Your New Year Resolution
Friendship Heights Village Center
Chevy Chase, Maryland
Tuesday, January 15 - 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Cost:  $35

Location is metro accessible - Red Line (Friendship Heights)

A hypnotic induction in action from my performance at Bradley Farm Haunted Mansion festival in October 2012.

Well Being and the Accomplished Professional

On this blog I discuss my practice of and interest in hypnosis as a tool for emotional and physical well-being, as well as the performances, seminars and individual sessions I participate in.  Yet, this represents a small part of my professional world.

On January 6, I will celebrate 18 years as the founder and CEO of a professional services firm that helps companies grow their business through more effective marketing, social media and communications programs.  I'm truly blessed to have exceptional clients, and a set of colleagues who are passionate and professional.

In fact, I have worked with each member of my senior team for more than five years.  My lead operations and financial executive has been a friend, trusted advisor and co-worker for 15 years.

While my professional world has long been in good standing, I have still been challenged by the stress, tension, worries and competitive pressure that comes with being in business.  It has taken its physical toll on me and, I'm convinced, prematurely aged me.

For instance, my brother -- just a few years younger -- sports a healthy head of hair with merely a touch of gray.  I'm not quite as lucky on either front.  Solely genetics?  It's doubtful.

My introduction to hypnosis six years ago was born out of my desire for a natural approach to well-being that I could practice independently.  The improvements it has brought to my life inspired to to share the practice with others.

Regardless of your choice of career and decision about family, I encourage you to find an approach to well-being.  Eat well.  Be active.  Sleep.  Love.  And shed stress.

You'll be happier, healthier and perhaps keep your hair longer.

PS, Here is a link to a great read with 12 tips on how a business professional can manage career stress.  My favorite suggestion:  "Learn how to switch off: This is a skill and has to be learnt. You can meditate, cycle, learn yoga or paint - whatever works for you – just do it!"


Managing Stress at the Top  
Management Issues Magazine (12.13.12)

Image Source:  Wise Living Yoga

    

What Does It Feel Like to be Hypnotized?

The feeling of hypnosis is unique for each person.

One of my volunteers was surrounded by her friends who peppered her with questions.  What did it feel like?  Do you remember anything?  Are you sleepy?

I had just completed a performance of my "Hypnotic Experience" show at the Bradley Farm Haunted House festival and the volunteers continued to be the stars of the evening.  I watched as a few of them relayed to friends their experiences while hypnotized.

It's a frequent question I'm asked as well when people learn I am a hypnotist:  what does it feel like to be hypnotized?

Even having worked with hundreds of people during the past five years, it's a hard question to answer.  That's because hypnosis is very much a personal experience.

Yet, I just came across an article in the San Francisco Chronicle in which a young woman who practices self-hypnosis does an exceptional job of describing how she feels while hypnotized.  Here is a link and an excerpt:


Hypnosis is Akin to Intense Focus 

If you're reading a book and you're really into reading that book and the rest of the world sort of disappears, you don't realize how fast time is passing, someone could call your name and you don't hear - hypnosis is actually similar to that, but instead of focusing on the TV you're watching or the book you're reading or the project you're working on, you're focusing on what's going on inside your head and what's going on inside your body.

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/health/article/Hypnosis-is-akin-to-intense-focus-3975730.php#ixzz2DiUMad6D

If you're reading a book and you're really into reading that book and the rest of the world sort of disappears, you don't realize how fast time is passing, someone could call your name and you don't hear - hypnosis is actually similar to that, but instead of focusing on the TV you're watching or the book you're reading or the project you're working on, you're focusing on what's going on inside your head and what's going on inside your body.

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/health/article/Hypnosis-is-akin-to-intense-focus-3975730.php#ixzz2DiUMad6D

 

If you're reading a book and you're really into reading that book and the rest of the world sort of disappears, you don't realize how fast time is passing, someone could call your name and you don't hear - hypnosis is actually similar to that, but instead of focusing on the TV you're watching or the book you're reading or the project you're working on, you're focusing on what's going on inside your head and what's going on inside your body.

Research Reports on Health Through Hypnosis

The initial five minutes of my "Hypnotic Experience" show are perhaps the most important part of the performance. 

My pre-talk is both entertaining and informative as I define hypnosis and set expectations of what's to come during the show -- for both the volunteers and the audience.  I also overview the the emotional and physical benefits derived from the practice of self-hypnosis.  (Yes...I teach self-hypnosis in a small group setting or one-on-one.)

It's at this time I typically share with the audience that with the exception of modest bout of stomach flu earlier this year I have not been sick in three years.  No colds.  No infections.  Nothing.

I practice smart health and hygiene by eating right, sleeping well at night, frequently washing my hands and visiting doctor.  Yet, I'm also convinced my good fortune is the result of mitigating the impact of stress through hypnosis.

Now there is legitimate research from Ohio State University that supports this notion.  A new study recently published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology found that "hypnosis and related relaxation techniques can actually prevent the weakening of the immune response that often follows periods of acute stress."

There's a nice overview of the research and its findings in this article entitled "Hypnosis May Prevent Weakened Immune System, Improve Health." 

I encourage you to keep eating an apple a day, take your vitamin C and drink plenty of water.  Plus, you may want to explore incorporating self-hypnosis into your wellness routine.  You'll be healthier and happier this winter.   

 

Image Source:  Definition of Wellness

A Great Read on Hypnosis

Each week I typically come across interesting articles that accurately capture how hypnosis can be used as a tool for emotional and physical well being.  I share them on Twitter, so I encourage you to follow me here.

The story below is one of the best I've read in a long while.  Why?

It accurately defines hypnosis and a hypnotic induction (i.e. no swinging watch), and then illustrates the most important factor when it comes to a positive experience -- the person has to be open and interested in achieving a meaningful change.

At the start of every session or performance of my "Hypnotic Experience" show, I explain that all of hypnosis is self-hypnosis.  There's no magic to it.  Hypnosis is simply conditioning the mind to anticipate and accept positive outcomes.   


How Hypnosis Helped Me Sleep
By Linda Yellin
More Magazine

A few hypnosis sessions helped one writer finally remedy her insomnia.

Rapid Relaxation: the 30 Second Decompress

Do you ever wish you take a breath from your hectic schedule for just a few moments?  If so, you're not alone.  

I read an interesting article in Forbes yesterday entitled Forget Work-Life Balance: It's Time for Work-Life Blend.  The author's premise is straightforward:  mobile and Web 2.0 communications have created an expectation that people should be accessible and engaged at all times day or night.

An always on environment can be incredibly draining -- emotionally and physically.  Most people recognize the need to mitigate stress, yet soothing activities can eat up time on an already compressed schedule. 

For instance, I very much enjoy the practice of yoga, but I simply cannot block out 90 minutes three or four days a week to drive to, participate in and then shower after class.  It's a real challenge.

Many of the individuals who express an interest in learning self-hypnosis gravitate to a rapid relaxation visualization that I teach.  It's designed to quickly reduce stress and tension, while creating a feeling of positive energy that will carry a person through the rest of their day.  

Here's how it works:    

--Take a deep breath and close your eyes.

--Picture yourself floating on a white, fluffy cloud; safe, peaceful and warm.

--Count backwards slowly from ten sinking deeper into the cloud with each number.

--Visualize yourself surrounded by a wonderful and energizing light and count up one, two and three.

--Take a deep breath and open your eyes.

The calming affect of the cloud.  Source:  ScenicReflections.com

October Event: Hypnosis - a Positive Approach to Exceptional Living

A few weeks back I connected with an organization called Professionals in the City to talk about including my "Hypnotic Experience" show as part of the entertainment line-up for their New Year's Eve event.  Admittedly, I assumed this was just another one of those singles groups that organizes parties, speed dating events, vacation trips and other social activities.

Yes...Professionals in the City does those things for its more than 200,000 members and they do them well.  In fact, they organize, promote and present 1,000 events a year for adults of all ages. 

Yet, the organization also produces an eclectic mix of events designed to enhance the professional and personal success of its members.  For instance, last night Professionals in the City hosted a panel discussion entitled "How to Start Your Own Business."  It featured four exceptional entrepreneurs.

That's why I am thrilled to have partnered with Professionals in the City to create an event that will focus on the use of hypnosis as a tool to achieve positive outcomes in life -- personal and professional.  The event is scheduled for the evening of Monday, October 29th in Washington, DC and you can register here.

Plus, if you use the promotional code Hypnosis11292 when registering, you'll receive $5 off of tickets purchased in advance.

Included below is a detailed description of the event.  I hope you can attend!


Hypnosis: A Positive Approach to Exceptional Living

WHEN: Monday, October 29, 2012 from 07:00 PM - 09:00 PM

WHERE: MOCA DC Galleries 1054 31st St NW in Canal Square Washington, DC 20007-4403 Closest Metro: Foggy Bottom

PRICE: $30.00 if purchased by 5 p.m. Friday, October 05

An Introduction to Self-Hypnosis: A Positive Approach for Relaxation, Stress Management, Career Achievement and Exceptional Living

Hypnosis...it's a powerful word that defines a process that few understand. Put aside the image of a swinging watch or comedy club antics because that is not what this seminar is about.

Our speaker will explain how hypnosis can be used as a tool to relax, to better manage stressful situations, to improve well-being, to increase career or academic focus, and, simply put, to achieve more fulfillment out of life. If you enjoy yoga, meditation, acupuncture or other alternative approaches to health, then you will want to give hypnosis a try.

As part of the seminar, our speaker will walk you through a hypnotic induction process with positive visualizations so you feel refreshed, stress-free and completely energized. He'll then share the practice of self-hypnosis and how you can incorporate this approach to well being into everyday life to:

• Reduce the negative impact of stress
  
• Sleep better at night
  
• Enhance focus on the job or at school
  
• Be more patient with family and friends
  

Our speaker has practiced and taught self-hypnosis for more than five years. He performs his "Hypnotic Experience" show at community festivals, events, parties and for small groups.

The Impossibility of Perfection

Perfection is a wonderful aspiration, right?

For many it's sought in physical appearance.  Do a Web search using the phrase "plastic surgery and beauty" and you'll see what I mean.

For others, perfection is paramount in professional or academic accomplishment, athletic achievement and/or family relationships.  I used the words "and/or" in the previous sentence for a reason.  That's because the desire to craft perfection in different aspects of life can become all consuming.

The perfect marriage...perfect kids...perfect friends...perfect career...perfect hobbies - I hear this all of the time from my friends, neighbors and people I interact with professionally.

To this my response is always the same:  "For me, good enough is good enough."

Perfection is simply an unrealistic expectation.  Its pursuit creates an unsustainable level of stress and dissatisfaction that can manifest itself in a myriad of unhealthy ways, such as restless sleep, irritability, illness, nagging physical injuries, poor career or classroom performance, etc.

In my pre-talk prior to the start of a hypnotic induction I seek to learn a bit about the person who has expressed interest in exploring emotional and physical balance and well being.  I don't probe too far, yet it is often apparent the person has set themselves up for failure and disappointment by pursuing perfection in aspects of their life.

It's not an age thing either.  Earlier this month I hypnotized a group of college and high school students who had defined completely unachievable goals for themselves in school, athletics and personal relationships.  A fair number of them expressed feelings of regret for perceived failure.

Hypnosis is a powerful tool that can help an individual let go of pent up stress and tension, and more effectively manage it in the future.

Plus, I typically encourage a person under hypnosis to embrace the concept they are beautiful, smart, energetic, confident and loved exactly the way they are.  Good enough is good enough!

Yuck!  The unrealistic journey to perfection can create stress and anxiety.  Source: CNN.com

   

One Hypnotizing Weekend

A group of exceptional students give hypnosis a try.

I was fortunate to have lined up this Labor Day holiday weekend three opportunities to introduce hypnosis to people who expressed an interest in learning how it can be used for stress management, academic excellence and athletic performance.  Here's a recap of each session:

Georgetown University's Midnight Carnival

What a wonderful event!  It was produced and hosted by two rising juniors as part of the school's welcome week for new and returning students.

Held on campus this past Friday night, Midnight Carnival featured food, games, rides and interesting entertainment -- DJ, fire juggler, pie eating contest and me (the hypnotist).

I've developed a unique approach for performances at community events, fairs, carnival, parties, etc.  Rather than a traditional comedy hypnosis show, I weave together a bit of stand-up comedy, an educational overview of hypnosis and its positive applications, a hypnotic induction for volunteers and then a set of entertaining suggestions.

Turn-out for Midnight Carnival was exceptional and I had a dozen volunteers.  I kept four on stage for most of the hour long show with two young ladies sticking it out through the end.  They went the deepest into hypnosis and were the most suggest-able.

The highlight was one of the women under hypnosis doing a wonderful rendition of "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" to win the fictitious $10,000 Georgetown University American Idol competition.

I have a message in to the event hosts to see if I can get a couple of photos to post.


Helping Fix a Flawed Shoulder

The wife of a guy I play basketball with from time-to-time has had a tough go of it during the past few months due to a significant shoulder injury.  She has dealt with a couple of surgeries and is now in the middle of physical therapy, which can be incredibly painful.

She quickly entered hypnosis which allowed me to use one of my favorite visualizations - wash the pain away.  She emerged from the process energized, relaxed and focused on a successful recovery.

Amen to that!


Gathering of an Exceptional Set of High Schoolers

I very much enjoy working with young people to help them focus on academic achievement, successful test taking skills and athletic performance.  In fact, I conducted a number of informal sessions last month while on vacation at the beach with college and high school athletes.

Earlier today, a friend was kind enough to invite me to her home to introduce hypnosis to her daughter and a group of her friends.  They were all bright, smart, social and athletic.  I suspect they comprise the popular group at school, yet each acknowledged a level of stress that comes with dealing with pressures of this age.

The demonstration went well and everyone found the process relaxing, yet none of the participants actually went deeply into hypnosis.  This happens from time-to-time and is often attributed to distractions in the environment.  (In this case, there was a younger brother who raised a bit of a ruckus.)

Additionally, I suspect that because the kids are all such good friends there was a social element to the gathering that may have limited the hypnotic experience.  Next time around I'll probably sit the kids farther apart, rather than having them lounge comfortably on a couch.

Smart, stylish, athletic and popular...yet still faced with stress.