Learn the Simplest Method to Reduce Stress With The Progressive Relaxation Technique

In my New York City Hypnosis practice, I often teach my clients the most simplest forms of self-hypnosis there is: the progressive relaxation technique. This technique is probably the most well known hypnosis inductions, as it is the one most taught to clinical psychologists as well.

I have also found that it is one of the easiest and quickest ways for a person who is under much stress to relax.

What follows below may seem like a drawn-out, hard-to-memorize set of instructions, but if one thinks about the title of the technique, the progressive relaxation, it is quite easy indeed to remember.

I always tell my New York City Hypnosis clients that all hypnosis is self-hypnosis anyways. The progressive relaxation technique is no exception.

Even when working with a hypnotist, the hypnotist’s suggestions are just that, suggestions, which the client then gives himself or herself, allowing them to be fully in control of the hypnotic process.

To begin the progressive relaxation induction, start by sitting in a comfortable chair, or lying down with your knees bent, with a small pillow to support the neck, and a large pillow under the knees to support the lower back.

Then, take a deep breath, making sure that the start of the breath comes from as low as possible in the diaphragm, (see my article on breathing for specifics,) and exhale through the mouth, lips slightly parted.

Either say out loud or to yourself mentally, "Allow my body to breathe in relaxation, and breathing out tension."

Repeat this suggestion three times, following the actions of the suggestion, i.e. breathing in relaxation, breathing out tension, etc.

Next, give yourself the suggestion, "Allow my scalp muscles to go completely loose, limp, and totally relaxed."

Followed by, "With each and every breath that I take, each and every beat of my heart, each and every word that I say, allow my relaxation to double all throughout my body."

Next, repeat the first suggestion with the next set of logical muscles, "Allow my forehead muscles to go completely loose, limp, and totally relaxed," followed again by the second suggestion.

Repeat the entire process, substituting eyebrows, cheekbones, facial muscles, jaw, neck and shoulders, arms, legs, torso, feet, etc.

You can be more specific than the list I have given above, but the above is good starting point.

Take as much time as you need to allow all of this to happen, and realize that the magic words are: "Allow my .... to relax."

The words allow automatically eliminate any fear on your part that you are not doing the exercise correctly, because if you simply allow something to happen, it presupposes that it automatically will!

Practice this progressive relaxation technique at home once a day, and after a week, you will be completely surprised and amazed at the changes for the better in your stress levels!

To find out more information about how you can combat stress with hypnosis at the AbsolutePeak Hypnosis Center, please feel confident that we are more than happy to answer any questions you might have.

and we'd be happy to answer any questions you might have about hypnosis, hypnotic techniques or our services.