Life is busy, filled with deadlines, commitments and must-dos. Even if we thrive on living at such a fast pace of life, the constant state of physical and mental high alert that results can take its toll on our minds and bodies, influencing how we feel, what we think and, ultimately, how we behave.

By simply relaxing, we can go a long way towards counteracting the negative side effects of our hectic lives. Whether feeling stressed, tired or just in need of a bit of luxury, we could all benefit from allowing ourselves to relax more.

Relaxation hypnosis is a fast, effective and enduring way of achieving all the physical, emotional and cognitive benefits of deep relaxation.

Generally speaking, hypnosis, as used within clinical hypnotherapy, involves the induction of a deeply relaxed physical and mental state, a state in which the critical faculties of the mind are temporarily suspended. But relaxation hypnosis goes that little bit further. It focuses exclusively on counteracting those negative physical, emotional and cognitive side effects of worry, stress and tension.

Relaxation hypnosis uses suggestion to progressively relax the physical body, encouraging waves of warm comfort to flow through the body, soothing, smoothing, releasing and relieving tired, tight muscles; relaxing the body from head to toe.

Direct positive suggestions guide the body's internal mechanisms to effortlessly slow and regulate breathing and heart rate, to allow stress hormones to subside, body organs to work effectively, and to stimulate the body's natural immune system.

Visual imagery is a vital part of the relaxation process. It encourages and deepens relaxation, using the power and creativity of the imagination to divert attention away from negative thinking, providing tranquil rest and sanctuary for the mind.

Beneficial post-hypnotic suggestions (constructive, often therapeutic suggestions given to a person whilst in a state of hypnosis, that are carried out post hypnosis) are also made, for remaining calm, peaceful and relaxed even after the relaxation hypnosis session is over.

If you're looking for a wonderfully relaxing 'mind massage'; affordable, enjoyable and enduringly effective method relaxation hypnosis is your answer.

What time of day is best to practice is whenever it will best fit your schedule. For beginners to make meditation a habit it is recommended to set a definite time. This way if you miss your meditation appointment you are aware of the omission and can reschedule with yourself before the day is over.

When beginning to meditate, it is good to have a routine or ritual. Routine and ritual will key the mind into what is going to follow. The routine / ritual can be simple or elaborate, whatever suits your personality.

A basic routine is deciding to relax and meditate every day at the same time and in the same setting. Meditating in the same place when starting is also helpful to develop habit and focus.

The optimum setting is one that is comfortable and quiet with minimum distractions obviously away from telephones, TV, adults or children interrupting. Some meditators have to compromise on comfort to gain quiet. I know people who meditate in their bathroom or garage to access quiet time. You might want to try several locations before settling on your favorite. If you are interrupted, just acknowledge what is happening and return to your practice when possible. Eventually you will be able to be in a light meditative state anywhere, even with your eyes open.

Ritual can be as simple as just knowing it is the time that you decided to meditate and going to your meditation place. Or, you can elaborate and use candles, incense, crystals and other background objects that aid your sensation of peace or power.

I do not recommend using music during meditation as your mind will listen to the music instead of focusing. Keeping brief notes or a journal on your daily sessions is also recommended.

It is best to wear non-restrictive clothing with as much natural fiber as possible. Loosen belts, ties and if possible remove shoes and socks for some styles.

Sit however is comfortable for you. If you enjoy sitting with a pillow on the floor, go for it. It is also perfectly acceptable to sit with a straight back in a chair and let the chair support your back. (I sit in a chair with my back supported and my legs crossed under me.) Your legs do not need to be crossed and the feet can rest on the floor. Observe the position of your shoulders, neck and head. Relax your shoulders down and lengthen them straight out. Relax your neck muscles. Feel that your head is balanced and centered on your neck. Image that your head is a fish bowl and if it is tipped forward or back, you will spill water and fish out! Check if your jaw is relaxed by allowing the lower jaw to drop slightly.

Breathe through your nose. Begin each lesson observing a few breathes expanding the abdomen on the inhale and contracting the abdomen on the exhale. More detailed breathing instructions are given in the Zen lesson.

How long to meditate? A ten to fifteen minute meditation session will give you results. If you choose to meditate longer, it is because you enjoy the activity (or should I say non-activity). Greater results are not necessarily achieved by time spent in practice as much as your consistency and concentration during practice. Decide how long your meditation will be. Choose whatever works best for you to time the session. Set a timer to ring when your session ends or tell your mind to alert you when the set time has passed. Eventually your mind will know precisely when your set time is up. Do not use this method until you have perfected it if you are on a tight schedule.

During mediation and visualization you will be aware of any outer physical situation that requires your immediate attention. Mediation is a state of heightened awareness not of unconsciousness.

Relaxation Magic

Hypnosis, meditation and visualization are three similar processes for accessing a creative area of the sub-conscious mind. Relaxation Magic lessons use a combination of all three therapies for maximum results. With the exception of people who have mental disabilities such as schizophrenia and severe retardation, everyone can achieve the relaxed focus of hypnosis, meditation and visualization by themselves.

Within themselves everyone has their own unique solutions for solving a situation they want to work on

The way I work is to help a person first reach a relaxed state and then through visualizations find personal imagery to explore their situation. One reason I feel hypnosis, meditation and visualization are so potent for problem solving is that areas of stress can be reached indirectly through analogies and a situation can be discussed without causing more discomfort

Recent research is confirming how connected the mind is in creating and eliminating physical problems. Physicians can fix the body but the mind can create the situation again. This is why adding the mind to a health program is the optimum method for total healing.

The first step to being in control of your life is being in control of your mind. If you’re not controlling your thoughts, who is?

Meditation and visualization enable you to communicate with your physical body, to relax mental and muscle tension even regulate autonomous body systems. Documentation has been out for years that meditation masters can control their heart rate and body temperature. Perhaps we will never need to use body heat to dry wet robes in frigid weather but being in peaceful control of ourselves mentally and physically is an ideal goal.

-- When brand new at any endeavor it is always best to start at the beginning. To experience maximum results with the advanced Active Visualization Lesson spend the ten to fifteen minutes daily building your mental muscles with the beginning lessons.

-- Be Relaxed Anytime Anywhere and Recognizing & Reprogramming Self Defeating Behaviors lessons may be utilized without first completing the beginning lessons.

-- Breathe, breathe, breathe I can’t say it enough. The ultimate quickest way to relax is to breathe.