self-hypnosis versus meditation

Meditation and Self-Hypnosis – Which is best?

Here at SoulMinded Wellness, we are all about the mind-body-spirit connection when it comes to our health and wellbeing. So, when we get asked to choose between meditation and self-hypnosis, it is a very difficult choice!

It is a good idea when making comparisons to discuss the similarities and differences so we get a better idea of what they’re all about and so we will do this now…

Similarities between Meditation and Self Hypnosis

Both of these wellbeing tools are mind-based; that is, they both access the powerful subconscious mind. As you may know, the brain has various brainwaves it can access, from the beta state, which is our fully conscious state we use when we are solving a maths problem, to the delta state it accesses when we are in a deep sleep.

Both Meditation and Self-hypnosis access the alpha and theta brainwave states. The alpha state is when we are in a light trance state and seem to be aware of things going on. This is the type of state we are in when we are engrossed in a good book but are still aware of the TV in the background and the sounds of our children playing outside. The theta state is much deeper and is like that drowsy state we are in when we are relaxing by the pool on holiday, with no cares in the world. Background noises seem to fade away and we feel we might fall asleep because we are so happy and relaxed.

In the alpha state we can access the subconscious mind using affirmations and we can start to minimise outside distractions through concentrated breathing, if we are meditating.

The theta state allows us to connect with out intuition and so, when we come out of meditation or self-hypnosis it is a good idea to journal anything that comes up afterwards.

When we access any of these more relaxed brainwave states, we feel lighter, happier and less stressed and this means both meditation and self-hypnosis have health benefits in the way we feel both during and after, due to the altered brainwave states and the relaxation both modalities offer.

Both guided meditation and self-hypnosis also usually have someone providing instructions so, in a way, both are similar in this respect too.

Differences between meditation and self-hypnosis

As previously discussed, both meditation and self-hypnosis have somebody guiding you via spoken instructions; however, with the guided meditation it will usually involve taking you through a visualisation, which helps to relax you. Some guided meditations will talk you through meeting a spirit guide or connecting with angels but they don’t, as a rule, contain any suggestions or affirmations to help overcome any specific issue. Self-hypnosis may start off similar to a guided meditation, where you may be asked to visualise a relaxing scene; however, once you are in an altered brainwave state of hypnosis the hypnotherapist will give you a selection of positive suggestions targeted to a specific issue you may have, such as a fear of flying, for example.

Meditation can help you connect with your higher self, which helps you develop your intuitive skills so you can make better decisions.

Meditation can vary, too. You can do mindfulness meditation, guided meditation or focused meditations but with self-hypnosis there is usually only one specific format.

So which is better- meditation or self-hypnosis?

Now that we know a bit more about the similarities and differences between meditation and self-hypnosis it is difficult to answer the question of which is better, because it all depends on why you are using each one.

If you just want a daily practice that helps you relax, clear your mind and assist with manifestation then meditation is the best choice, but if you have a specific issue that you want to eliminate from your life, then self-hypnosis is the better choice.

Here at Soulminded Wellness, we are always trying to promote the benefits of a regular meditation practice for achieving improved health and wellbeing as well as helping you create your dream life by connecting with your higher self and developing your intuitive skills and, therefore, as a wellbeing tool. Meditation is better for a daily practice and self-hypnosis is more effective as a tool to help you make a change in your life and therefore doesn’t need to be used until needed.

We hope this helps. Check out our other articles about meditation and hypnotherapy below, if you are interested to learn more.

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