Harnessing Self Hypnosis for Enhanced Freediving Training
Introducing Self Hypnosis: A New Approach for Freediving
Our friend Helena ran a "Self Hypnosis" class recently. After the practice, she answered questions about the suitability of the practice for different desired outcomes and environments.
Self Hypnosis vs. Classical Hypnosis: Understanding the Difference
An obvious question from one of us was whether the practice could be utilized in the water as a tool for freediving training. Helena explained that self hypnosis is not about being put to sleep like the popular image of "Classical Hypnosis."
How Self Hypnosis Works: Waves and Trance States
Helena, a GP, uses these techniques to help patients. In daily life, we generate beta waves (β-waves) that are very fast. In the trance state she focuses on, we generate alpha waves (α-waves), which are slower and remember everything.
Procedure: Steps to Achieve Self Hypnosis
Ask for a resource you genuinely want and give a timeframe (i.e., 2 minutes).
Pick a visual point 45° above your normal line of sight.
Relax your legs, back, neck, jaw, and tongue.
Acknowledge 5 things you see, hear, and feel, then repeat this with 4, 3, 2, and 1.
Deepening the Trance: Techniques for Enhanced Focus
After the practice, Helena showed us deepening techniques. For example, you could count slowly down from 10 to 1. To deepen your own trance, you could observe your palm as you bring it slowly to your face.
Conclusion: Integrating Self Hypnosis into Freediving Training
Please let us know how you get on with this training. It is one of the many possible supplementary tools for freediving training.