Self-Hypnosis Techniques for Improved Concentration and Studying

We encounter distraction all the time, especially when we need to focus. And simple turning of social media doesn’t really help, does it? That’s why self-hypnosis for concentration is such an important tool. With different techniques, you can enter and anchor states of deep relaxation and focus. And that makes studying, working and learning a lot easier and more effective.

Concentration: What Is It and Why Should You Care

Before we delve into different techniques of self-hypnosis for concentration, we should ask: why would you want to learn that?

Let’s start with the definition of concentration. According to Cambridge Dictionary, it is the ability to think carefully about something you are doing and nothing else.

It’s a crucial skill in the modern world, where distractions are literally everywhere. Your mobile, new mail, someone talking, social media—they are all distracting. Which makes it harder for you to work and easier to procrastinate.

You can improve your concentration in a number of ways. Harvard Medical School suggests:

Mindfulness;
Cognitive training;
Healthier lifestyle.

They also encourage you to start by focusing on simple tasks, like reading for 30 minutes.

While I love reading (any Lovecraft fans here?), I’m not convinced that just simple reading will boost your concentration. Especially if that’s something you don’t enjoy.

That’s where self-hypnosis for concentration comes in. It’s a powerful tool, that can be used everywhere by everyone. It’s a form of mindfulness and training at the same time.

So, how does it work?

State of Increased Focus: Hypnotic Trance

There are many different definitions of hypnotic trance. Personally, I love this one:

Trance is a state of mind, where your inner world appears to be more real than the external world.

You are free to choose different if you prefer. But the key thing is: while in trance, you remain conscious, while highly focused on your inner world.

Why does it matter? Because by definition, if you can enter hypnotic trance, it means you are able to concentrate. And then, you can take that further, by accomplishing different tasks while in the state of increased focus.

You can treat self-hypnosis for concentration as self-given quests or games to make it more enjoyable. It’s good to treat it with curiosity, as it will make the whole experience more enjoyable.

Don’t think of it as another “boring exercise” that you need to do, in order to focus on work/studying etc.

Instead, think of it as a new experience. In hypnotic trance, you can play around with many different things. Create whole new worlds, bring back old memories, re-live certain situations and twist them around…

Isn’t that exciting?

Technique #1: Focusing and Re-creating

This technique of self-hypnosis for concentration is quite easy and can be performed quickly. Your first time might follow this routine:

Relax deeply with your favorite method.
Just when you are about to enter auto-hypnosis trance, open your eyes. Find one object that you can focus one.
1. It might be a plant, table, chair, piece of clothing.
2. If you are a beginner, choose something simple.
Looking at that object, mindfully go back into self-hypnosis.
1. It’s great to use autosuggestions here.
2. Repeat things like: ‘My eyelids are heavier with each breath. I’m more and more relaxed. I’m entering the trance state’.
3. Optional: you can also use autosuggestion with an intention. For example: ‘I enter hypnotic trance with a goal to increase my attention span’.
Once your eyes are closed, enter a hypnotic trance. You can go directly into your safe space.
Try to re-imagine the thing that you focused on in step no. 2.
1. The more vivid and precise, the better. But don’t worry if it’s not – we all have to start somewhere.
2. Engage as many senses as possible. If it was a flower, re-create not only the colors and shape, but also the smell.
3. Don’t rush – treat it as a puns game.
Once you are finished, take a final look at your object. Try different angles, point of views.
For a short while, open your eyes.
1. It’s good to give autosuggestion here. It can go like ‘For a few seconds, I’ll open my eyes. Once I close them again, I’ll still be in a state of a deep, hypnotic trance’.
2. Don’t worry if you fear that hypnosis will end here. It won’t.
With opened eyes, focus only on your chosen object. Compare it with the one you created in hypnosis.
Return to trance state and repeat re-imagining process.

You can do this multiple times with one object. Don’t overdo it—just have fun with it and see how you are steadily improving.

It’s a simple, yet powerful technique of self-hypnosis for concentration. It doesn’t just train focus, but also your visualization and imaginary skills.

If you are a starter, it’s best to just focus on one thing and work with it. With time, try more complex objects (like paintings, whole windowsill with plants etc.) and play around with different things in one session.

Technique #2: Setting a Proper Mindset

This method of self-hypnosis for concentration is best used directly before studying/working on something. It aims to improve your focus, while keeping you motivated.

Once you are in a trance state, visualize yourself being successful with the result of your studies/work. For example: you passed your exam with flying colors. Make it as vivid and living as possible.

How are you feeling?

How did it help you with your college?

Where are you celebrating?

Key thing to note: visualize the success, not the process. If you just focus on learning itself, you might get demotivated pretty quickly.

Another important thing: visualize a success, but a realistic one. So if you just started learning 2 days before a huge exam, focus on passing, not getting the best grade from your class.

Then, use autosuggestions that will ease you into learning. They might sound like:

It’s easy for me to focus on studying;
I’m perfectly concentrated on my notes/books;
Everything I learn, stays in my memory.

Use whatever autosuggestions you want, however keep them positive. Don’t focus on negatives and try not to use the word “no.”

It’s usually better to say “I’m perfectly focused” than “I’m not distracted”.

If you are familiar with anchor technique, it’s the perfect time to use it. Select a simple gesture like touching your thumb and forefinger together, pressing your palm, or gently tapping your chest.

Pair this gesture with a focus-related keyword, such as “clarity” or “focus.”

That technique of self-hypnosis for concentration shouldn’t last longer than 10–15 minutes. After you are finished, focus solely on your studies.

With a proper mindset, your mind memorizes faster and for longer time.

Technique #3: Fractionation Hypnosis

Fractionation in auto-hypnosis works by cycling between a deeply relaxed state and a slightly alert state multiple times in one session. It strengthens your ability to slip into a focused state quickly.

You can learn it by following these steps

Enter a light hypnotic state.
Go into your safe zone/heaven and deepen the hypnosis.
1. You can imagine that white cocoon or bubble of focus surrounds both your body and mind.
2. Immerse yourself into that deep state and relax.
After some time, bring yourself slightly back.
1. Choose a number from 3 to 9.
2. Then use autosuggestion, like ‘Once I count down to X, I’m going to open my eyes, while still being in hypnotic trance.’
3. Count down to your chosen number and open your eyes.
Reconnect briefly with your surrounding.
1. Try to stay calm and relaxed, while aware of environment.
Re-enter hypnotic trance.
1. Close your eyes again and visualize yourself once again in a safe zone.
2. Use a deeper visualization this time, immersing even more into relaxation state
Repeat the cycle.
1. Alternate between these states 3–5 times. Each return to hypnosis should feel deeper.
2. Use autosuggestions like ‘Every time I return to focus, my mind becomes sharper.’
Anchor the focus.
1. At the end of the session, set an anchor to easily enter the focused state in the future.
Gently ‘wake up’ from the hypnotic trance.

Focus and Rest – Easiest Way to Memorize

Self-hypnosis for concentration is great, but it’s best put in practice with other tools. If you really want to focus on something, I highly recommend using 15-5 technique, often called Pomodoro Technique.

It’s simply, yet effective. It comes down to using a timer for 15 minutes of work, and 5 minutes of relax.

And by work, I really mean work. You don’t use your phone, check social media, mails, go to toilet—anything. During 15 minutes, you solely focus on your task and absolutely nothing else.

Then, when you have a 5-minute break, you go to toilet, scroll Facebook or TikTok and make yourself coffee.

Repeat that 3–4 times, which makes for one cycle, and then go for a longer break. Preferably: do something active, like take a walk or play with your cat/dog.

With time, you can extend your work time and even shorten breaks a little. Just don’t make them disappear completely. I’d say 3 minutes is minimum, however some people prefer different timers. Choose one that suits you best.

This method works wonders with self-hypnosis for concentration. You can start with auto-hypnosis, then you go for one whole cycle. After that you reset yourself and if you need another session—start again with self-hypnosis.

The second time doesn’t have to be as long and intense as the first one. 5–7 minutes are fine, especially if you are already familiar with using anchors.

This way, you have great mindset, focused state of mind and great technique, that maximizes the use of your concentration.

Guided Meditations and Hypnosis – How to Use Them

You can find a lot of different guided meditations or hypnosis recording on the internet. Many of them aim to improve your focus and ease you into studying. They are a great help, especially if you are not yet familiar with self-hypnosis for concentration.

Those videos are useful if you:

Need to study;
Can’t concentrate on a singular task;
Are easily distracted;
Have a worse day, but need something done.

While sometimes I use them as well, I don’t recommend relying on them too much.

Why is that?

Well, I’m a firm believer that with time, you should develop your own, favorite routines and techniques. This way, you create methods that are perfectly tailored to you. It maximizes the effectiveness, while reducing the time needed.

That’s why I’m a huge fan of anchors as well. After all, only you know what state of mind are you anchoring exactly.

Don’t get me wrong: I don’t mean to say that mindfulness is a lone path. Quite the contrary—you should read, watch and learn as much as you can.

But in the end, you should rely on yourself and your techniques, not external sources. And guided meditations are an example of them.

Of course, you can still use them, especially if they were made specifically for you. Or maybe you even recorded them on your own. Just don’t rely on them too much and remember to work on your own.

This is a path to unlock the full potential of your mind.