For many years, people have used self hypnosis to treat anxiety, ease phobias, and cure themselves of destructive habits. Self hypnosis kits are available on the market, but self hypnosis is not necessarily a one-size-fits-all proposition. For example, a woman who has been molested or raped may have a lot of trouble relaxing and entering a trance state when guided by a male voice. Similarly, a man getting out of an abusive relationship with his wife may not find a female voice particularly soothing. And suppose the kit you buy addresses smoking cessation when what you really want to do is lose weight?

So why not create your own self-hypnosis kit? Your self hypnosis kit should contain several items.

Progressive Relaxation Tape or CD

The first thing your self hypnosis kit needs is a progressive relaxation tape or CD.

Progressive relaxation starts with your toes and leads you to relax each major muscle group. Once you are completely relaxed, the trance can be deepened by suggestions of sleepiness, "sinking" into a deeper trance, etc.

There are literally dozens of CDs that offer progressive relaxation. Some have male readers, others female. Some include music, others include white noise, others no sound but the voice of the reader. If possible, try a few of these CDs to find out which works best for you.

You may also want to record the CD yourself, or have a friend do so, if a familiar voice is more comforting to you.

List of Affirmations or Images

Before you start your hypnosis, have a clear idea of what you want to get out of the session. If deep relaxation is all, that's fine, but many people focus on things that they want to change while they're in a trance state.

Write down what you're going to say to yourself and the images you plan to use and keep them with your self hypnosis kit. Keep your messages positive. For instance, don't say, "I'm not going to be fat anymore." Instead say, "I see myself thin and beautiful," or, if you can bypass words, just picture yourself thin and beautiful.

Blankets, Candles, Etc.

Whenever you practice self-hypnosis, try to use the same environment--the same room, the same blanket over your lap, the same scented candles or incense, etc. As you continue to self hypnotize, you will find yourself reaching a trance more and more easily. Eventually, you may not need the relaxation tape at all--just being in the familiar atmosphere will ease you into a trance.

Once your self hypnosis kit is complete, all you need to do is set aside thirty minutes or so a day to practice reaching a trance state and using your affirmations. In no time at all, you'll be reaping the benefits of deeper relaxation and enhanced self esteem.