Have you ever had a very long dream? Research indicates the average length of a dream is two hours, with four to six dreams in that period.
Dreams are an altered state, so people cannot control them. Nevertheless, there is an increased interest in altered states and their mechanisms because of their benefits to mental health. The results indicate that the dreaming state is only one of the options for replicating that mind state.
Here is helpful information about altering consciousness.
What is an Altered State of Consciousness?
An altered state of consciousness (ASC) distorts normal thinking. The most concise description is when you are in an altered state. It feels like you are watching yourself in a movie that is not taking place physically.
ASC changes how the mind operates from one typical function to another. Among the ways of inducing this state are trauma, sleep, environmental changes, or psychedelics.
Ways to Alter the State of Consciousness
ASC changes the general cognitive and emotional activity patterns of the brain. There are many ways to alter consciousness aside from dreaming. Here are some ways to do it.
Hypnosis
Hypnosis is a trance-like, altered state of awareness in which you are more receptive to suggestions. Hypnotherapy is the most common form of hypnosis used. It is an alternative therapy for many conditions, such as anxiety, depression, and other cognitive impairment. It has also been used in some cases to help with tobacco addiction.
Daydreaming
Daydreaming, or hypnagogia, is halfway between wakefulness and sleep. It occurs when someone is awake, but the mind wanders from one thought to another without any goal or purpose.
Daydreaming is a commonly occurring altered state of consciousness. You are aware of your surroundings but not fully engaged. For example, you might daydream while sitting in class, on the train, or waiting for the bus. Daydreaming differs from sleepwalking and zoning out because it usually involves some degree of awareness and control.
Meditation
People who experience stress and confusion can alter their state of mind by using meditation. Meditation aims to focus your attention and awareness to achieve a clear mental and emotional calm and clarity.
Practitioners use one of several training techniques, such as concentrating on their breathing, an image, a sound, or a word. Over time, you can improve your overall health and well-being by becoming more mindful and living in the moment.
Psychedelic Drugs
Psychedelic drugs are substances that alter the state of consciousness chemically. These drugs have been around for centuries, employed by many cultures for religious ceremonies. These drugs can change brain cognition, perception, and mood, whether natural or manufactured.
One of the most popular psychedelics to induce hallucinations is Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD). You can order LSD online in Canada to help you achieve an altered state. However, you should know that LSD is under tight regulation worldwide. It is illegal in Canada to possess LSD, except for scientific, medical, or industrial purposes.
Sensory Deprivation Chamber
Sensory deprivation chambers are tanks of water for the complete submersion of an individual. The chamber induces a feeling of weightlessness and a new level of consciousness.
The tank is full of salt water, which deprives you of any sense of touch. The chamber keeps the light out, so the person inside the tank can only see their body in the darkness. This intense loss of sensory input leads to a heightened state of consciousness.
People have been using sensory deprivation for many years as an effective way to produce hallucinations. People also use it for therapeutic purposes such as meditation. Sessions in sensory deprivation chambers can help people suffering from psychosis, stress, anxiety, and insomnia.
Optimal Living With Altered Consciousness
The main benefit of altering the state of consciousness is that it can provide a new perspective on life. It is an opportunity to challenge your beliefs and experience something new.
Moreover, altering the state of consciousness has medical benefits. It can improve sleep quality and treat anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. It can make you feel more relaxed, and it might even make you more creative.
