When in need of making an important decision, we’re all heard the terms “Sleep on it” or “Use your gut instinct”. Many of us want the answer now and want the right answer, so we turn to the internet and science instead of listening to our own intuition. Well good news, as science is starting to catch up with what the body knows already. According to numerous research studies, researchers are now able to identify that our subconscious mind knows the answer before our conscious mind does.

Research is still in the beginning stages of course, however with the use of fMRI machines, scientists can determine that our subconscious mind knows the answer to a decision 7 to 11 seconds before our conscious mind becomes aware of this answer.

7 to 11 seconds may not seem like much, but this is what we are currently able to measure with the information and technology we have. Since our subconscious is always at work, it is likely that we know well ahead what our decision will be, or at least the direction we may be leaning towards, long before we consciously become aware of our decision.

We still have lots to learn about the brain and body, but it is nice to see that science is starting to identify what many have known intuitively for a long time. Our bodies and our brains know what is best for us, we simply need to follow our gut instinct.

What does hypnosis have to do with subconscious decision-making?

Hypnosis is a tool that releases the subconscious mind from the conscious mind’s shadows. It is estimated that roughly 95% of what makes up the self is from our subconscious, with only 5% being conscious. The subconscious includes our habits, our emotions, our values and intuition, our beliefs and fears, our imagination, our long term memory and much more.

Similar to an anti-virus software that runs on a computer, our subconscious is sifting through all the information it receives throughout the day and is on constant alert. In fact, it functions so well that we often forget it is there.

By occupying the conscious mind, hypnosis allows for us to communicate directly with the subconscious mind by tuning into our intuition. So the next time someone says to “Follow your gut” or to “Sleep on it” take their advice and let your intuition guide you. If you need a little more help before making a decision, hypnosis can assist with getting you in contact with your subconscious.

References:

• Koenig-Robert, R., Pearson, J. Decoding the contents and strength of imagery before volitional engagement. Sci Rep 9, 3504 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-39813-y
• Soon CS, Brass M, Heinze HJ, Haynes JD. Unconscious determinants of free decisions in the human brain. Nat Neurosci. 2008 May;11(5):543-5. doi: 10.1038/nn.2112. Epub 2008 Apr 13. PMID: 18408715.