Sarah,
Self hypnosis really does not mean what it sounds like.
It could be something as simple as closing your eyes for 2 minutes and thinking of good things or focusing your eyes on something on a wall or an object in a room.
I have kept my eyes closed while on the stair climber for about 4-5 minutes before. It's amazing what you feel like when you open them.
Music is also a great form of self hypnosis. Pink Floyd often works for me.
After Hurricane Frances, I played the album, "Wish You Were Here," in my car for a couple days and it helped me return to some sort of normalcy.
To me, slef hypnosis means being able to control your mind so panic or anxiety is not as severe. I learned this from my therapist and have had some success with it. I think I need to do it more now since I am astill rather stressed from the hurricanes and being of triavil.
Take it easy,
David