A very normal question and the answer is impossible to give.

Everyone is an individual and self-hypnosis is a very individual thing to do.

I may be able to take myself into a deep trance state in seconds whereas you may take an hour. It is courses for horses I'm afraid.

However, having said that, you can test your depth of hypnosis by concentrating on your non-dominant arm (the reason is that the non-dominant arm is controlled by the non-logical side of your brain) and mentally give yourself the suggestion it is getting lighter.

If you feel it is moving (whether it physically does or not) then your mind is ready for self-suggestions. If it does not move, you may need to continue going deeper into hypnosis.

But, one thing you must be aware of. It is not important whether you are in a deep state or a light trance as long as you are aware of what is happening around you. I assume whoever taught you the technique had the good sense to warn you that you should give yourself a suggestion at the beginning that you will become fully alert if you smell smoke or anything unusual happens whilst in hypnosis????

The fact is, the majority of people respond to self hypnosis whilst in a light trance.

And, the best way to learn how to do it is to be taught by a hypnotherapist, whilst in hypnosis. It speeds up the process 1000%

I hope this has helped in some small way.

Robert Shields
PS: I have been a practicing Hypnotherapist for well over twenty years so I do have some experience on the subject.