In today’s increasingly chaotic society, the issue of how to de-stress is more crucial than ever. There are numerous strategies that can be utilized, each with advantages and disadvantages. Today, however, we’re going to discuss a method of stress relief that anyone can apply anywhere, at any time, and it doesn’t call for any specialized tools. What we’re referring to is using your imagination to let stress and tension melt away..
Any method that uses a strategy to assist you envision something to put you in a relaxed state is referred to as guided imagery.
To get you started, there are online audios, CDs, tapes, MP3 files, and written scripts. You may even create your own by improvising or from memory. It’s not all that crucial how you approach it. In other words, the final destination is what matters, not the voyage itself. Your goal in this situation is less stress.
When you start a guided imagery session, pick a setting that is calm and distraction free for the duration of the session.To release some of your tension, use some deep breathing techniques.You are now prepared to begin the guided imagery itself.
Think of a serene location that makes you feel fully at ease, such as a deserted beach, a tranquil stream tucked away in the shade of some trees, or, if you prefer, a far-off planet in another galaxy.(If you are utilizing a pre-recorded item, this step has already been completed for you.)
The most important thing is to pick a scene that makes you feel calm and relaxed.
Once you have the scene in mind, you go deeper and deeper into it by imagining more details as you go. Let’s say you picture being on a secluded beach. You would start by seeing the sun in the sky and listening to the surf rolling in. Next, you imagine some palm trees swaying in the tropical breeze, and how that breeze feels on your face (notice how your hair feels as it moves?). What about the warm sand as each grain works a microscopic massage on your feet? You not only hear the waves, but you also feel the slightest hint of sea mist every so often. Every detail has more depth and it puts you more into the scene.
Each new layer of detail you add is a whole new lesson in how to relieve tension. The reason this method is so good at removing stress is that it requires deeper and deeper focus on something that you find pleasurable. They say the mind has unlimited potential, and this is only one small example of just how true that is.
You will get the most benefits from doing full sessions of guided imagery, but you can also make brief returns to your favorite scene whenever you sense stress is starting to build up. How to relieve tension is as simple as trying simple techniques like guided imagery, so go ahead and give it a try and see how much better you feel afterwards.
