Stress management: Doing guided imagery to relax
Introduction
Have you ever been in the middle of a stressful situation and wished you could be somewhere else—like lying on a tropical beach? Guided imagery helps you use your imagination to take you to a calm, peaceful place.
Key points
- Because of the way the mind and body are connected, guided imagery can make you feel like you are experiencing something just by imagining it.
- You can do guided imagery with audio recordings, an instructor, or a script (a set of written instructions) to lead you through the process.
- You use all of your senses in guided imagery. For example, if you want a tropical setting, you can imagine the warm breeze on your skin, the bright blue of the water, the sound of the surf, the sweet scent of tropical flowers, and the taste of coconut so that you actually feel like you are there.
- Imagining yourself in a calm, peaceful setting can help you relax and relieve stress.
What is guided imagery?
Why try guided imagery?
How do you do guided imagery?
Where to go from here
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| Author: | Merrill Hayden | Last Updated: May 21, 2008 |
| Medical Review: | Catherine D. Serio, PhD - Behavioral Health Lisa S. Weinstock, MD - Psychiatry | |
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