Stress. It surrounds us humans at every second of every day. It is the feeling of having too much to do in a limited amount of time, of not having enough money to cover your rent this month after being fired from a job, or criticizing personal imperfections, even when no one besides you notices them.
Stress happens in the brain, an extraordinarily complex organ inside your head. According to the American Institute of Stress, stress increases the risk of heart disease by 40%, the risk of having a heart attack by 25%, and the risk of having a stoke by a whopping 50%. In our busy, modern lifestyles stress is almost inevitable, but how can one relieve that stress that holds many of us prisoner of our own minds?
Visualization and guided imagery, as noted by American Journal of Psychotherapy, are techniques used by healers and psychologists that can help patients relieve stress or recover from psychological disorders. Guided imagery and visualization are both methods in which an individual lies down and relaxes their body, almost as if they were trying to fall asleep, but before they reach the state of sleeping, a therapist asks the patients to imagine a relaxing place. Effective breathing techniques and dim lighting are used in the process of achieving a relaxed state. The patient then is able to imagine a place of comfort and explore this place with their mind, letting go of their stress as they explore.
Seeking alternative techniques, such as guided imagery and visualization, for relaxation in our stressful lives is definitely a good idea; especially if one is beginning to feel the side effects that come with stress (loss of sleep, weight change, headaches etc.).
Would you ever try guided imagery and visualization as a method to relieve stress?
Feature Image Source: digital4047
