Guided imagery is a mind-body intervention that involves evoking positive mental imagery to help invoke a positive effect.
This relaxation technique can be helpful for calming the body, relieving stress, and combatting feelings of anxiety.
It can quickly calm your body and simultaneously relax your mind.
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It’s pleasant to practice and not overly difficult or intimidating to learn.
Here’s how to make guided imagery practice work for you.
Get Comfortable
Get into a relaxed position, like the one you would use formeditationor self-hypnosis.
have a go at position yourself in a way where your physical comfort won’t be a distraction.
The key is to find what works for you.
Make your vision so real you could even taste it!
Relax
Stay here for as long as you like.
Enjoy your surroundings, and let yourself be far from what stresses you.
A popular method is using your own thoughts simply because this takes the least amount of preparation and expense.
you’re free to also record your own guided imagery tapes.
Research also suggests that online delivery of guided imagery interventions can be helpful.
Fortunately, guided imagery is a simple enough technique that can be used at home, with positive results.
How Guided Imagery Works
Guided imagery can be used to induce a state of deep relaxation.
The process involves envisioning a relaxing scene in great detail relating to all of the senses.
Imagining a ‘guide’ is a representation of their subconscious mind that they arent generally able to access.
The Benefits of Guided Imagery
Imagery can provide relaxation, insight, and wisdom.
Potential Pitfalls and Limitations
There are also a few potential limitations to consider.
Likeself-hypnosis, mastering autonomous guided imagery can take some practice.
Working with a professional therapist to get to that point can be somewhat costly but worthwhile.
Some people are unable to visualize things in their mind, this is known asaphantasia.
If you struggle with visualization, you may find other stress management techniques like yoga or meditation more helpful.
It can be easier than exercise oryogafor those with physical limitations.
It has no risk of side effects like some medical and herbal therapies.
Using it for simple relaxation is easy and can be done by just about anyone.
Accessing an internal guide takes more practice than other methods likeprogressive muscle relaxationor breathing exercises.
They can recommend strategies and treatments, including therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes.
2023;23(13):6210. doi:10.3390/s23136210
Krau SD.The multiple uses of guided imagery.Nurs Clin North Am.
