Have You Tried Guided Imagery for Anxiety Management?
Wouldn’t it be nice if you could escape from your problems? Wouldn’t it be great if you could be magically transported from your own home to a location of your dreams surrounded by the people and things that you love the most? Wouldn’t it be amazing if you could go there any time you wanted, for free?
People with high levels of stress and anxiety are always looking for the easy answers. The speedy solution sounds appealing because anxiety is very physically and emotionally taxing. They want to find the quick fix that makes their symptoms dissipate rapidly with minimal effort on their part. Usually, such requests are lofty and impractical – but not this time.
This time is different because there is a useful technique called guided imagery that can fulfill all of the goals listed above and more. Guided imagery can whisk you away from your life to another place at another time. Even better, guided imagery is easy to learn, and with practice you can increase your ability to find higher levels of the relaxation you seek.
What is Guided Imagery?
Depending on what you read, you will find different definitions for guided imagery. The variations exist because guided imagery has become so useful across various settings that each group has changed the definition to suit their needs.
One option is that guided imagery is a method of forming mental images that permit you to take a peaceful journey. Another definition is that guided imagery is a program of directed and suggested thoughts that guide your mind and imagination towards a calm and focused state.
Mental health therapists consider guided imagery to be a consistently useful intervention for those with high stress, anxiety and depression.
Benefits of Guided Imagery
There are many practical benefits to using guided imagery. They span a wide range and include aspects of physical and mental health.
If you are not convinced of the positives of guided imagery, consider what it can do for you. It can:
- Create a sense of physical and mental relaxation.
- Lower blood pressure.
- Help you achieve goals and desired changes in your life.
- Prepare you for an important performance or event.
- Add a sense of self-control and independence in your life.
