Relaxation imagery: 1 great way to relieve stress

Relaxation is too often taken for granted. You may think that sitting down or having a lie down for a few minutes is sufficient. In these instances, you may be more physically relaxed but as long as your mind is still actively ruminating on the tasks of the day, you will not experience pure relaxation. Relaxation is essential to relieve stress and support recovery from the pressures of the day. To achieve pure relaxation requires conscious effort. You must move yourself to a peaceful state, far removed from the demands of the day. There are many ways to achieve this but relaxation imagery is one of the most effective. Relaxation imagery requires you to take control of the imagery in your mind and use it to induce a peaceful, relaxed feeling in both your body and mind. Using relaxation imagery will enable you to relieve stress and recover from the pressures of the day.

How to use relaxation imagery

Using relaxation imagery effectively requires practice and patience. You must identify a place or scene which causes you to feel relaxed. The scene can be real or imaginary. Once you have identified the scene you can follow these steps:

Step 1

Identify a place where you will not be disturbed. If necessary, place a sign on the door informing others that you are not to be disturbed. Switch off all communications devices and lower the lighting.

Step 2

Sit or lie in a relaxed position. Which you choose is a matter of preference.

Step 3

Close your eyes and picture the relaxing scene you have chosen. Take a few moments to observe the scene in full. Do not try to force it. Allow the scene to become clearer and notice the individual details.

Step 4

Notice the lighting within the scene. Is it low or bright? Take a moment to focus on the lighting.

Step 5

Notice the colours in the scene. Pick one of these colours and focus on it for a few moments.

Step 6

Notice the sounds in the scene. What can you hear? Or, is it silent? Focus on one of these sounds, or the silence, for a few moments.

Step 7

Notice the smells and aromas, if any. What can you smell? Pick one aroma and focus on it for a few moments.

Step 8

Can you feel anything? Can you touch anything? Notice the sensations that come with these experiences. Focus on them for a few moments.

Step 9

You have attempted to experience each individual aspect of the scene. Now, return your focus to the full scene. Take it all in. Allow the peaceful feelings to flow through you. Do not try and hold onto them; just allow them to flow.

Step 10

When you are ready, open your eyes slowly. Take a few minutes to allow yourself to re-awaken before you attempt any other activities.

Relaxation imagery is just one effective Stress Management technique. To learn more, check out Stress Free Living.

To feel the full benefit of relaxation imagery requires commitment and practice. The benefits make the effort worthwhile. If you initially use relaxation imagery 2-3 times per day; within; 2-4 weeks you will become proficient in its use. You will then be able to use it as and when required. Relaxation imagery is one of the best tools to relieve stress and recover from the pressures of a busy life. Why not add it to your toolkit?