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Visualization Techniques To Reduce Stress
One of the best tools for stress reduction is a technique that dates back centuries. Creative visualization has long been used by swamis and spiritual leaders as part of their meditation process. In the last few decades, it has been discovered by psychologists and physicians as a great method of decreasing stress. The art of creative visualization. Just what is creative visualization? Basically, it is a technique in which you use your imagination to visualize a desired event in your life. Although called visualization, it draws upon all your senses to create a mental scene. Through repetition of visualizations and the use of other techniques to help you focus and relax, you can harness the power of your mind to turn what you've imagined into reality. While the visualization process is the centerpiece of the technique, it is most effective when it is used in combination with relaxation exercises and positive affirmations. Relaxation exercises can range from deep breathing to progressive muscle relaxation. Positive affirmations are constructive statements we give to ourselves about a goal or need. They are used to combat the negative energy and thoughts that often surround us when we are having a problem, such as stress. Reducing stress Let's take a look at how you can put relaxation and affirmations together with some powerful creative visualization techniques when you are trying to reduce stress in your life: Relaxation. Begin by getting your body and mind as relaxed as possible. Find a quiet place to stretch out and close your eyes. Start by taking slow, deep breaths. As you inhale, imagine yourself taking in cleansing, healthy energy. As you slowly breathe out, imagine the stress leaving your body with each exhalation. You may also imagine a warm ball of light going up and down your body, releasing tensions from each muscle group and providing warmth throughout. Creative visualization. Now you are at the heart of the stress reduction technique. Think about a problem you are having that causes you stress. Now imagine that the solution to this problem has already occurred. Let's use work deadlines as an example. Visualize your desk in detail, seeing all the projects piled up. Watch yourself completing each job and putting it in a big "Out" box on your desk. Lean back in your desk chair and savor the moment. Imagine your supervisor complimenting you on a job well done. Be as detailed in your visualization as possible. The most important point of the visualization is to focus your mind on concretely solving the problem, while feeling stress-free. Positive affirmations. After you have relaxed and visualized your scene, think about positive statements you can make about yourself in this situation. Make the statements about you and frame them in positive terms. For example, don't say: "My workload isn't going to be as bad as it is now." Instead, say: "I am always able to complete my assignments efficiently." After you get up from your relaxation moment, write some of these affirmations down. You can refer to them when you begin to have negative thoughts about your work and start to feel stressed again. With regular practice, you will find that you can immediately go into a creative visualization when you need to, in order to get immediate relief from stress. Before a job interview or dentist appointment, try this technique next time and see if it works for you! And for long-term stress relief, practice creative visualization as part of a regular relaxation or meditation routine. Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com Visualization techniques - on SilvaLifeSystem.com. Visit our site to learn more about meditation, visualization and other topics related to the famous Silva Method. |
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