The human imagination is a wonderful element in our psyche. It can take us places and allow us to do things that are amazing and even impossible. Our ability to visualize can reap major benefits for us in the battle against stress. Stress can be managed, reduced, and even conquered by using the technique of visualization along with other stress management techniques. Visualization in this context is the process where you use mental images to focus negative stress away from your mind and body.
There is no doubt there is a strong definite connection between the mind and the body. For example, most likely if we are thinking about something negative, negative emotions are likely to follow. Negative emotions tend to have negative effects on the body as well. If we can unintentionally have negative thoughts and emotions affect us in a negative way, we can surely use positive thoughts and emotions intentionally to bring about positive feelings and successfully manage or even get rid of negative stress we may be dealing with.
The key technique here is to use positive images in your mind to visualize yourself getting the mastery over your stress. In your mind you can personify stress to be an object or a person either real or fictional. Personification is the technique of giving life to an inanimate object or quality by viewing it as living or having lifelike or human qualities. No image or visual representation that you may choose for stress is ridiculous or absurd. For example, you might view your stress as a large, ferocious gorilla. This is personal, so choose something that best represents stress to you. Then in some way that makes sense to you and makes you feel satisfied, visualize the stress leaving you or your body. Many may laugh at the idea or feel embarrassed that they would use such a technique, however, one should not underestimate the powerful effect visualization can have in fighting stress and its effects. How can this be done effectively?
For instance, using the example of the gorilla above, you might visualize the gorilla being captured, locked up, and then driven away behind bars to a remote place that you can no longer see. Feel and visualize how this brings you tremendous relief and also visualize how you no longer feel stressed. Breathe in deeply and feel the stress leaving your body as you exhale. If you allow yourself to start thinking about your stress again and have a negative emotion creep back in, perform the visualization routine again. Keep playing this scene over and over in your mind until you are satisfied with how you feel. Try very intently not to allow yourself to visualize the stress coming back. Make it impossible for your mind to do so. You can also use several different visualization scenarios that each represent an important aspect of a particular stress you may be dealing with. You can have different ones for different stresses. When is it appropriate or beneficial to use this technique?
The great thing about visualization is that it can be performed at any time and in any place. There are no limits to this technique as one always has his or her imagination available. Many prefer to spend a few minutes visualizing before they go to sleep at night. This can be an ideal time since all the activities of the day and stresses are behind us and we have the time to reflect accordingly. Also, we are more likely to be stressed at the end of the day than at the beginning. Most importantly though, find the time that works best for you and utilize it effectively. Each person has different stress levels and different times of the day that stress may affect them.
Never forget what a powerful tool your mind can be in fighting stress and reducing its negative effects. Many people who have had chronic stress problems have been able to use visualization effectively to regain control over stressful situations and reduce if not eliminate negative stress altogether. Visualization is a very powerful weapon against stress. Use it to your benefit and enjoy a more stress free life where you are in control of what affects your mind and body.