For those of us who deal with anxiety on a daily basis, it can be beneficial to designate a handful of coping mechanisms, or strategies, that help us work through our anxious thoughts and bodily sensations.
While there are several different methods that can work to help to calm anxiety, one I would like to focus on in particular is called guided imagery. If you’ve never heard of this technique before, not to worry.
Guided imagery is a “program of directed thoughts and suggestions that guide your imagination toward a relaxed, focused state. You can use an instructor, tapes, or scripts to help you through this process. Guided imagery is based on the concept that your body and mind are connected,” says an article via healthlinkbc.
It might be difficult to picture what exactly this coping mechanism consists of from a single definition, but chances are you’ve likely already been exposed to it, perhaps unknowingly. Guided imagery is often practiced by people who meditate or do yoga, and it’s also something many of us rely on to help us to fall asleep. If you’ve ever used to Calm app, it’s probable you have listened to guided imagery, though if you haven’t, consider downloading the app. There is a guided imagery reading in the app that describes the fields of lavender in France, and it puts me to sleep every time I listen to it. It’s incredibly relaxing.
And, really, that’s what guided imagery aims to do; relax a listener. There’s a multitude of different forms of guided imagery, and a simple google search will likely prove to be helpful if you’re at all curious about this anxiety-reducing technique. Look into it if you’re someone who experiences anxiety, and see whether or not it makes a difference for you. It sure does for me.
ontheedgeofeverything 