Stress is universal.  Everyone suffers from it in some form or other.  And there are as many different types of stress reduction techniques and methods it seems!  You can distress using medications or herbs; incorporate diet and exercise changes into your life; meditate; do calming deep breathing exercises that have a soothing effect on your nervous system and so on.  

Now I’m not one for medicating if I can do something “natural”, by which I mean non-invasive (I definitely do not think some yoga positions are in any way “natural” – well not for me anyway! LOL)  Anyway, one interesting stress busting method I’ve heard a lot about is guided imagery.

Guided imagery is a technique for stress reduction that uses directed thoughts and images to guide your mind up a path to a more relaxed and focused state.  It is based on the concept that your mind and body are connected and what the mind suggests, the body can feel and experience.  So when the mind is becoming calmer and more relaxed, the body follows.  In essence you “think” yourself into becoming less stressed. 

I am a strong believer in the power of the mind and this technique has been shown to have powerful effects.  But it does need practice.  Guided imagery can be done by using CDs, scripts or with the help of a trained instructor.  A friend of mineclaims that when the guided imagery session is complete, he feels calmer, more focused, better physically and less stressed.  And it seems he’s not the only one.

In fact, when guided imagery is used on a regular basis as part of a stress reduction program, it can combine with other relaxation techniques to produce much lower overall levels of stress and longer lasting feelings of relaxation and of being more capable of dealing with life’s stresses.

And like all stress relief programs, guided imagery can help lower blood pressure.  But it can also be used to deal with pain, and help the body heal itself quicker.  And it can also be a useful tool in your armory when battling weight loss or want to kick your smoking habit. 

Actually, I’ve read so much about it recently that I think I’m definitely going to try it.  If you’ve done it, let me know how you’ve found it.

A Fun Fact...


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