Stress Management: Doing Guided Imagery to Relax

Stress Management: Doing Guided Imagery to Relax

Introduction

Have you ever been in the middle of a stressful situation and wished you could be somewhere else—like lying on a tropical beach? Guided imagery helps you use your imagination to take you to a calm, peaceful place.

  • Because of the way the mind and body are connected, guided imagery can make you feel like you are experiencing something just by imagining it.
  • You can do guided imagery with audio recordings, an instructor, or a script (a set of written instructions) to lead you through the process.
  • You use all of your senses in guided imagery. For example, if you want a tropical setting, you can imagine the warm breeze on your skin, the bright blue of the water, the sound of the surf, the sweet scent of tropical flowers, and the taste of coconut so that you actually feel like you are there.
  • Imagining yourself in a calm, peaceful setting can help you relax and relieve stress.

What? - What is the medical information or key concepts related to the action? What is guided imagery?
Why? - Why the action is important? Why try guided imagery?
How? - Learn the steps involved in taking action. How do you do guided imagery?
Where? - Other resources and organizations that can help you take action. Where to go from here

Author:
Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Steven Locke, MD - Psychiatry
Last Updated:
May 15, 2012
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