Benefit of Guided Imagery

Guided imagery harnesses the power of your mind and your imagination to bring about positive change in your life. The technique has long been used as a therapy for coping with and healing from the trials of everyday life. It involves imagining yourself in a soothing setting where the mind can relax and fresh ideas and feelings can surface.

Purpose

With guided imagery, your mind provides images of an ideal environment. You can be transported from a stressful urban setting to a pleasant glade with a babbling brook and singing birds or a sunny beach with ocean waves lapping. The goal is to bring you to a state of relaxation where any threats or worries in your life temporarily do not exist. Without the stressors, your subconscious mind can come up with a solution to a problem, or your body and mind can simply get a much-needed rest.

Process

You can find recordings of guided imagery online or for purchase as CDs. As you play a recording, your guide will lead you through a series of tasks to recreate a safe place. The process depends on your ability to follow the prompts and focus on the imagery. You should hold your session at a time and place where you will not be disturbed. Make sure you are positioned comfortably so you won't be distracted. It will take several moments for your mind to quiet and ease into a relaxed state. The guide will instruct you throughout the session and bring you back to alertness when it is complete.

Benefits

The act of following a guided imagery session is like a mental workout. Mentally you will feel refreshed and calm. Depending upon the particular program, you may be transported to a situation where you are facing some adversity but in a safe setting. It is like a mental rehearsal where you can confront the problems in your life and come up with solutions without the pressure of implementing them. This practice can help you develop confidence and courage to face difficult situations.

Types

The types of guided imagery are unlimited. Some sessions may incorporate breathing into the program to create a mind-body awareness. Deep-breathing techniques can be a powerful way for you to invoke a calm state at any time.

Stress Management

Another use of guided imagery is stress management. The mere act of imagining a stress-free situation can be liberating. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, guided imagery is one of the major types of relaxation techniques. You move away from the stressed state of fight-or-flight to one of peace. Doing so can decrease your blood pressure and heart rate.