Visualization
An Anxiety Reduction Strategy
Anxiety is on the rise throughout all of society. People are concerned about their jobs, their health, their loved ones, and so much more. It is easy to get worked up and to feel overwhelmed even by simple day-to-day chores. Thus, it is useful for people to have an outlet that helps them reduce some of the anxious feelings that they have. Obviously, medication may be necessary for some individuals experiencing anxiety, particularly if they have an especially powerful case of anxiety, but others may benefit from using some non-prescription techniques. One such technique is known as visualization.
What Is Visualization?
Wouldn't it be nice if you could just think away your anxiety? Well, that isn't exactly possible, but visualization is a technique that can help practitioners to reduce their overall levels of anxiety. It can be the rock that you cling to when a storm of anxiety or a panic attack strikes you.
Similar to daydreaming, visualization calls upon the idea that we can transport our mind to a safer, more pleasant place than where we happen to be in our present circumstances. Each individual gets to decide for themselves where that place is, but the most important thing is that they have it available to them whenever they need it.
How To Start A Visualization Exercise
Beginning the process of visualization is simple. Verwellmind.com explains the steps to take before you start:
Before beginning any of these visualization exercises, make sure your environment is set up for your comfort. To better relax, eliminate any distractions, such as phones, pets or television. Try to find a quiet place where you will most likely be undisturbed. Remove any heavy jewelry or restricting clothing, such as tight belts or scarves. Get ready to relax by either sitting or lying down in a position that feels most comfortable to you.
The most important thing to do is make sure that you set yourself up in an environment that is calming and relaxing. If you have a space where you can get into the mindset of relaxation, then you are more likely to be able to practice deep visualization the way that you need to. You may notice an immediate reduction in your anxiety symptoms, and that might be enough to allow you to continue on with your day.
Why It Is Important To Incorporate This Into Your Routine
A single session of visualization might provide enough relief from your anxiety symptoms to allow you to carry on with your day, but regular visualization practice allows for more long-term benefits. You can start to rewire your mind to go to a happier place when things get difficult, rather than always turning more inward and dark as times get hard. This could be incredibly beneficial to your health and well-being.
It is a good idea to practice visualization exercises even on the days when you don't feel an overwhelming sense of anxiety. It is still possible that there is some underlying anxiety that you may not notice as easily. Additionally, you want to keep yourself in the practice of practicing visualization techniques even when there is not an immediate need to do so. Visualization is still a nice technique to use to feel better about your day, regardless of how anxious you are at that particular moment.
If you can set aside maybe fifteen minutes per day in a quiet room where you can practice these techniques, then you should start to see a change in your life in no time at all. It is all about getting into the habit of promoting health routines and ways to combat feelings of anxiety.
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