What is guided imagery?

[TeenHelp]

What is guided imagery?
By Cassie (Cassado)

Guided imagery and affirmations are one of the many useful tools available for people who want to work on themselves. It can be used by itself or as an addition to therapy and other treatment. Guided imagery and affirmations have been written to support people through a lot of different issues from depression, anxiety, and trauma, to fibromyalgia, healthy pregnancy, or cancer treatments. People interested do not have to have an underlying issue to use it, however. It can be used for general wellness or for maintaining positive feelings. The wide variety of options makes it possible for more and more people to try it. This article will discuss what guided imagery is, how it is used, and tips for finding and using it.

As written by Health Journeys, guided imagery is, “a gentle but powerful technique that focuses and directs the imagination in proactive, positive ways.” It helps allow the listener’s mind to achieve goals while revealing their inner strength. Because guided imagery involves a lot of imagination, some find using it to be easier than practicing mindfulness. For instance, a listener may be asked to picture a safe place. Guided imagery is known to have a positive impact on emotions and thinking, thus aiding other struggles in the long run.

Guided imagery is available in segments that last for anywhere from ten to fifteen minutes, to a half an hour or more. It works best when it is listened to once or twice a day for a few weeks; the more it is listened to, the more positivity the listener will experience. It is suggested for people to try to listen to it around the same time of day, in the same place, whether that is before bedtime or in a favorite comfortable chair in the afternoon sun. Listening to the imagery with a schedule can help program the mind into more relaxation. Because it can make people relaxed and even sleepy, it is highly recommended to refrain from listening while driving or operating any machinery.

It may seem daunting to people who can’t or don’t wish to focus entirely on it, and that’s okay because it doesn’t require all of someone’s focus. Even if someone is not actively listening, their mind is listening and absorbing it on its own. The mind can also sometimes change the images or words to fit better for the person listening, or the person can do that consciously if they choose.

Some guided imagery recordings include sets of affirmations in the same or different segments. Affirmations are lifting statements that are said to improve self-esteem and help anxiety or other negative feelings. People can repeat them after they have been said, or they can let their mind absorb them. Over time, they help to retrain the mind regarding negative thinking. Some people like guided imagery better, while others like affirmations; it all depends on what the listener likes best.

Different guided imagery can be found on YouTube or on different apps. Many of these apps are free, and YouTube is free as well which can benefit people who aren’t sure if they are going to like it. Guided imagery can also be found on Amazon and some can be purchased at a discounted price or with Amazon audible credits. Some libraries have a few guided imagery recordings, and they can also be found in thrift stores

A person looking for guided imagery can find something they like by targeting something they’d like to work on, such as anxiety, or looking for general guided imagery recordings until they find something that is favorable. Finding something that feels safe can be difficult, but with a large variety, there will most likely be something that works best. Over time, guided imagery can be switched up if a listener gets bored or feels as though they have received the maximum benefit.

Ten to fifteen minutes or an hour a day of listening can provide a lot of relief from various issues. It may not work or be favorable to all listeners, but anything that has the potential to help improve someone’s quality of life is worth a try.

Source
What is Guided Imagery?

[Peachman]

great post I might try listening to it tonight