Picturing Peace: 10 Steps for Using Guided Imagery to Help With Stress Reduction by Elisa Schmitz

Mindfulness Mental Health
2 months ago

Have you ever been in a stressful situation and started picturing yourself elsewhere, such as your favorite calm beach, walking on a snowy path or enjoying the quiet woods or mountains? Then you already may be using imagery to help with stress reduction.

Guided imagery may provide many health benefits, including relaxing the mind and body. As you meditate, the idea is to envision a mental picture or scene that is relaxing to you, then let the escape provide peace. This may help relieve tension, distract you from what's stressing you and get positive thoughts flowing.

Here’s the image I’m focusing on today; a lone swan on the shores of Lake Garda, Italy. While it feels like forever since I took this picture, it was only two weeks ago. I’m taking myself back there as I hold onto this image today.

You can do guided imagery using a variety of recordings, apps and websites. These techniques are also used in meditation classes and even some yoga classes. But you can do it on your own. Here's how I take myself through the process of guided imagery:

  • Get comfortable in a cozy chair, on a couch or even while lying in bed.
  • Close your eyes and take five to 10 deep breaths to help you relax. I like to inhale through my nose and out through my mouth. I make my exhale twice as long as my inhale. For example, inhale for a count of four, exhale for a count of eight.
  • Envision a peaceful place where you have been, such as a quiet woods or a calm beach (or anywhere that you find relaxing). The video above is from a peaceful walk I took on a snowy day, and I use it a lot when I meditate. If you can't think of a place you have been to, then create one in your mind. Where do you dream of going that is relaxing? Create a mental picture of it.
  • Fill in the details using all of your senses. What do the grass or mountains look like? What do the sand or snow feel like under your feet? Is it warm or cool outside? Do you smell the salty ocean or the evergreen trees? Do you hear birds chirping or waves rolling in?
  • Add a path that goes through your picture, and see yourself walking on that path. Walk down the sandy beach or steps to the water, for example. Walk through the calm forest or valley until you reach the creek. As you walk down your path, feel more and more at peace.
  • After you have arrived at the end of your path, enjoy what is there. Take in the water, the mountains, the forest. Keep that picture in mind as you meditate and breathe deeply into the calm. Stay with the image for a few moments if possible.
  • You can associate this image or place with a word if you like. That way, you can bring up the image just by thinking of the word. For example, "peaceful" could be used to describe your place. Then when you think of that word in the future, hopefully your image will come to mind and take you back there.
  • When you are ready, you can start walking back on your path, leaving your peaceful place behind for now. When you are back, take a moment to remember the way your body and mind feel. Soak in the calm and the peace.
  • Count to five, then slowly open your eyes. Take a moment and re-orient yourself to the world around you. Notice the lack of stress in your body and mind. Hold onto that feeling.
  • Slowly get up and start your day, or get back to your day. If you are doing this at bedtime, then lucky you. Time for bed and hopefully you will sleep very well!

Note: The content on 30Seconds.com is for informational and entertainment purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice. The information on this site should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease, and is not a substitute for professional care. Always consult your personal healthcare provider. The opinions or views expressed on 30Seconds.com do not necessarily represent those of 30Seconds or any of its employees, corporate partners or affiliates.

Take 30 seconds and join the 30Seconds community, and follow us on Facebook to get inspiration in your newsfeed daily. Inspire and be inspired.

Related Products on Amazon We Think You May Like:

30Second Mobile, Inc. is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Walking Meditation: How to Put Your Body in Motion & Create a Mindful Connection

Meditate in Hawaii: Stop, Breathe & Watch This Meditation Video (You Deserve It)!

De-Stress, Unwind & Relieve Anxiety With This Short Guided Meditation: Ready? Let's Go...

Zen Out With Your Kids: How to Introduce Meditation to Children

Dieter Schmitz
I love all of the imagery - from the peaceful lake to the quiet snow. Thanks Elisa All Schmitz 30Seconds for sharing and caring. Love you!! ❤️
Elisa Schmitz
Thank you for being at my side to create these magical moments that I capture and then recall later when I need to find peace. I am so grateful for you, Dieter Schmitz !
Tiffany Zook
I remember as a child, my mother took us to the library to do this . They hosted workshops on stress reduction. Marge Jesberger
Elisa Schmitz
That is amazing if you were already doing this as a child, Tiffany Zook ! So enlightened of your mom, Marge Jesberger , to get you started at a young age, understanding how to reduce stress. So important!
Ann Marie Patitucci
Love this! I need to do this more often!

join discussion

Please login to comment.

recommended tips

Gluten-free Diets: 3 Things You Need to Know Before Going Gluten-Free

Food Allergies & Coronavirus: A Registered Dietitian's Guide to Food Insecurity During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Skip the Potato Chips: How to Prep So You Grab Healthier Snacks!

The Health Benefits of Cinnamon: Why You Need to Sprinkle This Spice on Everything