Visualization Exercises:
Forecasting Positive Realistic Outcomes
Visualization exercises are really one of the most helpful
exercises you can do prior to participating in a stressful
event.
Many times we are unsure and the anticipation of these future
events brings uncertainty and sometimes even anxiety.
Visualization exercises help to prepare us emotionally for the
stressful challenges that lie ahead.
Ask yourself....
- What is the worst thing that can happen?
- What is the likelihood of that happening?
- How will I react if it should actually happen?
For many of us, the answer to these questions would be downright anxiety
producing because our answers would be automatically negative and the negative
visualization we have are automatically tragic and emotionally devastating.
Visualizations should always be positive and at best, optimistic at
the same time. In other words, it's okay to prepare for the worst but also to
expect the best.
Visualization exercises should be something you do that keeps things
emotionally balanced.
For those that don't really understand visualization or the benefit of
visualization, here are some facts that you need to know:
Visualization produces physical results.
This means that when we see something in our minds, it has either a negative
or positive effect on the body depending on whether the visualization was
negative or positive.
The mind cannot tell the difference between what is real and what is
imagined. It's only job is to believe what we tell it.
So if you are having visualizations that are negative and stressful, your
body will feel the effects of those visualizations. For example: perhaps you
will feel butterflies in your stomach as you think about an upcoming job
interview. Perhaps you are worried and have obsessions about not being able to
swallow, this may effect how your throat feels. It really doesn't matter what
our visualizations are, our bodies will always respond in a way that is
relative.
Our bodies and minds are completely connected. What goes on in the
mind effects the body and visa versa. You can use your mind to produce a
positive response. You can practice visualization exercises by closing
your eyes and focusing on your situation. Then imagine yourself walking
through the problem. See yourself being strong and making good
decisions. See yourself calm and peaceful in that particular situation.
Imagine the entire event until you get to an optimistic ending.
Even if your visualization takes a negative turn, imagine yourself responding
in a way that's healthy and optimistic.
These positive visualization exercises may not remove all your anticipatory
anxiety but it will help reduce the amount of stress you feel, especially if you
are going into a situation with a good attitude and a successful vision.
What do you think will bring the best results? Will it be someone who
imagines failure or someone who imagines success?
The truth is that each one will determine what kind of experience you will
have in your reality.
It is important to recognize that visualization exercises may not be easy to
do at first. It does take practice and patience when learning this exercise. The
more you do it, the better you will become. So hang in there and do not give up.
Return from Visualization Exercises to Stress Management
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