Visualization - A Happy Place
Whenever my kids are having trouble sleeping, I tell them to think about being in a place they love until they fall asleep.
Most of the time, they daydream about what it was like to be at Disneyworld or on vacation somewhere.
They take themselves back to a time and place that was pleasurable.
It works every time.
Once they've transported themselves for a few minutes, they fall right to sleep.
We've all heard or used the phrase "I'm going to my happy place".
It's usually used as a joke or to express frustration, but "happy places" can actually offer lots of health benefits.
Visualization is a proven technique that can be used to bring peace and comfort.
It can help reduce blood pressure and reverse the ill-effects of stress.
It's like taking a vacation without the packing and expense.
Better still, it's free!! When I talk about visualization, I usually break it down into two different varieties.
The first is visualization on places you've already been.
The second is focusing on places you'd like to go or experiences you'd like to have.
For now, let's focus on your happy place.
Start right now.
Think of a place you've been that was tranquil, peaceful; a place that brings you joy when you think about being there.
Now use this place (I suggest you build a happy place bank with many places) throughout the day as a coping tool when you're stressed out or frustrated; when you're looking for peace or when you need balance in your life.
At those times, take a few moments to close your eyes and go to your happy place.
Use all of your senses to think about it in every detail: how does it look? Take note of everything you see.
Are you outside? Is the sun shining? Who (if anyone) is with you? What colors do you see? Then think about what you are smelling in this place.
Is it fresh air, cooking food, rain? How about what you can feel with your hands? Do you feel the grass, sand, or sunshine? Are you tasting anything? Try using your mind to put your favorite food in your mouth.
Try to actually taste the food as you enjoy the surroundings of your favorite place.
Finally, what do you hear? Is it the ocean, trees rustling, or a friend's voice? Feel your body relax and your mind calm down.
Stay there as long as time allows.
Enjoy your happy place and bring peace to your busy life every day.
Most of the time, they daydream about what it was like to be at Disneyworld or on vacation somewhere.
They take themselves back to a time and place that was pleasurable.
It works every time.
Once they've transported themselves for a few minutes, they fall right to sleep.
We've all heard or used the phrase "I'm going to my happy place".
It's usually used as a joke or to express frustration, but "happy places" can actually offer lots of health benefits.
Visualization is a proven technique that can be used to bring peace and comfort.
It can help reduce blood pressure and reverse the ill-effects of stress.
It's like taking a vacation without the packing and expense.
Better still, it's free!! When I talk about visualization, I usually break it down into two different varieties.
The first is visualization on places you've already been.
The second is focusing on places you'd like to go or experiences you'd like to have.
For now, let's focus on your happy place.
Start right now.
Think of a place you've been that was tranquil, peaceful; a place that brings you joy when you think about being there.
Now use this place (I suggest you build a happy place bank with many places) throughout the day as a coping tool when you're stressed out or frustrated; when you're looking for peace or when you need balance in your life.
At those times, take a few moments to close your eyes and go to your happy place.
Use all of your senses to think about it in every detail: how does it look? Take note of everything you see.
Are you outside? Is the sun shining? Who (if anyone) is with you? What colors do you see? Then think about what you are smelling in this place.
Is it fresh air, cooking food, rain? How about what you can feel with your hands? Do you feel the grass, sand, or sunshine? Are you tasting anything? Try using your mind to put your favorite food in your mouth.
Try to actually taste the food as you enjoy the surroundings of your favorite place.
Finally, what do you hear? Is it the ocean, trees rustling, or a friend's voice? Feel your body relax and your mind calm down.
Stay there as long as time allows.
Enjoy your happy place and bring peace to your busy life every day.
Source...