Did you know that you can significantly reduce stress each day with a freely available powerful tool: your imagination? This practice of positive thinking was popularised by Emil Coue, a French pharmacist, around the turn of the 19th century. He believed that the power of 'imagination' far exceeds that of the 'will'. It may be difficult to will yourself to a relaxed state, but you can imagine relaxation spreading through your body and you can visualise yourself to be in a safe, beautiful 'Zen Zone'- that can become your very own refuge.
You are what you think you are
Coue believed that all our thoughts become our reality. For example - thoughts of a happy memory make us joyful. If we are consumed by anxious thoughts, we become tense in the moment. The trick is then to refocus the mind on positive, healing, joyful and uplifting images. This is simply, the mindful the art of 'Visualisation'.
Visualisation - to beat work related stress
We all visualise. Daydreams, memories and inner talk are all types of visualisation. We can harness these thoughts and consciously employ them to destress ourselves and improve our productivity; most importantly our mental health at work. Let me show you a way of incorporating this into your daily busy schedule.
Create and escape to your special 'Zen Zone'
A special place is different to everyone. For me, it is sitting on the beach -listening to soulful music and watching the sunset. To some, it could be a path leading to a beautiful mountain peak and to some it could be just a comforting space in their homes. So, this place can be indoors or out. When creating a vision of this space, follow these few guidelines:
Create the space with great focus: Sand is warm under your feet, there's a palm tree at a distance and has a nice shady spot that you can sit under. The sun is up and the sky is a myriad of warm colours. The fresh smell of the ocean is invigorating your senses, the birds are chirping so on and so forth.
Now, when stressed at work take a few minutes and escape to this space in the following way:
Remove your shoes. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths
Imagine your special place in your mind's eye
Start walking towards that space in your mind
Feel the space with all your senses: smells, view, sand or grass under your feet, birds chirping and everything in the minutest details to awaken your senses completely.
Find it, go and sit or lie down in your favourite place - for me, it is under a tree. This is your special space and nothing can harm or affect you here.
Now spend a few precious moments realising that you are completely relaxed, comfortable and safe here. Feel that in every cell of your being.
Memorise this place's smells, sounds, tastes, sights, sounds.
When you are ready, leave this space by the same path.
Open your eyes, feel the ground under your feet. Touch things on your desk, look around and smile with your heart as you feel totally refreshed.
Congratulations! You have created your special zone and now you can escape to it whenever you wish. This is a space where no stress can affect you.
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