Guided Imagery

What is Guided Imagery?

Guided imagery is a program of directed thoughts that guide your imagination towards a relaxed, focused state. Guided imagery is based on the concept that your body and mind are connected. Using all your senses, your body seems to respond as though what you are imagining is real. Guided imagery is not just a mental activity. It involves the whole body, the emotions and all the senses.

What’s Guided Imagery used for?• Just 10 minutes of guided imagery

can promote relaxation, which has been proven to lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol, lower glucose levels in the blood, and heighten short-term immune cell activity.

• Reduces stress and anxiety.• It can help you reach your goals, such

as losing weight or quitting smoking.• Lessen headaches and pain.• It can reduce the aversive effects of

chemotherapy.• It can help you increase skills in

activities.

• Choice of imagery needs to be congruent with your values.• Engage in all the senses.• Imagery that elicits emotion is generally more effective than

imagery that doesn't.• Touching.• Music can increase the effects of imagery.• Group setting, CDs, self talk or one on one.

Anyone Can Do It!