{"appState":{"pageLoadApiCallsStatus":true},"articleState":{"article":{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-26T15:05:12+00:00","modifiedTime":"2023-10-10T16:32:48+00:00","timestamp":"2023-10-10T18:01:03+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Body, Mind, & Spirit","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34038"},"slug":"body-mind-spirit","categoryId":34038},{"name":"Emotional Health & Psychology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34039"},"slug":"emotional-health-psychology","categoryId":34039},{"name":"Emotional Health","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34040"},"slug":"emotional-health","categoryId":34040},{"name":"Stress","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34050"},"slug":"stress","categoryId":34050}],"title":"How to Manage Stress with Imagination","strippedTitle":"how to manage stress with imagination","slug":"how-to-manage-stress-with-imagination","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"You can reduce your feeling of stress with your imagination. Here are three steps to help you release the stress and feel more at ease.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"Stressed? Imagine that. You'll probably feel better if you can release that stress-producing thought and replace it with a relaxing, calm image. Here's how to put your mind at ease:\r\n<ol class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Find a place where you won't be disturbed for a few minutes and get comfortable, either sitting in a favorite chair or lying down.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Think of an image — a place, a scene, a memory — that relaxes you.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">Use all your senses to bring that imagined scene to life. Ask yourself: What can I see? What can I hear? What can I smell? What can I feel? 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How to Manage Stress with Imagination

By: Allen Elkin and

Updated: 10-10-2023

From The Book: Stress Management For Dummies

Stress Management For Dummies

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Stressed? Imagine that. You'll probably feel better if you can release that stress-producing thought and replace it with a relaxing, calm image. Here's how to put your mind at ease:

Find a place where you won't be disturbed for a few minutes and get comfortable, either sitting in a favorite chair or lying down.
Think of an image — a place, a scene, a memory — that relaxes you.

Use all your senses to bring that imagined scene to life. Ask yourself: What can I see? What can I hear? What can I smell? What can I feel? What can I taste?
Let yourself become completely immersed in your image, allowing it to relax you completely.

Use your breathing as a tool to help you deepen your relaxation. Simply breathe more slowly and more deeply.

About This Article

This article is from the book:

Stress Management For Dummies ,

About the book author:

Allen Elkin, PhD, is a clinical psychologist and the director of The Stress Management & Counseling Center in New York City. Nationally known for his expertise in the field of stress and emotional disorders, he has appeared frequently on Today, Good Morning America, and Good Day New York.

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