Stress Management - Step Into the Picture For Stress Relief and Inner Peace

Enjoy an Instant Mini-Vacation to Shed Stress
Do you know how to take an instant mini-vacation from your hectic day, shedding tension and stress as you travel?
If you want to learn a quick and easy process to restore your inner peace and release the stress of your demanding day, read on for practical suggestions.
Draw on Your Natural Ability
These ideas draw on a talent you've probably had going strong since first grade -- your ability to fantasize. You'll be tapping your creative imagination, putting it to work for you in a structured and positive way. (Finally, encouragement to daydream!)
Below are two possible approaches for reducing stress by stepping into a vivid picture in your mind's eye. Find the one that works best for you and use it for a few moments of respite during your stress-filled work, or when the swirl of family activities get overwhelming. Often, even a very short break can help renew your balance and calm.
1. Imagine Your Place of Peace.
Simply pause for a moment at your desk, at the kitchen table, or anywhere you can steal about three minutes. Take a deep breath and exhale. You might find it easier at first to close your eyes, but if you are an accomplished daydreamer, you may keep your eyelids open.
Vividly imagine the most safe, peaceful, inviting and nurturing scene that you can create. It could be somewhere you have actually been, or someplace you'd love to go, or simply a place that springs spontaneously into your inner vision. It could be indoors or out, whatever spells peace and calm for you. Imagine yourself in that scene, very serene and carefree, looking around, seeing, hearing, touching, even tasting and smelling whatever you find there. Gently explore what is present in your scene, but most of all relax into the moment, savoring the peace and relaxation. After a couple of minutes open your eyes and return to day, feeling refreshed, relaxed and restored to inner peace.
2. Find a Picture of Peace.
If you have a hard time simply imagining a place of peace, find a painting, photo or magazine picture that spells peace and harmony for you. (Pictures of a tropical island, a lush garden, a mountain trail, a sunny beach, or your own backyard are all great possibilities. What appeals to you?) Look at this picture and imagine stepping into it, walking along and enjoying the beauty and peace. Gaze at the picture and at the same time imagine being right there in it for a couple of minutes. When you are ready, return your attention to your daily activities feeling re-balanced from your mini-journey in time and space.
Repeat Regularly for Maximum Stress Relief.
This simple process becomes more powerful with regular use. With repetition, you can call up your scene or step into your picture very quickly and completely, savor the relaxation and stress relief, and return renewed in your harmony and inner peace. Taking a quick break like this every few hours can make a big improvement in your stress management program.
For more stress reduction tips, sign up for my free newsletter, 17 Simple Stress Solutions, at http://www.powerofpersonalpeace.com/optin.htm
Dr. Ilenya Marrin is a personal peace consultant, inspirational speaker and author of ebooks The Power of Personal Peace: Reducing Stress by Loving Yourself from the Inside Out and 77 Loving Steps for Success.
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