How To Deal With Stress-Visualization

Science and philosophy have studied this very interesting subject of visualization for many centuries. For our purposes, the visualization we will be
studying is to help learn how to deal with stress.

The first time I understood the value of visualization was in high school, when I was onthe track team. One of my events was the pole-vault, which is a rather complicated event. This is truly a case of needing to know how to deal with stress.

You must run at nearly full speed, while balancing a sixteen foot fiberglass pole. Then, at a perfectly timed moment, plant the pole in a little box and while jumping up, pull yourself into a sort of upside down position.

How to deal with family stress

You then must wait for the pole to bend and then straighten itself out. At just the right moment, you pull you body up and thrust it away from the pole, hopefully over the standard. Finally you free fall into a foam pit and land on your back.

Now, that's quite a bit to learn and execute. Timing is everything because everything happens in just a few seconds time. It also helps to have no fear, or at least ignore it. This is actually another of the secrets of knowing how to deal with stress.

Anyway, I learned that if I could imagine it in my mind, I could do it. Olympic athletes use this all the time, to great benefit.

In an almost meditative state, you picture each sequence of the process and imagine that you are doing it. You can see yourself going through the motions and doing everything correctly.

It isn't as easy as it sounds, at first. Also, you need to really get into it, so you can feel it. Your mind and body will be "tricked" into thinking that they have actually done it. Your nerves and muscles become sort of programmed.

As you do this repeatedly, it sets up a pattern and the next time you perform, it's as if you had already learned it.

Learn how to manage stress

Of course, it isn't like some kind of voodoo, or black magic. It is just the power of your mind and will. Obviously, the athlete still must practice and train. However, this is a very powerful tool and can be used in your personal life as well.

It is easy to think of applications to try an experiment with. Think of a person or circumstance that you can predict will cause you stress. Let's use the unreasonable boss example.

You already know that he can be very irritable and demanding. Maybe every time he gets near you, your body becomes tense, your concentration slips, you're just plain agitated.

Now, get into a comfortable position and play some scenes over in your mind. This shouldn't be too hard! You notice that even in your imaginings your body tenses up and you feel the nerves twitching. This already shows you that this process will make a connection between your mind and your body.

Effective parenting

Now, imagine that when he approaches, that you react in a different way. When I do this, I immediately find myself taking deep, slow, cleansing breaths. Already, my mind feels more clear and my body is more relaxed.

Maybe you can now imagine speaking with confidence, or with
assurance. Visualize yourself standing taller or sitting in a more For example, at one time in my life, I was terrified of public speaking.

As an adult I found myself in a position that required a lot of public speaking, sales. It required quite an effort on my part, but soon I was comfortable in front of a large group of people, as well as in one on one situations.

After I was finished speaking, I would sit and mentally go over what had just taken place. Then, I would imagine saying it more effectively and with confidence. This really helped me know how to deal with stress.

My dry mouth mostly disappeared, as did the timid voice and sweaty palms. Of course, it is normal to feel nervous to a small extent, that's just human nature.

Also, I asked a friend to help me. She was rather blunt at times, but I
appreciated her suggestions. She told me things I could never
have observed on my own. Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but it is the way to learn how to deal with stress.

In order for visualization to succeed, you need to take the necessary time. This isn't all that difficult to do, even for busy people. The time spent commuting, waiting for appointments, or while out walking are all good times.

Bedtime might not be so good though, for some people it keeps them awake. Just be sure to take it seriously, you will be pleasantly surprised at the quick
results. You might even think that surly boss has become friendlier! You will be glad you learned how to deal with stress.

Save your marriage

Taking a quiet-time in the morning is wonderful. This is a perfect time to strengthen yourself for the day. With some patience and persistence you will soon find yourself able to handle situations that formerly would have been very stressful.

You might even be tempted to wonder why it was so difficult! You will also become more compassionate with other people who are suffering from similar problems. Knowing how to deal with stress helps you grow in compassion.

Knowing how to deal with stress will enable you to live life the way you want and make you a much more effective person.