About the visualisation
Points to consider for recording
Points to consider before you visualise
A visualisation example
About the visualisation
Visualisation can be a powerful tool in many life situations. It can help you to wind down and relax, get to sleep (or go back to sleep), assist in releasing tension and provide a quiet, inner space, to relax the mind and body. Some people use visualisation as a stress management technique, to help them during periods of anxiety or pressure. Others will use it for daily support, to foster feelings of well-being.
Visualisation can also be used to relax and quieten the mind when undergoing
lifestyle changes (such as giving up smoking, alcohol, caffeine and/or recreational drugs). Coping with cravings and withdrawal signs can cause anxiety, stress and sleeplessness. Using imagery or visualisations can be a healthy way of dealing with these.
Visualisation is often used without being given the tag 'visualisation'. For example, many public speakers use it to practise their lines and actors will use it to move into the characters they wish to portray (because it enables them to create the scene 'within themselves' beforehand). Some people will mentally walk through a procedure or have speech in their mind before applying for a job, preparing (or rehearsing) the closing of a business deal, asking for a pay rise etc.
During pregnancy, many women will use visualisation as a way to relax and unwind, and to prepare them for their labour and birth. It is often used as a learning tool for the physical information of the birth process to be used on an imaginary level. Visualisations may also help breastfeeding women to relax, to help their milk to flow. You may wish to read more about the use of visualisations for
prelabour,labourlabour and
breastfeeding.
Points to consider for recording