Find Your Happy Place

Need to address your stress? Use Monday to find your happy place. This simple and gratifying exercise may aid in reframing your state of mind.

When you feel too much tension, take a moment to imagine yourself in a place where you feel relaxed and content, your happy place. Also known as visualization, or guided imagery, this research-supported tool can help you reduce stress.

Visualization is highly effective because you’re providing your brain with positive suggestions in contrast to stressful ones. It can be done anywhere and at any time. When practiced regularly, like every Monday, it may also increase your overall sense of well-being.

Here are some tips on finding your happy place:

Think of a place that already exists. Close your eyes and recall all the details of a special place. Remind yourself why it makes you feel good. Is there a lot of light? What does it feel like? Use all your senses to bring it to life in your mind’s eye.

Or, come up with a new place. You can imagine yourself on a beach, in a garden, or anywhere that rings true for you. Either way, visualize that you’re truly in your happy place, and then simply rest in the imagery of it for a few minutes to de-stress.

Guided meditations. To increase the efficacy of reducing your stress, pair visualization with relaxation techniques, such as progressive muscle relaxation. And, for more inspiration to develop your visualization practice, visit our Meditations page to get started.

Use Monday to make time to envision yourself in a setting that is comforting and enriching. This is a simple and free way to reduce stress and feel great.

For more tips, exercises, and conversations to de-stress this Monday, find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.