Last month I introduced the concept of how stress may affect us physiologically and techniques to help manage some of that effect. When I discuss physiological techniques with clients, I introduce the idea that the five senses can provide a variety of strategies for managing stress. Our sense of smell, touch, taste, sight and sound can be integrated in a variety of ways. Because we are unique in how we respond to stress and what we respond to, the type of strategy that may work for one person may not necessarily work for someone else. This is one reason why seeing a professional may be beneficial, as their training may help you with individualizing these approaches. As always, the techniques and information presented here are not meant to replace medical care and thus it is important to rule out any medical issues. Talk to your doctor first.
An additional strategy is discussed here that utilizes all or some of the five senses. Our brain has a wonderful capacity to remember “comfort” when that comfort is experienced. It’s similar to how some people reminiscence about “the good old days” when they catch a whiff of a meal, apple pie, or whatever they connected with positive experiences.
This technique is visualization/imagery. Imagery can utilize a variety of senses or just one or two. You may need to experiment to determine which may be more of a present sense for you and how you may be able to more effectively utilize this for this strategy or another. Imagery, however, utilizes a combination of the senses, but the main sense is sight, what you are seeing. The notion is that the brain does not know the difference between what is “real” and what you “perceive as real”. Thus, if you imagine biting into a freshly cut lemon, chance are you may notice a reaction to it. Depending on how detailed the image is, some individuals notice a “puckering” reaction or salivating or a tingling with those taste buds.
I often have clients “picture” what relaxation looks like to them and have them describe it to me, in a specific, descriptive manner. Most of the time, there is a physical reaction to these “calming” images. Imagery is also present when we daydream. We temporarily focus on an image to give us an “escape” for a moment.
In terms of utilizing imagery for yourself, you can see which of the above strategies may work for you or if there’s a variation to it. Post your individualized strategy and others may also benefit from it. This can be something we explore and keep focus on this one technique. Next month we’ll explore the technique of meditation. Here’s to your success in managing your stress!
Serena Wadhwa Psy.D., LCPC, CADC
www.triqualiving.com
