About Us    Contact Us    Careers    Site Map    Search

Health Care Services    Hospitals & Facilities    Health Information    Find a Doctor    Why Choose Baptist
 
Home Health Information Health Topic Library General Health
Stress Management: Mental Imaging
 
What is mental imaging?
This relaxation technique is also called autogenic training or guided imagery. It consists of mental exercises that create feelings of heaviness, warmth, and relaxation in your muscles.

How do I do this exercise?
Sit in a comfortable chair or lie down in a quiet room. Close your eyes. Breathe in slowly and deeply. Picture waves on a beach. As you breathe in, imagine the waves coming toward shore. As you breathe out, picture them moving away from the shore. Imagine the sun shining on you. Concentrate on muscle groups one at a time. Visualize the sun warming the area and feel this muscle group relax. While you visualize and feel the muscles relax, say to yourself, for example, "My forehead and scalp feel heavy, warm, loose, and relaxed." Do the exercise for each of the following muscle groups:
  • forehead and scalp
  • eyes
  • nose
  • face
  • tongue
  • jaws
  • lips
  • neck
  • right arm
  • left arm
  • back
  • chest
  • stomach
  • buttocks and thighs
  • right leg
  • left leg.

Do these exercises twice a day. Each exercise session should last 5 to 10 minutes.

There are other relaxation methods you may want to try, such as diaphragmatic breathing and progressive muscle relaxation.




  Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

  HIA File GEN4428F.HTM Release 9.0/2006. Copyright © 2006 McKesson Corporation and/or one of its subdiaries. All Rights Reserved.


Top of Page

Baptist Online
Read the latest articles about a variety of health subjects, with many practical tips to help you take control of your health.
More

See Information Related to This Topic
Home | Health Care Services | Hospitals & Facilities | Health Information | Find a Doctor | Why Choose Baptist
©2009 Baptist Memorial Health Care Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Disclaimer. Notice of Privacy Practices.
Baptist Memorial Hospital In keeping with the three-fold ministry of Christ — healing, preaching and teaching — Baptist Memorial Health Care Corporation is committed to providing quality health care.