What is guided meditation?

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Guided meditation/relaxation simply put, is meditation/relaxation with help from another person. Usually someone who is trained or has been practicing for a certain amount of time. It’s an easy way to learn how to relax your mind and body and can be helpful in learning how to focus on your inner and outer self.

I’ve been practicing guided relaxation for over 10 years and have also integrated it into sessions with my clients. I was first introduced to it in graduate school by one of my professors. It’s been a helpful tool that can bring about many positive and rejuvenating changes.

Some of the ways it can help:

  • Alleviate anxiety

  • Decrease depression

  • Decrease blood pressure

  • Lower cortisol levels

  • Improve quality of sleep

  • Improves brain function

  • Helps with anger issues

  • Increase self-confidence

  • Assist with closure in certain seasons of life

There are however, certain scripts that should only be practiced with a Licensed Therapist, such as closure assistance or trauma-related scripts. This is because deeper issues that may illicit various emotions are best experienced with someone who is able to assist with processing what one has just experienced.

Overall, guided meditation/relaxation is a great way to get to know yourself better. You can take some of the things you learn and practice them throughout your day. When you’re winding down at night, you can think back to a helpful point in the meditation or a peaceful place you may have created in your mind to help you sleep better, maybe you’re feeling stressed and a certain word or color you thought of could help ease your mind, or while taking a walk, you can be more aware of your surroundings by focusing on sounds and smells or anything that may be familiar from a previous guided meditation.

There are simple apps that you can download on your phone and listen to in order to relax also. Practicing some of the more simple ones at home, can help with in-session guided relaxations too.

No matter what you choose, you’re sure to walk away feeling better that you’ve taken some time for yourself and your mind and body will thank you for learning something new!

You can experience one of my short, simple relaxations here. You’ll be on your way to a healthier, more relaxed you.

Questions and comments are always welcome, I’d love to hear from you! Blessings, Health, and Happiness,

Joelle