Can I use guided imagery to make two lifestyle changes at the same time?
I'm dealing with two things I want to change, and I don't have much time to spend listening to audio programs. Can you recommend guided imagery for both, and can I work on them at the same time?
Dear Belleruth,
I'm trying to find two things...one to reduce stress/anxiety and another to reduce dependency on alcohol. Can you do more than one topic at a time? Are there ones shorter than 60 minutes? I truly don't have time in a day to spend much more than 15 minutes if possible. Or is it really a requirement that you spend that much time for it to be effective?
Dear Emma,
We have some good guided meditations for reducing stress - Relieve Stress and Relaxation & Wellness but the Meditation to Support your Recovery from Alcohol & Other Drugs targets the chemical dependency, and is stress reducing at the same time. So you might want to start with that one and see how you respond. If you like it, you could alternate it with one of the stress ones.
When it says "60 minutes playing time", that's two different tracks, plus an intro - the guided imagery is about 25 minutes, and there's an affirmations track that's about the same.
You absolutely do not have to listen to the whole thing in order to benefit. If all you have is 10 minutes, take the 10. Over time, with repeated listening, it all sinks in, and the positive impact sneaks up on you; most people notice changes in attitude and behavior just sort of happening organically.
Also, the affirmations track can be played while doing other things, even driving, and you can stop and start anywhere.
Hope this helps.
Best of luck.
Belleruth
