Blog 4- Research and theory

    Guided imagery has significantly helped me regulate stress and anxiety, my sleep cycles, positive interactions in my social relationships, and my focus levels with every session. Upon my own research, I found an article that states how guided imagery can reduce anxiety state levels in the body in which supports my experience of reduced anxiety (Nguyen J, Brymer E.,2018) Similarly to this, I was further able to locate another article that indicates that guided imagery is known to lower stress hormone levels in which also aligns with my observations as I have noticed by being able to control and calm my negative thoughts recently. (Giacobbi, P., 2018). With my experience and my research, this also relates back to what we have talked about in class with Candace Pert in module 3 about the "bodymind". This theory, Pert argues there is one integrated "bodymind" rather than  mind and body and with this, it is understood that spiritual practices impact our emotions and our emotions become regulated and again, I saw this firsthand. Further, guided imagery has been extremely beneficial for my sleep cycle. I found through research that guided imagery is even used for cancer patients, in which I was unaware that they also used this practice, to help soothe the mind of distress and thoughts in order to get a full nights rest putting the mind at a less stressful state and facilitating better sleep quality also in which I have encountered myself as I now sleep through the night. (Nooner, Angela K, 2016). Relating this back to theories in class, I've learned through module 2 that mental imagery can change behaviors. This is true as I would constantly wake up through the night, have a hard falling asleep before and with guided imagery this has totally changed those behaviors. 

          Further into my research, I read in another article that guided imagery practices are effective for improving focus, attention and performance due to training your mind to stay calm and centered (Zemla, K., 2023). This relates to my practice with guided imagery because as I have stated in previous blogs, I can now stay focused at work and my performance there has increased as well. I think this relates to our class material involving Neuroplasticity in module 1, because we've learned that Neuroplasticity is the brain' ability to reorganize itself by experiences in everyday life. When I am practicing guided imagery, I am effectively training my brain to develop new ways to enhance focus and calmness. Even though, I have on had a few weeks with this practice, I feel as if it is easier for my brain to gain control over my attention. Next, in a new article I captured some information regarding how positive social interactions are a result of guided imagery. In this article, it highlights that using guided imagery, individuals can mentally practice positive interactions and effective communication ultimately lessening the stress making you more relaxed when speaking. It also states that this practice can also lead to stronger relationships due to visualizing these positive outcomes (Johnstone S., 2000). This sounds so much like my experience with guided imagery because I have, especially with my parents, rehearsed to myself  "listen to them fully before speaking" and this makes it way easier to listen more attentively, have more empathy, and understanding the conversation before letting the first thought in my head take over. The theory that comes to mind when I think about how this has affected my relationships would be that of volition. Guided imagery requires you to consciously decide to visualize positive scenarios. By choosing to engage in guided imagery, I'm using my will to influence my thoughts and actions which in my case, I'm telling myself to "stop and listen first" and choosing to control my mental state, and use the practice to have more positive/effective interactions. I'm intentionally directing my thoughts as they direct my behavior. Overall with these aspects, I think I will continue practicing with guided imagery for some time.

                     

                  



  • Nguyen J, Brymer E. Nature-Based Guided Imagery as an Intervention for State Anxiety. Front Psychol. 2018 Oct.

  • Giacobbi, P.,Jr, Long, D., Nolan, R., Shawley, S., Johnson, K., & Misra, R. (2018). Guided imagery targeting exercise, food cravings, and stress: a multi-modal randomized feasibility trial. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 41(1), 87-98. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10865-017-9876-5 

  • Nooner, Angela K, MBA, MSN, APRN,A.C.C.N.S.-A.G., O.C.N®, Dwyer, Kathleen, PhD., R.N., Desha, L., PhD., & Yeo, Theresa P, PhD., A.O.C.N.P®. (2016). Using Relaxation and Guided Imagery to Address Pain, Fatigue, and Sleep Disturbances: A Pilot Study. Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing, 20(5), 547-552. https://doi.org/10.1188/16.CJON.547-555

  • Zemla, K., Sedek, G., Wróbel, K., Postepski, F., & Wojcik, G. M. (2023). Investigating the Impact of Guided Imagery on Stress, Brain Functions, and Attention: A Randomized Trial. Sensors (14248220), 23(13), 6210. https://doi.org/10.3390/s23136210

  • Johnstone S. (2000). Guided imagery: a strategy for improving relationships and human interaction. The Australian Journal of Holistic Nursing, 7(1).


                     

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