We are offering a weekly blog series with a collection of diverse and effective coping techniques and exercises that can help reduce stress, improve mental and emotional well-being, and perhaps make you even more effective in achieving your individual goals. Check back every Wednesday for the newest skill of the week. Try them all out and find what works best for you.

This week Dr. Joey Tadie recommends trying the Peaceful Place exercise: Peaceful Place is a simple and customizable technique. This is a very relaxing activity to do anytime, especially when you are feeling overwhelmed by stress. I recommend doing this activity for around five uninterrupted minutes if possible. Even one minute or less can reduce stress or anxiety in a noticeable way.

Sit or lay in a quiet place and create a picture in your mind of a peaceful place where you can completely relax. Imagine what this place needs to be like in order for you to feel peaceful and calm. It can be a real location you love or anywhere your mind can create. Make your peaceful place everything you need it to be.

As you begin, breathe slowly and deeply, close your eyes and picture your chosen scene in your mind’s eye while noticing every detail you can. Use your five senses to create the scene and make it come to life. Ask yourself what sounds you might hear if you were in the scene? What smells, sights, or tactile sensations would you experience if you were there? Add anything or anyone you desire to your scene as you change it to suit your preferences.

Picture yourself in this peaceful place as you breathe deeply. Know that you can return to this place in your mind whenever you need a break or a moment to recharge.

Ready to get started?

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