By Tina O’Conner

Welcome, September. Routine, cooler temperatures, back to school. Extra-curricular activities. An opportunity to take a risk at our workplace. One tool to manage risk-taking choices is to practice a visualization. Visualizations have several benefits. Visualizations provide an opportunity during our day to focus, breathe, and relax.

Imagine this scenario. A new position is created at your workplace. You meet all requirements for the promotion. But you are hesitant; more of an introverted personality. Take a deep breath and visualize yourself updating your resume, submitting it, and then interviewing for the position.

Notice when in the visualization your breathing changes.   Develop a positive affirmation for managing the anxiety you are feeling. Visualize yourself talking confidently, keeping your posture straight and making eye contact. Believe in yourself!

Visualizations are appropriate for the workplace because they require minimal props and are accomplished in a short amount of time.

Another way to practice a visualization is to picture a place in your mind where you felt calm and peace. Picture that place in as much detail as possible. Most people choose the beach or the mountains. Continue to focus on these details until your breathing slows down, and you can feel your shoulders moving away from your ears.

If you are someone who struggles with racing thoughts, post a picture of the place you are visualizing somewhere you can see it easily. Another way to manage racing or negative thoughts is to visualize a wave, a cloud, a racecar, a leaf in water, a balloon, etc. Put your racing thought on one of the above and watch it move away. And then work hard to keep the thought gone.

Take a risk. Whether it is a promotion, saying something difficult to a coworker, or managing stress. Each day is a new beginning. Take a deep breath, smile, and start again.

_________

Tina L. O’Connor, MS, NCC is a Licensed Professional Counselor who has a private counseling practice in Parkesburg. Tina attended college in Phoenixville and West Chester. Tina and her husband Doug have three amazing adult stepchildren and two beautiful grandchildren. Tina can be reached at Experience Positive Therapy via telephone at (610) 857-8089 or email at exppostherapy1@verizon.net.

_______

Top photo of Brandywine Creek courtesy of Chester County Planning Commission