Use Visualisation To Reduce ANXIETY

There's been many times over the last few weeks where my anxiety levels have elevated. If I'm to be my best in the lead up and on the day I have to have tools to keep my anxiety/stress levels low. We all do.

No matter who you are, too much anxiety or stress will rob you of your ability to be your best self. 

So what can you do in the moments when anxiety strikes?

There are many forms anxiety of course but the anxiety I'm highlighting now would be best termed anticipatory anxiety (or stress), which is common to many. 

Anticipatory anxiety is the type of anxiety that kicks in when you're thinking about an important or meaningful event such as: a job interview, best man speech, public speaking slot or an exam. In my case, the burpee world record. You can add a trip to the dentist to that list. Anything that has you unusually nervous, stressed or sweating. 

So what now? The idea is to use the Power of Visualization to your benefit. Go to that place in your mind and do 2 things:

1. See it. Live in it. But most importantly create a visual movie of what you'd ideally like to go down. What's happening? How are you acting/responding? What sensations are you feeling and results are you creating? Make this positive. You get to direct this movie so make it a blockbuster, not a flop. Use the power of conscious thinking to create an internal movie that works in your favour. See problems appear and you overcoming those problems with a smile. Feel old (negative) feelings arise then quickly diminish to be replaced with feelings of calm and confidence. You choose. But be definitive with your vision. 
2. Rehearse That Badboy. Once you've used your powers to create a visualisation that works for you, one that is empowering and NOT detrimental, now it's time to make the UNFAMILIAR FAMILIAR. The idea with visualiton is that you replay that movie in your mind over and over and over again until it feels like reality. Until there is no uncharted territory; no surprises. Live in that space. I know for many of you this may seem odd...AF. It was for me. But the results are inarguable. Visualisation works. 

And when it comes time to meet that moment you've been anticipating it will feel like Deja vu: the feeling of familiarity. And that is good. Deja vu is derived from french and literally means 'already seen'. Nothing is now a surprise. You have pre prepared. You know how it looks and feels. You know what to do and how to act. You are in control. 

There may still be a trace of anxiety lingering. But not all anxiety is bad. A little is helpful; a lot is ruinous. Now you can competently and confidently influence your days and destiny. 

Try it. 

Visualise to actualise.