Stress management using the Waterfall Technique
Florida based hypnotherapist Tracey Burchard has written an article detailing the waterfall technique which can be used by anyone, anywhere to help relieve stress and promote relaxation. All that’s needed is two minutes and some peace and quiet.
If you are feeling excessively stressed for whatever reason (work, children, relationships etc) then here is a great visualisation technique which you can use anywhere you are to help you feel relaxed and calm.
First of all try to find a place where you won’t be interrupted for a few minutes, close your eyes and take a few deep breathes. Inhale right down to the pit of your stomach and fill your lungs completely before exhaling all the way out, helping your muscles to unwind.
Keep up the deep breathing and as you are doing so imagine yourself walking along a stream. Try to picture the sounds and the physical feelings that would be happening such as the sound of the water and bird song, the path under your feet and the hot sun on your face and really take a moment to visualize this happening.
Now imagine you are approaching a waterfall and as you get closer you can feel the mist and moisture. When you are close enough put one of your hands into the waterfall and feel the refreshing and cool water. Then step into the waterfall and feel the water pressure as it splashes down.
Imagine now that the water is washing away the stress from the surface of your body and that the energy from the waterfall is rinsing away all the negativity of old and stagnant emotions that are no longer needed. When you look down you can see the dirty water and darkness seeping out and washing away as the waterfall continues to cleanse away the stress, anger, fear, guilt etc.
As the water begins to run clear you feel yourself again but more peaceful than before with a greater sense of well being. Now it is time to step out of the waterfall and open your eyes, which should leave you felling refreshed, cleansed and optimistic.
This is a very simple technique and the more you use it to help your mind relax the easier it will become.