Guided imagery can have many health-related physical and emotional benefits. The steps that follow can help you teach teens to use their imaginations to change how they are feeling and what they are focused on.
Helpful Resources
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Special Place Guided Imagery
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Create the State You Want Worksheet
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Guided Imagery Step-by-Step Handout
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Self-Guided Imagery Activity
Chill at Home
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Gratitude Note
Write a gratitude note to someone you care about and read it aloud to them.
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Mindful Eating
As you eat your next meal or snack, be mindful about it. Notice the smells, tastes, textures and colors of what you are putting in your body.
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Listening
Have a conversation with a family member, friend or teacher and focus all your attention on being present and listening. Share with that person something new you learned from the conversation.
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Connecting
Ask your parent/guardian about their day and share something about your day.
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Lend a Hand
Help your parent/guardian/friend make a meal. Focus on being present with each step of the meal preparation process and enjoy the fruit of your labor at the end!
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Unplug
Take a walk this week, but leave your cell phone at home. Notice the things around you: sounds, smells, nature and objects you have not paid attention to before.
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Take a Break
Devote 20 minutes to reading a book without interruptions – leave your phone in a different room!
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Be Present
Pick one day this week and leave your cell phone at home in the morning. Go the entire day at school without being connected. Take time to notice your feelings, emotions and observations without the interruption and distraction of your phone.
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Get Some Rest
Commit to getting at least 7 hours of sleep 3 days this week. If you feel up for it, jot down how you feel in the morning and reflect back on your notes at the end of the week.
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Take a Deep Breath
Practice deep breathing once a day. Count to 3 as you inhale and count to 4 as your exhale, repeating as many times as you want.