Visualisation is a method used by many successful people from all walks of life. It is a mental technique that uses the imagination to make dreams and goals come true. It uses the imagination to create mental images to help focus the mind on the goals you wish to achieve. Scientific studies prove it works as when you imagine yourself doing exactly what you want, you physiologically create neural patterns in your brain, just as if you had physically performed the action. For example, when Neil Armstrong walked on the moon, he said he felt as if he had already been there because he had visualised it for four years before his flight. This is the power of visualisation.
Dr. Larocque states in order to attain your goals it is important to imagine yourself at your desired weight; visualise yourself in the clothes you want to wear, the confidence you want to feel, and your overall wellbeing. Make it as vivid as possible by taking in the sights, sounds, and smells. Try to capture the positive feelings associated with being your desired weight. Our self-image is based on our past experiences. Therefore, we begin to view ourselves as not being capable of losing weight if we have not reached our goals in past weight loss efforts. By using this powerful technique, we can reduce these harmful thoughts and create a more positive, beneficial self-image which will encourage belief rather than doubt.
Many accomplished people use this method in order to reach their targets. It is extremely popular in sports psychology and business. Arnold Schwarzenegger is a great example of how visualisation can transfer from sports to any area of life. He used it in his bodybuilding career, throughout his acting years, and finally in to his life as a politician. This is how he describes it: ”What you do is create a vision of who you want to be — and then live that picture as if it were already true.” Anyone can practise visualisation and the benefits can be life changing.
Benefits of carrying out Visualisation
– Inspires and motivates
– Can boost your mood using positive, pleasant imagery to alter negative emotions
– Helps build self-confidence
– Stress relief
– Improves cognitive function
– Better health
The power of visualisation is not a guarantee for success. It also does not replace hard work and effort. However, it is an extremely effective tool to assist you in losing and managing weight. It isn’t time consuming or costly so why not give it a try? You may be pleasantly surprised at what results it can help you gain.
