How to use visualization for smooth sailing with allergy induced asthma
If you have allergy-induced asthma, you probably have those days when you’re at your absolute wits end. You’re wheezing, you’re frustrated by what you can’t get done (like go for that jog), and you’re weary of the whole thing and just want to be healthy and breathe easier!
When I’m feeling that way, one of my favorite things to do is to borrow an exercise by Dr. Maltz. I focus on relaxation.
Dr. Maltz talks about just how important relaxation is to helping your brain do what it does best–in this case, heal your body.
So, whenever I’m at my wits end with my allergy-induced asthma, I use his creative visualization exercise which goes as follows:
Close your eyes and imagine yourself in a room. The room can be as large or as small as is comfortable for you. Take your time choosing a wall color, but don’t decorate the room. Simply add a comfortable chair for sitting in, and a window. Outside the window, you can see the ocean (unless you don’t like the ocean), and you can watch the waves coming in and going out. (If you don’t like the ocean, choose something else that has some movement–like the clouds across the sky or a breeze in the trees).
As you sit in the comfortable chair and watch the waves, become aware of the way you can’t hear anything but the ocean. You’re so far away from any worries, any people, and any noise. Just focus on the waves coming in and going out. (And, if focusing on your breathing tends to exacerbate it, like it does for me, don’t even focus on your breath–just the waves.)
Keep your eyes closed and continue to watch the waves as they lap against the sand. In and out. In and out. Sit still for five minutes or until you feel your body relax. Feel your shoulders relax and release any tension they’re holding. Feel the muscles in your back release and relax. Feel the muscles in your belly relax. Feel your ribs relax, your arms, your hands, your neck relax. Feel your thighs and knees and calves relax. Keep watching the waves, in and out, and just relax and let go.
Then, when you’re ready, bring your awareness back to the room you’re in, and open your eyes. Give yourself a moment or two to come back fully into your body, and carry that relaxation with you as you go on to the next task in your day.
When I’m really battling with my allergy-induced asthma and the wheezing and tightness in my chest are fierce, I like to do this at least once a day (especially after a stressful chat with my boss). I find I can always breathe easier afterwards.
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