The Healing Power of Guided Imagery is one of Health4U’s most popular classes, but many may not know what guided imagery is and how it helps you.

According to Lisa Laughman (formerly Lisa Davidson), the course instructor, it is “a form of directed day-dreaming that relaxes the mind and engages the senses in the physical and emotional healing process. It has been shown to alleviate pain, reduce depression and boost the immune system.”

Wendy Baker from HR Benefits has taken the class and said it was “relaxing” and “laid back.”

“Heavenly is the best adjective to describe it,” Wendy said. The class takes place between 12:10 p.m. and 12:50 p.m. on various Tuesdays this semester at Abrams Planetarium. Wendy said that it was great relaxation even while at work.  “You go back to work very refreshed,” she said.

According to the course description, guided imagery can be used for one or more of the following purposes:

• Improve the quality of your sleep
• Reduce your personal stress and anxiety and/or depression
• Heal from past painful events/trauma/unhealthy relationships
• Improve your relationship with your own body/self image
• Help you maintain balance and perspective as you  move through change and life transitions
• Provide a simple, portable means of relaxation

For more information on this class and others, visit health4u.msu.edu.