Reshma gets very stressed during any competition. The counsellor advised her to use positive imagery and imagination to reduce her stress. Identify the stress management technique advised by the counsellor:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → Creative visualisation
Option (1) Biofeedback — Incorrect. Biofeedback is a procedure to monitor and reduce the physiological aspects of stress by giving feedback about current physiological activity, such as heart rate, often with relaxation training. It does not rest on imagery.
Option (2) Meditation — Incorrect. Meditation is a sequence of learned techniques for refocusing attention, which brings about an altered state of consciousness; the meditator becomes unaware of outside stimulation. Its tool is concentration, not positive imagery.
Option (3) Relaxation — Incorrect. Relaxation techniques reduce the symptoms of stress by relaxing the muscles, usually starting from the lower part of the body and moving up, along with deep breathing. A relaxed body helps visualisation, but relaxation by itself does not use imagery.
Option (4) Creative visualisation — Correct. Creative visualisation is an effective technique for dealing with stress; it is a subjective experience that uses imagery and imagination. One first sets a realistic goal, and it is easier to visualise with a quiet mind, a relaxed body and closed eyes. The counsellor’s advice of positive imagery and imagination is this technique.
NCERT (2025-26): “Stress Management Techniques … Creative Visualisation : It is an effective technique for dealing with stress. Creative visualisation is a subjective experience that uses imagery and imagination. Before visualising one must set oneself a realistic goal, as it helps build confidence. It is easier to visualise if one’s mind is quiet, body relaxed and eyes are closed. This reduces the risk of interference from unbidden thoughts and provides the creative energy needed for turning an imagined scene into reality.” “Stress Management Techniques … Relaxation Techniques : It is an active skill that reduces symptoms of stress and decreases the incidence of illnesses such as high blood pressure and heart disease. Usually relaxation starts from the lower part of the body and progresses up to the facial muscles in such a way that the whole body is relaxed. Deep breathing is used along with muscle relaxation to calm the mind and relax the body.…” “Stress Management Techniques … Biofeedback : It is a procedure to monitor and reduce the physiological aspects of stress by providing feedback about current physiological activity and is often accompanied by relaxation training.” |