Ep. 9: (BONUS EPISODE) A Nervous System Reset You Can Do Right Now — Guided Imagery: A Walk in the Woods
Photo of Muir Woods, copyright Rachel Engels 2024
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You don't have to go anywhere to find calm. You just have to close your eyes. This bonus episode is a guided imagination exercise designed to help you settle your nervous system, wind down after a hard day, and restore a sense of quiet — anytime, anywhere you need it. The only place I'd skip it? When you’re behind the wheel.
EPISODE DESCRIPTION
Your nervous system works hard. And sometimes it needs more than a deep breath to come back down.
In this bonus episode, I'm inviting you to take a walk with me — an imaginary one — through the woods. Using the power of visualization, deep breathing, and rich sensory detail, we'll notice the light filtering through the trees, the sounds of the forest, the steady, quiet strength of nature around us.
Because what we give your brain through imagination, we can give your nervous system for real.
This exercise is yours to use anytime, anywhere — whether you're winding down at the end of a hard day, need a midday reset, or just want a few minutes to come back to yourself.
Press play. Close your eyes. Let's go for a walk.
WHAT YOU'LL EXPERIENCE
A fully guided imagination exercise you can return to again and again
Deep breathing cues woven throughout to support nervous system regulation
Sensory details — sight, sound, texture, temperature — to anchor you in the experience
The grounding imagery of trees and nature as a source of calm and strength
A gentle, unhurried pace designed to help you actually slow down
A NOTE FROM RACHEL
"What we can give your brain through imagination, we can give your nervous system for real."
This episode is a variation of a guided calming exercise I often use in session with my counseling clients, to close out a challenging session or just to restore a sense of calm when people need a reset before they head back out into their day. This is a great stand-alone exercise you can use anytime you need it, night or day. Especially recommended before bedtime, or when you can’t turn off your thoughts to sleep.
I hope this little walk in the woods gives you exactly what you need today!
RESOURCES & LINKS
My favorite psychologist-run YouTube channel for nervous system calming hacks: Calm With Kyle
Related episodes:
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