Choosing The Great Happiness Space: How To Find Relief From Overwhelm

Medically reviewed by April Justice, LICSW
Updated September 6, 2024by BetterHelp Editorial Team

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Where do you feel completely comfortable? Where do you feel like you're the safest and at your best? 

Many can bring themselves into a state of relaxation simply by mentally picturing that place, whether or not it actually exists. Some might use this tool to ground themselves in the face of immense stress or strain. 

If you’re looking to try this method of stress reduction, we’re here to help. Here’s how you can get the most out of relaxation via your own Great Happiness Space. 

A great happiness space

Do you already know where your happiness space is? If so, you might be off to a great start. If not, it can be simple to start. To begin, many simply picture a place you can go mentally when you feel stressed, nervous or unhappy. 

Of course, that space might not make everything better—but it can be a start to help with calming you down and focusing on tackling particular challenges that might be hindering your present peace and happiness.

Some mental places that many may find peace in can include: 

  • A calm, serene beach scene 

  • A scene buried deep in local woods or a mountainside 

  • A beautiful modern mansion of your own design 

  • A comfortable, soft blackness that feels welcoming and calm 

These places are entirely subjective. Truly, anywhere that you feel at peace or satisfied in can work. Feel free to experiment to determine what works best for you and your specific needs at this time. 

Why you want a space: Exploring the benefits of visualization 

Having a space you can go to no matter what can help you feel better, potentially acting as an aid to take your mind of things for a while. This can be useful as you rest and recharge. Beyond these benefits, though, it can actually be a form of mindfulness for many—offering entirely new suites of benefits to consider. 

Mindfulness is considered by many to be a form of self-reflection or meditation that brings you back to the present moment in your reality, even if it is difficult or overwhelming. Using mindfulness tools, you can still experience a form of peace in most cases—allowing you to use resilience and grace to take the next correct step for your needs. 

Additional benefits of mindfulness can include: 

  • Pain reduction 

  • Lessened risk of depression formation

  • Lessened risk of anxiety disorder formation 

  • Enhanced focus 

  • Enhanced emotional control 

Experiences may vary for everyone. If you’re not sure where to start, you may consider speaking with a licensed counselor who can help.

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Create more comfort

Comfort can be entirely subjective. To begin creating a mental space with a higher degree of safety and comfort, you may consider exploring different areas of your house or different places that you go. 

You can then ask yourself: Do you feel better in some than others? Would a specific space in your home feel more comfortable if you were to add something to it? Maybe if you played music in your bedroom, or if the walls were painted a different color or if you had a comfortable place to sit, you might feel more comfortable. 

Getting more help

If you find that you need help that can extend beyond escaping to a happy place, it may be time to reach out to a counselor or employ other methods. 

A mental health professional can help provide the tools necessary to manage your emotions and handle complex scenarios.

If you're looking for support from a mental health professional, you may consider looking into BetterHelp. Many appreciate the level of comfort and convenience the service can provide. Prospective clients can simply follow the link above and complete a brief questionnaire about needs; then connecting with a therapist who has experience treating people in similar circumstances.

Is online therapy effective? 

A literature review published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal has found several points that suggest that online therapy is comparably effective to in-person therapeutic methods. Many also consider it to be more convenient and cost-effective, depending on their specific scope of need. 

Takeaway

By creating a place of happiness and safety in your mind, you can often find respite from nervousness and strain. If you can't think of a place you feel comfortable, you may consider creating one for yourself in your home—it can make a difference. If you’d like more support navigating stress or excessive overwhelm online therapy can help. BetterHelp can connect you with an online therapist in your area of need.
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