Here in Princeton, New Jersey today was a gloomy, rainy, dreary day.

As the rain fell and melted the snow I was dreaming of warmer weather and white sandy beaches. So I decided to go on vacation.

That is, I had my students throughout the day visualize a tropical beach as a relaxation technique.

So if you are ready to go on a little getaway follow along:

• Lie down on a mat in a quiet room.
• Close your eyes, separate your legs as wide as your mat, and turn your palms up towards the ceiling, drawing your shoulder-blades onto your mat.
• Visualize your favorite beach and picture yourself lying down in the sand.
• Start to relax each of your body parts starting with your toes, followed by your ankles, shins, calves….
• Picture these body parts sinking into the sand.
• Picture the sun warming your arms and legs.
• Relax your jaw.
• Soften your eyes behind your eyelids.
• Start to listen to your breath and hear the sounds of waves crashing on the beach.
• Stay here for 5-10 minutes.