Visualization & Meditation

I believe all of the exercises were good, but the two that was most beneficial for me is Visualization and Meditation.  The visualization exercise helped me to recall my most positive and pleasant memories which make me smile whenever I think about them.  Fostering happy thoughts has definitely been beneficial since I've started to practice these visualization exercises almost daily.  Whenever I may be feeling down or upset especially at work, I try to catch myself before I get to the point of constantly dwelling on the negative.  I take several deep breaths first to clear my mind.  Then, I try to visualize  happier momentz in my life such as when my fiance first proposed to me or how he always tries to make everything better by being so supportive.  I think about my dog and how she makes me happy.  Then I remember how great my life is and why would I want to dwell on the negative happenings because they are so temporary and not worth such effort.  I also have been enjoying the meditation exercises because it helps me to focus my attention on my breathing and helping to calm my mind and body.  I used to get hives from stress a lot, just about every other day because I would let things get to me.  I would get agitated and itchy and have big welts all over my arms and legs.  I have noticed recently though since practicing some of these techniques I get hives less frequently.  I can't pinpoint exactly what practice is helping the most, maybe a combination of both, but I'm just happy something is helping.