izations is another tactic used with both mediation and yoga. Imagining a pleasant place is a good way to mentally remove yourself from a stressful situation. In doing this you must allow any thoughts you have to pass through your mind without actually "thinking" about them. In doing all of this, your breathing pattern should be slow and deliberate until you feel completely at ease. It is a good idea to imagine a place that makes you feel good and relaxed. Most often, this is a place in nature or a specific place where you may have spent restful vacations. You should be focusing on all of your senses in order to get the full effect. The visualization should last from five to ten minutes and the return to reality should be slow and progressive (Stress Reduction Techniques 2000).Another author, on the other hand, suggests that you should "giggle while you work." "Fun and humor help individuals through crisis and change," (2000, p. 214) writes Dave Hemsath and Leslie Yerkes, co-authors of 301 Ways to Have Fun at Work. "Because they facilitate the release of tension, fun and humor increase employees' ability to cope with stress on the job and to remain flexible, creative and innovative under pressure--central features of a strong, resilient corporate culture," say the authors (2000, p. 214). In other words, although it may have once been seen as big faux pas to joke around at the office, today it is of tremendous value to let your guard down, if only for the sake of your sanity and health, and tell a few jokes. It seems as though this is a very popular contention. Many authors seem to share Clarke's views on laughter and fun in the workplace. One such author, John Weinstein, suggests that there are many ways to use "humor to cope" (2000, p. 5). One way is basically to spend more time with your funniest friends and colleagues. By doing this you are surrounding yourself with humor and you are determining the nature of your sense ...
