Mentally Aware, Physically Healthy: Early Intervention with Guided Imagery Therapy Training for Women of Productive Age

As a concrete form of implementing the Tri Dharma of Higher Education, especially in the field of community service, lecturers from the Indonesian Muslim University (UMI) Community Service Institute (LPkM) are again holding the 2025 Leading Community Service Program (PKM).

This activity was entitled "Soul Aware, Physical Health: Early Intervention Through Guided Imagery Training for Women of Productive Age", which took place at the Tonasa Village Office, Takalar Regency. The main aim of this activity is to help women of productive age improve their mental and physical well-being through a psychospiritual approach and body relaxation.

The head of the implementation team, Suhermi S., S.Kep., Ns., M.Kes., explained that the Guided Imagery method and progressive muscle relaxation have proven effective in reducing stress levels and increasing psychological calm, especially for women of reproductive age.

"Through Guided Imagery, participants are invited to enter a relaxed state by imagining a peaceful atmosphere that calms the mind. Meanwhile, progressive muscle relaxation techniques also help participants recognize and release physical tension due to daily activities and stress," said Suhermi.

This service activity also involved two team members, Rahmawati Ramli, S.Kep., Ns., M.Kes., M.Kep. and Septiyanti, S.Gz., M.Kes., who provided education about the importance of balance between mental, physical and nutritional health.

Not only theory, this activity was also filled with direct practice guided by two students from the Nursing Science Study Program, Faculty of Public Health, UMI, Nur Alfiah Lailan and Zakia Nur Rahma Djafar. They guided participants gradually in doing relaxation exercises for 15 minutes.

The majority of participants were women of productive age in Tonasa Village, showing high enthusiasm during the training. Many of them claim to feel immediate benefits in the form of a more relaxed body, calmer mind, and better quality sleep without dependence on drugs.

According to Rahmawati Ramli, this activity is an important preventive step in maintaining women's mental health. "Women of productive age face many roles and pressures, so it is important for them to understand simple ways to maintain balance between body and soul," he said.

Meanwhile, Septiyanti added that education regarding nutritious eating patterns and healthy lifestyles was also emphasized so that the benefits of the training could be applied sustainably.

Through this activity, LPkM UMI continues to strengthen its commitment to creating a holistically healthy society, both physically and spiritually. Through scientific, spiritual and humanitarian approaches. It is hoped that this program can be an inspiration for the wider community to care more about mental health as the foundation of a prosperous life.