We've all been there, restless, tossing, turning, getting in and out of bed, or many times, lying in bed with thoughts of a 'To Do List' spinning around and around and around, just like one of those old fashioned record players, lol. So, what can be done to help us calm down, still our thoughts, and relax? Let's take a look.
1) Get as much as you can prepped for the following morning, so you know it's been taken care of, and you're ready to roll. If you're hitting the gym first thing in the morning, have your gym bag packed, shoes out, and keys where you can find them, ditto your briefcase, work supplies, and office work.
2) Try having some sort of night time routine, yes, just like you do for your children. We do this to let them know it's time to wind down, tidy things up, mentally, physically, and the environment around them as well.
3) Do something to help relax you before retiring, such as: take a soaking bath, I know men, not too many of you like to soak in a bathtub, let alone even fit in one. You could sit in a comfortable place and admire the sunset, stars, etc., depending on the time of year. Drink a cup of herbal tea such as: chamomile (one of my most favorites), or Kava Kava, or 'Sleepy Time', by Celestial Seasonings.
4) Do something to take your mind off of your 'To Do List(s)', such as: a crossword puzzle, read a book, magazine, listen to relaxing music, or write in a journal, planners DO NOT count. Looking at your complexion in the mirror does not count either. If you have a fish tank, observe your fish for awhile.
5) Wear something to bed you're comfortable in. No one likes to wake up freezing or sweaty once they do finally hit the sack. Same goes for your thermostat and windows. In other words, make sure your surroundings are comfortable before you climb into bed.
6) Keep your room dark. Keep traffic in and out to a minimum. Keep as many 'To Do' things out of the room as possible.
7) Go over your day. Recap what you've accomplished, give yourself a mental pat on the back. Relax knowing you've done all you could have done and let it rest.
8) If you have problems with that crazy 'To Do List' going round and round in your head, begin counting backwards from 100 down. If you forget where you are at, start over again, eventually you will tire of the game, and get sleepy.
9) You can use visualization as a tool to relax. Begin by visualizing a huge blackboard with your 'To Do List' on it. Walk over the the board and get the huge eraser that goes with it, and begin wiping off the blackboard. Notice as you do, how nice and black it becomes again, no smears, no left over chalk dust, nothing.
10) There are many sleep 'aids' available for people who have imbalances which can stem from an array of things:
- Allergies
- Dental
- Drug side effects
- Electromagnetic pollution
- Environmental pollution
- High or low level radiation (yes, this includes x-rays, MRI's and CAT Scans
- Lifestyle
- Microbiologic contamination
- Negative thoughts
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Physical exhaustion (as crazy as it sounds, being exhausted can make it hard to sleep, as the central
nervous system becomes erratic)
- Injuries
- Dehydration
- Stress
As you can see, there are many, many factors that contribute to whether we will have a good night sleep or not. I don't feel it's a problem unless it becomes chronic, as it will interfere with everything from your job, to relationships, to lack of energy, and poor eating habits. If you have chronic problems sleeping, I suggest seeing an herbalist to get a recommendation on specific herbs that would be useful for you. There are also homeopathics available to help with sleep disorders. I'm into Natural Health and can help you if you have questions concerning the use of herbs, homeopathics, etc. If you choose to go to a medical doctor first, please, exercise caution, as many doctors have no problem writing prescriptions for addictive substances, for sleep disorders. May you rest well this weekend. You deserve it.
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