How many times have we been awake in bed at night, trying desperately to fall asleep? But, were we really trying to fall asleep or beating ourselves up for not being able to fall asleep instead? You know how it goes. How will I handle my day on no sleep? What's wrong with me? Why can't I just go to sleep? When we fight our experience, it tends to only make it worse. Why not try a more useful approach instead?
The next time you find yourself in the common scenario described above, what would it be like to...
- Tell yourself, "Resting is as good as sleeping." "It's good to rest." "I can let myself just rest."
- Count your breath. Inhaling, 2, 3. And, exhaling, 2, 3, 4, 5. Just finding your own rhythm.
- Get up and move if that's what your body is calling for and then return to bed when you're ready.
- Listen to a book on tape or guided meditation that tends to lull you to a sleepier place.
There are things we can do ever before we're in bed that are proven to help us catch some Zzzz's...
- Reduce your screen time before bed and make sure there are no screens visible in the bedroom.
- Have some chamomile tea before bed. Cut out any caffeine intake for several hours before bed.
- Get some physical activity in somehow in the earlier part of your day to naturally tire you out.
- Create a nighttime routine that relaxes you, such as taking a hot bath or shower before bed.
These are just a few ideas. You will come up with the best practices on your own because you are the authority on your bedtime experience. I hope you have many restful nights ahead of you and that you are easy on yourself on those nights when good sleep is more difficult. Rest assured that our bodies will go to sleep when needed in order to keep functioning. May we be patient and peaceful with ourselves in the meantime. Best wishes for your most replenishing Zzz's..............................
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