“Never lie in bed at night asking yourself questions you can't answer.” - Charles M. Schulz
Are you tossing and turning in the vain attempt to solve your problems as you're trying to sleep?
Take my advice (and the unflappable Charles M. Schulz) and stop it right now. Your bed is a place to rest, relax and sleep. It is not the place to balance your checkbook, figure out your to-do list for tomorrow, question what's going on with your children and your partner, etc.
Can't fall asleep because your brain is too wired and juggling too many thoughts? Try this proven meditative tip:
Starting with the tips of your toes, take deep, calming breaths and relax each toe. Breathe in and out slowly to regulate your heartbeat and your muscles will relax. When you feel your toes loose and relaxed, move up to your ankles and so forth until you reach the top of your head.
If your thoughts break your concentration, continue breathing and mentally toss your thought away like a scrap piece of paper. Go back to whatever part of your body you were working on before your thought interrupted.
It takes some practice but once you get the hang of it, your body will naturally relax. I've even found it a common occurrence to not get to the head before I fall asleep.
What I've learned most by doing this meditative exercise is how much better I sleep by relaxing my body every night. I get a great night's sleep and when I awake in the morning, I'm ready to tackle whatever comes.
Have any tips on getting a good night's rest? Share in the comments below.
MRS N
