Having trouble falling asleep? Does your mind seem to wander? Are you rerunning the day, thinking about everything you could have done differently? Maybe you are thinking about what you need at the grocery store or even replaying that annoying song from a commercial you heard earlier (need a reminder? #sorrynotsorry 🤣) . Whatever is keeping you awake, it is nothing short of frustrating when your body feels tired but your mind is off to the races. Here are a few things to help calm your mind to help you fall asleep:
- Establish a bedtime routine: Go the bed around the same time every night. Do the same things before bed and it is a great way to set a habit and let your mind know it’s time to wind down. Set an alarm on your phone to remind you it’s time to go to bed. (WARNING: this may impact your binge-watching habit, but you and your health are worth it! 😉)
- Plan your next day: If you are typically thinking about what you have to do tomorrow while you are laying in bed at night – PLAN YOUR NEXT DAY. Writing it down will get it out of your head and on paper and it will save you a little time tomorrow.
- Journal before bed: If your mind is racing the minute you lay down, then write before bed. Hell, you can type if that helps it feel more appealing (although I am pretty sure the experts would tell you no electronics before bed). My priority is getting those thoughts out of your head and onto paper (or the screen) so you can clear your mind and have a good night’s sleep, so I’m not really partial to one method versus the other; however, there are studies that show that using electronics before bed can make it difficult to fall asleep. If you need some help getting started with journaling, check out my post about it.
- Deep breathing and/or meditation: I know what you are thinking – “Here she goes again with this deep breathing crap”…but IT WORKS! When you start deep breathing, it is basically putting your mind and body in a place of relaxation/calm, even though you aren’t there. Wouldn’t that be a great way to fall asleep? I think so! So, listen to a meditation, do a minute (or 8) of deep breathing and get your body calm and relaxed and ready to sleep.
- Sleep stories: So if I lost you on the meditation/deep breathing, come on back! I know meditation isn’t for everyone, so here is another suggestion: SLEEP STORIES. It is something for you to listen/focus on and it is meant to help you fall asleep. You can find them on YouTube and there are also apps: Calm and Sleepiest are the two I know off-hand, but I’m sure there are more.
Here is a list of the 10 best sleep apps from Good Housekeeping that may be helpful in your journey to better sleep 😊
Sleep deprivation is no fun and can have some serious impacts on your health. While society glamourizes being busy – there is no actual award for the person who can function on the least amount of sleep. Stop trying to be a badass and take care of your body! *steps off soapbox* Seriously though, you deserve a healthy, rested mind as an accessory to your fierce self, so get into the habit of getting sleep.