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Getting to sleep faster is probably a goal of many of us. Do you ever have one of those nights when you can’t turn your mind off and end up tossing and turning? We all have days and nights when our busy minds and worries keep us up. Thankfully there are some simple strategies you can employ to deal with them, leaving you to enjoy the remainder of your night in restful slumber. Let’s look at a few you can try whenever you need them.
Distract Yourself
If you had a rough day or are going through stressful times, it can help to distract yourself before bed. Read a good book. Watch a movie. Catch up on your favorite show, or play a video game in the hours before bed. For the last hour or two before you lay down, it’s best to avoid screens. Reading or listening to a podcast or some engaging music are great ways to distract yourself. Or how about a good conversation with a loved one, or some private time with your spouse? Get your mind off what’s worrying you and do what you can to leave it until the next morning.
Journal or (Trello) Before Bed for Faster Sleep
If you can’t quite distract yourself, it’s not a bad idea to face and acknowledge what’s worrying you. Take out a notebook and journal for a page or two. It will help you process whatever is going on in your life. And by writing it down and getting it all out before bed, it can help clear your mind.
Journaling isn’t a quick pill fix. It can take some time to see the long-term benefits. Give it a few weeks and see if it’s something that works for you. Or maybe you’ll get lucky and one night of journaling is enough to calm that busy, anxious mind. After all you only have a page, some ink and a few minutes of your time to lose on this simple exercise.
True confession: I haven’t been able to embrace the journaling bug, but I do sleep better if I have already noted down what my priorities are for the next day. Recently I started using Trello and just love it. It took me a bit to a get a handle on it. Purchasing Kate Doster’s Trello Magic course was a game changer for me in terms of Trello usability. If you run a business where you are wearing a zillion different hats and haven’t found an organization method that is working for you. I urge you to check it out. It was well worth my $24. (Note that is not an affiliate link. I just really got a LOT out of her course.)
Nighttime Meditation
If journaling isn’t your thing, or it isn’t quite enough to help on its own, try meditating. Meditation any time of the day is a great way to bring calm to your day and reduce stress. It’s particularly helpful right before bed.
It makes sense, doesn’t it? If you’re anxious and worried when it’s time to go to sleep, mediating can help you shift into a calmer, more centered and present state. Short, guided meditations are especially helpful for beginners. Find one online, plug in your earbuds and give it a try.
One of my favorite meditation apps is: Insight Timer. They are the #1 free app for sleep, anxiety and stress. I am sure you can find a few things in their HUGE library of offerings that work for you.
Keep A Notepad On Your Night Table
Last but not least, here’s something anyone can do. Go find a little notebook, a notepad, or a piece of scrap paper. Put it along with a pen or pencil on your nightstand. When your mind gets busy about all the things you need to do the next day, or something pops up that you don’t want to forget, write it down. It gives great peace of mind and may be just what you need to fall asleep.
This correlates with no screens in your bedroom. I try to set my next day list in Trello downstairs before I head up to bed. If I manage to do that little thing, it really does help to clear my mind! I hope these tips are helpful. Sleep is so, so important to your overall health and of course gorgeous, glowing skin!!
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Tomorrow: Relax Your Body Before Bed
Missed the other Posts in the Series? Find them here: