We all have those nights where we finally get settled in our beds after a long day of work or school and come to the horrible realization that we cannot fall asleep. Yes, you could just lay in your bed until you fall asleep, but that could take hours, and who has time for that? Over the last few months, I've been having some sleep issues so I've come up with a few solutions that have helped me significantly.
One of things that helps me fall asleep the fastest is when I count my breath. I'll breathe in slowly for four seconds and then breath out slowly for another five seconds. At the time it might seem silly but, in reality, it slows your heart rate and before you know it, you're waking up the next morning feeling refreshed!
Often times, I go to bed without doing the dishes from dinner, or running the dishwasher, and it actually starts making me anxious. I'll get all snuggled up and then I'll start stressing about that pan I didn't wash, which is so silly of me, but it keeps me awake! I'll eventually get up and do that small load of dishes, or wipe down the counters in the bathroom, or do whatever small chore I was putting off, and then I'll fall right asleep!
When anxiety is what keeps me up at night, and it's not caused by small chores, I always try writing in my journal. What I write may not have anything to do with what is causing my anxiety, and that's totally fine, but by simply focusing my mind on my writing, it calms my nerves and allows me to sleep!
These may not work for everyone, but when you can't sleep it's totally worth it to explore your options. Many people like to drink a cup of tea, or some warm milk, and others keep it old school and count sheep. Everyone is different, but there is a solution out there for you!
