I have a bad habit of working on projects until late in the night when everyone is asleep. Then I finish the night curled up in my favorite spot on the couch watching my DVR until I drift asleep. Wake up, rewind the show I fell asleep on….wake up, rewind the show I fell asleep on…..wake up, give up and stumble into the bedroom.
I have a firm rule that when I stumble in the bedroom, my husband is not allowed to go to the bathroom or talk to me. I additionally avoid turning any lights on or doing anything that requires bright eyes or a brain cell. I just wanna fall into bed in my very drifty mindset so I can quickly fall to sleep.
It doesn’t always work this way though. Last night was one of those occasions.
I did my usual routine of fall asleep, rewind, fall asleep, rewind. It’s 2am as I arrive into bed. But this night was one of “those” nights. My brain just wouldn’t shut off. The mental light went on, and my task list was rolling through my head, hard.
I start freaking out as I have so many obligations and little details that need to be remembered and taken care of for so many different upcoming events I am running/planning. My head starts spinning around the upcoming fitness conference I’m presenting at this weekend. The meeting I’m putting together for over 1000 people in my business heading to Dallas, and trying to remember little details for the presenters, topics, events, and so on. The items I have to order for the newly created back yard pool extravaganza. And to also not forget to send thank you cards, wedding gifts, communion gifts- spinning, spinning, swirling. Eye peaks open at the clock that shines on the ceiling, 2:38am. No, no, no! Stop it. There’s nothing you can do about it now. Just close your eyes, focus on this little blue flame and clear your thoughts.
“This would be a great blog entry! I could give them some ideas on how to get past thinking of your to-do list….”
STOP IT, you are doing it again! Thinking of what you can do tomorrow.
Honestly, I can go on. This is a struggle for many and me sometimes, thankfully.
It’s challenging to just let go and give in to sleep when you feel stressed, responsible, and have so many things going on.
I just wanted to share with you that it happens to many, and here are some recommended techniques to get passed this when it does happen.
1) Establish a regular bedtime time and try to stay consistent
2) Avoid Intense Exercise less than 3 hours before bedtime
30 Avoid Caffeine in the evening
4) Avoid Alcohol in the evening
5) Wind down! Find something that calms you (reading, meditating, listen to music)
6) Keep a notepad by the bed, and exhaust your thoughts prior to closing your eyes
7) Keep a cool room
8) Avoid Taking Naps in the Daytime
9) Avoid Bright Lights
10) Re-direct your thoughts to a simple activity or point.