Sleeping - Tips and Tricks

We all have those nights when we can't sleep; counting how many hours sleep we'd get if we fell asleep now or now or even now. Here are a few things I do when I'm failing at this basic bodily function.

Your phone is your enemy

Your phones, tablets and laptops emit blue spectrum light which puts you in daytime mode and therefore keeps you awake. So however tempted you are no scrolling through Instagram/tumblr/twitter.

Mindful Breathing

This is very relaxing and also great for anxiety. It's a bit like meditating except without having to completely clear your mind. Simply breathe normally but think "in and out" with each breathe. If your mind wanders, don't get annoyed, just bring your mind back to your breathing.

Worried or Overthinking?

- Simply write it down. Keep a notebook by your bed and when you're overthinking, get that crap out of your head  This is a must if you're a list maker, write it down and you don't have to worry about forgetting anything.

- If, like me, you're cursed by more regular overthinking, write a diary. I don't mean writing "I heart Ryan Gosling" repeatedly, just scribble down your thoughts each night. I do this, it feels like closure; Once I've written it down, it's done with and I can sleep.

Distract Yourself

It's so frustrating when you can't sleep and of course, to make things worse getting stressed just wakes you up more. Read a book. Get a book of word searches; You could also imagine yourself walking around your childhood home or school, thinking about every single detail and eventually you'll drift off.

Bedtime Yoga

This great for relaxing your body and mind. Plus you can do this quickly every night. Try this one:

Routine for a Deep Sleep

Still can't sleep

Get up. This is the same principle as "don't work where you sleep". Your bed needs to be your place for relaxation and sleep, so your body and mind need to associate it with sleep not lying awake.

- Just don't do anything stimulating. Put a few clothes away or have a browse through your jewellery. You'll forget about not being able to sleep and your body will soon realise how tired it is.

Let me know if this post helped. What do you do when you can't sleep?

Love Sorcha

               xoxo