Is turning your brain off enough to go to sleep a problem for you? Or, are you waking up in the middle of the night and awake for hours? How about the kids waking you up because, well, they are small children, and that’s what kids do? It seems like in one way or another a large percentage of Americans are desperately seeking peace and quiet, or maybe just sleep.
There are definitely seasons of life where this is more widespread, as when the economy turns down and jobs are getting eliminated, or, when you are the one who has to eliminate jobs for the company to survive. Uncertainty is a big sleep disrupter, as are the pressure of work or family or extreme unhappiness. And, lets include the small child alarm that goes off for 3 years or their whole childhood depending on the kid.
Some things that can help are so boring, and you probably know them, but do you do them? Get exercise. Yes, even walking every day can help you sleep. Watch the caffeine and the sugar. Share some jokes with friends – not the mean jokes, the just plain funny ones. Take some breaks at work/ home for 3 minutes of peace.
Quiet can help. The quietest place I have ever been is under water snorkeling. I don’t know why I don’t seek that out more. Just getting in a swimming pool and swimming slowly under water can get you some of that peace and quiet. Or, during a relaxing soak in the bath or hot tub, put your head underwater for a minute. You’ll see what I mean.
If that seems dangerous, light a nicely scented holiday candle, put on headphones and listen to a 5 minute meditation before you sleep. With all the crazy of the holidays and end of the year, do something nice for yourself before you get overwhelmed. This week, smile and pass it on.
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