Are you someone whose mind is always busy. Do you relive events of your day in your mind? Do you wonder and worry about what tomorrow will bring?
It can be hard sometimes to shut your mind down and relax enough to fall asleep. You may find yourself tossing and turning as your mind fights sleep.
There are many ways to relax your mind and reduce your worry long enough to relax and fall asleep. The key is finding the way that works for you.
Your goal is clearing your mind and consciously realizing that tonight is the time to sleep and tomorrow is the time to deal with your problems.
Create a “Worry List’
Try making a “worry list”. Write down everything that worries or concerns your before you lay down for the night. Keep a notebook for just this purpose.
As you make your list, note which things you can deal with tomorrow. Have a plan of what you are going to accomplish tomorrow.
Create another list in your notebook for things that concern you that you have no control over. Firmly tell yourself that these items are beyond your control.
Complete your lists, close the notebook and tell yourself that you will not think of these things until tomorrow.
If these things begin to wander into your mind, remind yourself that your “worry list” closed and cannot be opened until tomorrow.
Journal Your Worries Away
Keeping a journal is another method for keeping daily worry and anxiety out of your thoughts while you try to fall asleep.
As you write down the events of your day make sure you include all your worries and fears.
The act of physically writing is the key to acknowledging that while you are worried you are giving yourself permission to rest and deal with these feelings later.
Some of the other techniques we have mentioned such as soothing music and yoga can also reduce the effects that worry and stress have on your ability to fall asleep.
