Every once in a while I rush to get to bed after working in my studio, or in my office, and consequently lie awake finishing the job. Rushing to bed is NOT good sleep hygiene. Ideally, I would quit the stimulating activity earlier in the evening so that I would be relaxed by the time I go to bed.
Luckily I have a few tricks up my sleeve for when time gets away on me and/or I take a problem to bed. I’ve had success with each of the following techniques to slow me down and enable sleep.
You can do the following exercises while lying in bed. They all have a calming effect on your mind and body.
1. The first exercise comes from Brain Gym. It’s called Hookups. Brain Gym is a series of exercises used to improve neurological function so that areas of the brain are connected and integrated. You can do Hookups sitting in a chair, but to induce sleep do it lying in your bed. Here it is in 24 seconds. A picture is worth a thousand words. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOMHz-HS4yY
2. Jin Shin Jyutsu® is an ancient healing art of harmonizing the body through gentle touch, similar to acupressure. It incorporates touching specific areas on the body to balance and restore energy flow to a more harmonious state. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jIe1DbtARgI For worry or insomnia you can also just hold the thumb.
According to Mudras, Yoga in your Hands, by Gertrud Hirschi, “The fire of the thumb nourishes the energy of the other fingers and absorbs excess energy. It thereby restores equilibrium.“
3. I’ve written previously about EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques, often called tapping). EFT also borrows from acupressure by tapping on acupressure points.
You can use EFT to reduce stress and many other problems. At the very least, this simple protocol of tapping on your fingers will help you relax, and consequently go to sleep. Do it slowly and gently. This video shows you how. https://www.instagram.com/p/Bw4uBgbn_wk/
As always, getting to the source is key. What might be troubling you? Is there action you need to take? Resolving your problems will go a long way to improved sleep.
What you don’t want to do when you go to bed is worry about going to sleep, or get frustrated that you’re not sleeping. Think wholesome thoughts. Focus instead of the comfort of your bed, how it holds you, that you are safe and free to let go of any sadness, fears or regrets. The world will wait for you until morning. Let it go. Let it go. Let it go.