Mind too busy for sleep? Try tricking yourself.
I have notebooks to jot ideas down. I used to have one bedside for when ideas were buzzing and plentiful and intruded into sleep time.
I've ditched the bedside notebook now in favour of the knowledge that sleep is too important.
Trouble is, that in those times, I think some of the ideas are really good and I don't want to forget them. (Morning may be a different matter haha)
It is here I try and trick myself.
First - get yourself comfortable....then begin...
Three Deep Breaths
Nice and slow so the body and mind takes notice.
Self Talk
I think to myself: My ideas won't disappear or be lost. They'll be somewhere nice and handy and come to mind again when they're needed.
This kind of thing gives 'permission' for that much needed rest.
Let go of the problem. Insert your own self talk.
Body Flex
Gently wiggle, stretch or flex each part of your body, starting from your toes and working your way up.
Do this once. It actually doesn't take too long. With a bit of practice - a minute or two.
You've quietened the mind, now its the body's turn.
Counting
Three deep slow breaths to start.
Breathe in and count on the breath out.
Don't rush things, do it steady and slowly.
If you forget where you're up to, start again from one.
The idea here is that the body relaxes and the brain gets bored with what's going on and instead of listening to you, would rather sleep instead.
I do these in the order as above and am usually out after the body flex. It works for me.
There are other ways to lull yourself into a relaxed mode, give this a try or devise your own 'go to sleep' process.
# Sleep
# Insomnia
# Relaxation