Firstly, how cute is this little graphic☝🏾?
Remember way back when when I posted tips on how to wake up with a routine to get it poppin? I mean refreshed. Enthusiastic! Ready. That was mostly for my readers because I think I have the morning routine handled. The nighttime routine tho…? eh. Nonexistent. Well, it was. I’ve self-diagnosed with anxiety-induced insomnia so bedtime is usually when the thoughts take over. I’ll be exhausted but can’t get my mind to turn off.
So, just to test things out before I posted this, instead of doing the same activities in bed before bed (i.e. drafting emails, drafting blog posts, invoicing, thumbing through social media, playing brain games…), for about 21 days, I implemented the above list with a few other activities that have really helped me clear my mind and curb my nighttime anxiety:
Firstly, I set a bedtime. It wasn’t always the same time, but hey. I did dim the lights an hour or more before then, and in that time, I sometimes wrote down whatever was on my mind or bothering me or what I had to do the next day. If it was nothing, sometimes I’d simply write enjoy your free time, get some rest or just opt out of writing for the night.
I did some easy stretches from bed. I’ve been doing many of them for years, but only when I felt discomfort or soreness. Implementing them regularly has decreased tension in my neck and shoulders as well as help my body get and stay relaxed.
Another problem I had was staying asleep. I’m pretty fancy, so I usually gotta have my evening tea, but only low/no caffeine and not much sweetener. I avoided starchy and fatty foods in the evenings because they take a little more work to break down which can aid in sleep deprivation and weight gain. No thanks. And I also reinstated my no-techno day where once a week, I didn’t use my laptop or phone for the entire majority of the day. If no day allowed for it, I’d take out hour-long time blocks to break from checking my phone or computer. This allowed me to catch up on my book reading and illustrating.
I remember writing a speech in college about the importance of sleep. I know this country doesn’t allow for too much nor does it value sleep (unless you’re a baby); look at all the ads and even housewares and graphic tees making light of the need for that morning kick to get through the day, or even just the morning. And the readily available plethora of drugs to help you get to sleep?! A better mattress might help. Might not. What does that tell you?
But it is so vital to listen to your body and make adjustments. For me, this is the start to creating a less anxious, less stressed, more rested and positive Kelley. Unless you’re a vampire, that #teamnosleep and I can sleep when I’m dead nonsense is damaging. It ages you. And it’s dumb af.
What about you? Are you getting enough sleep? Enough rest?
No. I’ve had insomnia for most of my adult life. And when I started going through menopause well sleep went out the window. But I learned to adjust and adapt.
Plus I started working nights aka the evening and late shifts so pretty much I’m up all night.
Menopause played havoc with my hormones.
I’m also a very high strung and nervous person so my brain is always on. For a while I was taking Ambien but that causes sleepwalking.
Maybe next year when I turn 60 things will straighten themselves out.
LikeLiked by 1 person
My cat Sylvester is very happy that I am nocturnal. Also I get most of my writing done at night, dusk or dawn when most of the world is asleep. Plus seeing New York City at night is amazing! However next year I will finally at age 60 retire and maybe I’ll return to “normal” sleep but then again I heard that as you get older you sleep less! Must be true! I’ve been nocturnal since my 40s! LOL!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sylvester sounds like your spirit animal.
It also sounds like what you’re doing is working for your lifestyle.
LikeLike
Thanks.
LikeLike
What an experiment you did! And, yes, that meme is mad cute. I have four kids, so after they go to bed- usually after a bedtime story, prayers and Qur-an reading- it’s quiet, private time for my wife and me. I tend to read, watch (informative) videos, have at least one cup of herbal tea, and/or talk with my wife for a while. Then I pray and go to sleep. I also sometimes use that time to call relatives and friends, because I’m across the world from them. Sometimes I observe the fish in the fish tank.
It’s not a set routine, but more of a winding-down habit. I only have trouble falling asleep once every few months. Rarely, coffee or chai keeps me up.
It’s actually a larger process- I have been blessed with a simple, quiet life, and a comfortable, spacious home. I wish these and more for everybody.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That sounds lovely. I know it’s a problem for me and I wanted to share what I know to help whoever needs it.
You are a fortunate man. Thanks for tuning in and sharing your thoughts.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Always had trouble sleeping as a kid (likely anxiety) but now its better. What kind of stretches do you in bed? Would be very intetested…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Mostly cat cow, child’s pose and pretzel. I also linked some other easy bed stretches: https://www.popsugar.com/fitness/Yoga-Poses-You-Can-Do-Bed-21988406
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks. I’ll look those up! 🙂
LikeLike
This is so timely… I will take on the tip of not having starchy and fatty foods at night! It is hard but has too many healthy benefits not to do it. Thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re so welcome! Thanks for reading.
LikeLike
A very timely post! Especially with all these folks running ’round here talking about “all you need is 3 or 4 hours of sleep”….. for productivity sake.
WHAAAAA?
Not the kid! I needs my zzzzzzzzz and I appreciate anything that tells me how I can be sure to get them ALL!
LOL!!!
Thanks Ms. Kelley 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
They mean a 3-4hr siesta right? How can we function with 3-4hrs sleep on a regular basis!? That’s not normal and I refuse to accept it as such.
And you are so welcome!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Girl they talking about 3-4 hours sleep a night! Nah, not me! I like the 3-4 hour siesta idea. 💕💋
LikeLiked by 1 person
Riiiiiiiight!
LikeLike
I’m looking at these tips like ‘you need to do this, this and that’.
I developed really bad insomnia after a difficult breakup so for about two years, I’ve been using meditation to help me sleep.
I focus on my breathing and I try to relax.
It does help actually.
Kelle – http://www.itskellesspace.com
LikeLiked by 1 person
Meditation is a great idea. It’s such a peaceful practice.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes. I have to get a minimum of 7 hours nightly. I usually am in the bed by 9 – 10 pm and then read a book on my Ipad until I fall asleep. Still learning how to meditate and relax.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have this problem from time to time. I often write at night until I’m exhausted. I am going to start trying to do better. Thank you for these tips!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome. Writing can definitely be therapeutic.
LikeLike
not getting enough sleep/rest. I don’t even know what that is anymore. I lost the true meaning of that YEARS ago. but I thank you for this Sis. this is good. I will have to try and do better. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s all you should ask of yourself, to try.
LikeLike