| What
do you do when you wake up in the middle of the night and cannot go back
to sleep? Do you lie there tossing, stretch, panic, and feel your heart
thumping? Do you notice your own shallow breathing? Do you try futilely to
follow the random speeding thoughts that race through your mind?
Back
in 1991 I met an elderly man in the grocery store. He must have been
around 87. Approaching my cart, he leaned in and said “young lady would
you like to know how to get to be my age?” To which I answered “sure”.
He then went on to explain that since he had been my age and out on his
own, never once did he ever spend a sleepless night in bed. If he should
have trouble dosing off, or worse—wake in the middle of the night, he
simply & promptly got up out of bed and got busy about living.
At
22 I was not in the habit of having trouble falling asleep. No—in fact
my trouble was choosing to go to sleep when there was always so much fun
to get into. Now at 35, I fully appreciate the words this man offered to
me. In my case, rarely is a sleepless night caused randomly. However,
nights like that have occurred to me as well.
Here
are some suggestions of things to do —should sleep evade you.
1.
Have a cup of herbal tea and read a relaxing book to start
your day… or
before trying sleep again.
Have a cup of herbal tea and read a relaxing book to start
your day… or
before trying sleep again.
- Have
a cup of coffee and read some motivational literature to jump start
your morning.
- Put
on music, or a spoken word tape / CD if necessary to shut off the
chatter in your mind.
- Take
care of any physical symptoms that are bothering you—headache, upset
stomach, heart burn.
- Take
action on any issue on your mind-
- you
can write out an action plan for the next few months, weeks, days,
hours ahead (break it down into manageable chunks) this will help
you to feel like you have control by having a plan and thereby not
giving up on yourself and the issue.
- you
can organize any materials that might pertain to that area of life.
- read
information on the topic—becoming informed sometimes has a calming
affect.
- put
in any direct effort to move the situation along possible. Bite the
bullet so to speak—take the action you have been delaying.
- Do
something else productive around the house. Find something you can do
without bothering others that will free up your day time later. If you
get stuff out of the way at night—you can spend the daytime
addressing any issue that has your sleep disturbed.
- Set
some more goals for you life.
- Visualize
where you want to be in 4 months, in 1 year, in 3 years, in 5 years,
in 8 years, in 10 years, up through old age.
- Write
these down and read them repeatedly. Focus on where you are headed,
rather than on the current tough spot.
- Dream
of vacations you will take. Then plan how you can get that
accomplished. Set a goal or a course of action.
- Write
letters (real letters hand written) to your children, parents, or
closest friends. Try to focus on the good in your life and your goals
ahead. The more you focus on the good the better you will feel.
- Find
something or someone to be involved with other than yourself—who can
you be thinking good thoughts for? Who is in need of positive thoughts
and/ or prayer? Spend some time thinking about those who touch your
life daily, and the lives of all those you care for—the list could
be endless. Spend positive time wishing all those extended people
happiness, health, and blessings.
- Take
review of your life- have you forgotten any celebrations lately? Have
you left unnoticed and concerns that affect your loved ones? Write a
couple notes and take the proper steps to connect with them regarding
those issues now.
- Plan
out 17 surprises for your mate, children, parents, or best friends.
The 17 surprises can be plotted on a calendar waiting to be launched
at a time later.
- Re-read
your goals you set. Re-read them as things you have, or are in the
midst of. (do this several times)
- Take
a bath to relax and try sleep again.
- Take
a shower to wake up.
- Exercise.
- Work
on a hobby, read a book, watch a happy video.
- Meditate.
After
doing all of these things, one of 2 things will happen. Either 1) you will
be so tired you are able to fall back asleep. OR 2) the sun will be due to
rise – rain or shine, and your day will be ready to move forward.
We spend
a lot of time wasted… but there is much to do. The next time you have
trouble sleeping try the above suggestions. And feel free to email the
things that have worked for you—I am always happy to add to my list.
Until
next time-- All the best,
Kate
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About
The Author
Kate
Hufstetler is a well established personal and relationship coach who
has helped many individuals like yourself to beat "the
blues" and gain control over their lives. Her clients come from
both the United States and overseas. She offers coaching services
via email and phone consultations at flexible timing and financing
to meet your every need. Through personal, business, spiritual
mentorship, she could help you too! Please visit for available
packages within your range: http://www.comedreamwithme.com/start_today.html
Kate@comedreamwithme.com
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