Many people, at one time or another, have gone through insomnia on some level. In recovery, we stay away from the chemicals we may have once used to combat this troublesome state. Learning to quiet down and calm the body, mind, and spirit can aid when insomnia rears its head. That said, there are times when we use every tool in the toolbox and still can't sleep. Here we can only come to terms with the situation, quit fighting, and find acceptance until the sleep comes.
Here are five of my go-to's to settle into sleep:
ONE
Enjoy a cup of herbal tea. Popular sleep teas include chamomile, lavender, lemon balm, and peppermint.
TWO
Use essential oils to soothe the soul. Great calming choices are chamomile, lavender, ylang-ylang, and sandalwood. You can use a diffuser or put some on a cotton ball by your pillow.
THREE
Guided meditation. If you find the right one for you, this works amazingly. There are tons of sleep meditation apps that you can download, and some of them are great.
FOUR
Breathing slowly and mindfully. There are various styles of calming breaths, but you may want to keep it simple. Slow belly breathing with a count on the inhale and matching the count on the exhale is perfect. Place your hands on the belly to find a deeper connection to the rise and fall of the breath in the belly.
FIVE
Read but make sure it isn't a book you can't put down. Look for something that won't cause your wheels to spin further.
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