Every time you try to turn your brain off for bed, you are consumed with anxiety from tasks you did not get to that day or tasks that wait for you the day ahead.
Unfortunately, anxiety makes you feel like you can’t function at times. Anxiety has become so common in our society that almost everyone says they have anxiety. But for you, it is worse at night. The downsides to this include you try to sleep at night but instead, your mind is racing with everything you could not get done that day or the list that is waiting for you the next day. Not only are you unable to get a good night’s sleep, you have found this prevents you fully functioning due to your lack of energy. You are constantly criticizing yourself. If you keep on this path your life is going to be consumed with thoughts of anxiety and worry.
Perhaps for you it plays out in your life like you can never do anything good enough?
At times it might have felt like you can’t remember when you had a great night’s sleep and woke up ready and confident to begin your day. You can’t recall the last time you gave yourself a compliment for getting through the day with anxiety leading up to the little to no sleep you are going to get.
Alas, all this does is perpetuate the negative feelings anxiety brings up and how it has affected your life. It is true that anxiety keeps you from sleeping, but it does not have to.
Keep reading for three ways for to help you sleep at night with anxiety.
When you don’t get enough sleep, you find your concertation is not where it needs to be, you end up making silly mistakes, and at times, it can be dangerous especially when you’re driving. When your anxiety gets out of control, you are questioning what you’re doing, and anxiety can turn into depression. But when you start sleeping better, you will start noticing you are thinking more clearly, are making better decisions, and are more aware of your surroundings.
3 Strategies to Help You Sleep Better With Anxiety
1. Journaling. Journaling helps by allowing the thoughts you have in your mind go on paper and not consume your brain. By writing down your anxiety pain points you can better prepare for them when they happen.
When this is done in session, clients can begin to notice any connections to their anxiety and process their anxiety in session before letting it develop into more anxiety later.
At home, clients can explore deeper their thoughts and feelings that relate to anxiety. Between session, clients can reread there journal as this can help with processing and letting go, if necessary.
2. Turning off Electronics. I know most people are dependent upon their smartphone and constantly check their phone when it dings or alerts them of a notification such as a DM on Instagram, or a “like” or comment on Facebook, or a retweet on Twitter. By disconnecting from electronics before bed, can help you sleep better. Your notifications that were there before you went to bed, will be there waiting for you when you wake up.
In session when clients od not use their phone, they can be more present in the moment and engagement level increases.
When not in session, “unplugging” from your phone can help connect more or reconnect with the people around you. You can have meaningful conversations that don’t involve a notification from your electronics.
3. Meditation. Meditation is an excellent way to quiet the mind and reduce anxiety.
In session, by engaging in a meditation, the client can be introduced to meditation and the benefits it can offer. When not in session, you will have this tool that you can use anytime you feel you want to quiet the mind and reduce anxiety. By listening to either a guided meditation or simple calming music before bed reduces anxiety so you can wake up feeling more refreshed.
If you are ready to get a restful sleep at night….