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outlanderSenior Contributor
hi guys
i find that msot of the time im very anxious of a night time
im wondering what others do to settle down for the night to calm both the mind and body. i nkow if the body is tense its hard to sleep as well so any suggestions welcome
so far i can think of deep breathing, mindfullness and reading abook
@Former-Member@CherryBomb@utopia @Faith-and-Hope @Shaz51@Bimby2@Mazarita@Adge@soul@Anony18
In response to: night time relaxation methods
Unknown userMember
Hello @outlander 🙂
I repeat the word 'the' as it doesn't lead to any thoughts in particular.
I have to have everything dark and quiet, so on the occasions where I've had to sleep in someone else's house, I will place towels, blankets, cloth of some type, over anything that lights up (so many gadgets in most houses) and under the crack at the bottom of the door, etc. I will also gently place a pillow over the top of my head, which also helps with the light and is a good muffler for sound (another thing very common in most houses - fridges, clocks, neighbours and the likes).
I will get up and move, even if it's just pacing, to try and help my muscles tire.
I use herbal sleep aids (don't care if they actually work, so long as I believe they do:) )
I will use a relaxation method of imagining I'm laying on the cloud and letting the most wonderful softness and magical calm seep into my body as is sinks into it.
Sometimes I will just let myself lay there, even if I can't sleep I can still relax my muscles and allow myself to feel 'in control' that way.
Reading is a good one, I used to use almost text type books, complicated ones, as it would tire my thought out. (My eyes are getting older now though)
Deep breathing with a strong focus on what I'm doing definately helps my mind off negitave thoughts.
I'm yet to 'look into' mindfullness, so I think your one up on me there:)
In response to: night time relaxation methods
outlanderSenior Contributor
In response to: Re: night time relaxation methods
Unknown userMember
Any time @outlander🙂 {well, anytime when my brains working in a way I can get the letters typed on the screen:D}
In response to: Re: night time relaxation methods
AdgeSenior Contributor
@outlanderI usually do a breathing meditation, once or twice during the day - & also when I'm wanting to go to sleep.
I focus on my breaths, saying "in", & "out" - whilst slowing down my breathing (as much as possible), & breathing more deeply (instead of shallow & fast breaths).
Sometimes, if I'm really anxious or am having a lot of trouble getting to sleep - I do the same with deepening & slowing down my breathing, whilst counting backwards from 100 to 0 (I read about that somewhere).
Slow & deeper breathing is also supposed to be helpful with managing panic & anxiety - although I'm still working on practicing that. I haven't found a breathing practice that helps effectively with panic (& anxiety) yet.
Adge
In response to: night time relaxation methods
outlanderSenior Contributor
In response to: Re: night time relaxation methods
AdgeSenior Contributor
That's okay @outlander I hope you find it helpful.
@utopiaCan you please tag me into your breathing techniques thread too, please.
Adge
In response to: night time relaxation methods
outlanderSenior Contributor
?
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Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.
SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.
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