Katie's message in the Lack of Sleep thread got me thinking.... does anyone have any ideas of how to tell your brain to shut up?
I've done yoga for years, and I used to be able to focus and relax during relaxation, and now my mind just races. The same thing when I try to go to sleep.
The only crazy thing I've done so far is yell at my husband even though I don't mean to and he doesn't deserve it. I just get so stressed about everything I have to do, and I can't let it go.
Granted we are in a stressful time (we moved into a new house at the beginning of the month), and I think we are wearing ourselves too thin with too many activities...any ideas to help?
I've done yoga for years, and I used to be able to focus and relax during relaxation, and now my mind just races. The same thing when I try to go to sleep.
The only crazy thing I've done so far is yell at my husband even though I don't mean to and he doesn't deserve it. I just get so stressed about everything I have to do, and I can't let it go.
Granted we are in a stressful time (we moved into a new house at the beginning of the month), and I think we are wearing ourselves too thin with too many activities...any ideas to help?
-
Re: Racing Mind
Thu, March 24, 2005 - 8:15 AMSome cognitive reframing can help. You may be able to do this yourself, or you may need help.
First, realize that worrying is a waste of energy and does not solve any of the problems you are obsessing about.
You can make a list of possible solutions to each problem. Make a list of things you have been doing that DON'T work!
You can resolve to "let go" of the ones, at least temporarily, that you cannot do anything about. (for example , think to yourself "Is this something I can resolve tonight? " If not, decide to stop worrying tonight, and resume tomorrow!)
There are lots of activities that might help such as :
your Yoga, meditaion, breathing, visualization, massage, saunas, exercise, journaling etc.
Make a list of the ones that have helped and make a conscious effort to do those, instead of the self defeating ones.
If none of this works, some sort of therapy might work and it is possible that you have mild OCD and mild meds might help.
-
Re: Racing Mind
Thu, March 24, 2005 - 9:31 AMWell, for me it depends on your level of stress, health problems and how much I have on my plate.
I find I have to decompression a few hours before bed, either by reading, watching tv, or taking a bath.
If I think, plan, go on the computer, I usually find I cannot clear my mind and relax prior to sleep.
Sometimes, I take 1 gravol before bed to help me sleep. I would not take it often otherwise my body becomes immune to it and it would take 3 weeks of to counter this.
Another thing that helps me is walking a half hour between eating dinner and relaxing before bed. The fresh air and exercise helps me relax, destress and clear my mind.
-
Re: Racing Mind
Fri, May 20, 2005 - 4:52 AMpersonally (and i dont know if it is just me), writing out my thoughts helps simplify everything. when it is just me and my thoughts, they can be overwhelming because they are coming at me all at once. i suppose it is the linear way it makes me think. I find too that laughter lightens the increadible heaviness of thinking.