Disclaimer: “Momma said, there’d be days like this….” No but seriously, it’s hard at first! You WILL hate it!!!! But only for about 2 months! Especially if your sleeping struggles have lasted for over 2 decades like mine have! I’ve finally gotten my sleeping pattern on a much healthier track, and I used these easy methods to help me!
Step 1. Exercise at night vs. the morning/day. This should be easy right, since waking up early can be dreadful. But not always the case. My mind is always going, thinking of all the things I have to do after work, and sometimes the gym seems daunting. It’s easier to want to exercise when you have free time in the day, but try to refrain!
Step 2. Rid your body of sleeping pills… Sleeping pills used to be my best friend (okay don’t call rehab on me, I really just couldn’t sleep)Sleeping pills are SO addicting it’s sick.
Not to mention the crazy harmful side effects.
Years ago on a trip back home from college, I was stressed from finals, away from my own bed, and couldn’t sleep. I decided on an Ambien. Next thing you know, I’m walking circles around the coffee table (as so my mother says) with my eyes closed. when she asks what I’m doing, she says my response was, “I
don’t know.” UMMM HELLO?!?!? Bizarre!!!!! Don’t do it folks!!! If you need some type of aid, try a very low mg of Melatonin, it is at least natural.
Step 3. Change your diet. Diet can be a restriction in tons of areas of your life, even your sleeping patterns. If you are not getting foods that are rich in certain vitamins and nutrients it will effect this whole cycle. You won’t have the energy to get through your whole day AND workout at the end of that, nor will you feel as focused, so your brain won’t be able to relax, knowing you’ve accomplished what you need.
I try not to let my daily diet fluctuate or stray too far. I eat very lightly throughout the day, not a lot of carbs, with a good protein enriched meal for dinner, such as chicken, rice, and mixed vegetables! And as if you don’t hear it enough, drink your water!!!! I went from drinking maybe 12 oz. of water a day, to now around 32+ oz. and I have noticed a huge difference.
Step 4. Set your calendar up for the next day. When you mentally prepare yourself for the events going on the next day, this will increase the likelihood of your brain being able to shut off and relax. We’ve all had those nights where we lie awake, staring at the ceiling, literally begging our brains to just BE QUIET!!!! I’ve personally found that setting up my meetings, lunches, activities, etc. takes the guess work out of my brain and I fall asleep easier. If you set your alarm for a specific time in the morning, try to honor it and wake up when it goes off. (This is for all you folks who have to set 8 alarms in hopes of waking up to at least one- I used to be you, so I feel your pain.)
Step 5. Use a Himalayan salt lamp! (Ross, Walmart, Target, Tj Maxx)
There’s TONS of benefits of a salt lamp! I have a salt lamp in my living room, and there’s plenty of nights where I get sleepy out of nowhere just being beside it!
Benefits
Attractive: If you like the way they look, they could be an attractive addition to your home.
Ambiance: They could help create a relaxing atmosphere that helps you unwind.
They might help limit light in the evening: If you struggle to sleep, using dim lights in the evening may help you get to sleep faster.
In addition to the salt lamp, try Bath and Body Works aromatherapy line.
It’s infused with essential oils like lavender and chamomile! Besides the sleeping benefits, it also smells amazing!!!
Step 5. If you still cannot find peace and relaxation after following these methods, it might be a good idea to consult with your primary care doctor, because loss of sleep can really be dangerous for your physical and mental health!
I hope you all find some relief with these tips!
Trust me, it gets easier!
Now get off here and get some sleep 😉