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What do you do when you wake
up in the middle of the night and cannot go back to sleep?
Do you lie there tossing, stretch, panic, and feel your
heart thumping? Do you notice your own shallow breathing?
Do you try futilely to follow the random speeding thoughts
that race through your mind?
Back in 1991 I met an
elderly man in the grocery store. He must have been around
87. Approaching my cart, he leaned in and said “young
lady would you like to know how to get to be my age?” To
which I answered “sure”. He then went on to explain
that since he had been my age and out on his own, never
once did he ever spend a sleepless night in bed. If he
should have trouble dosing off, or worse—wake in the
middle of the night, he simply & promptly got up out
of bed and got busy about living.
At 22 I was not in the
habit of having trouble falling asleep. No—in fact my
trouble was choosing to go to sleep when there was always
so much fun to get into. Now at 35, I fully appreciate the
words this man offered to me. In my case, rarely is a
sleepless night caused randomly. However, nights like that
have occurred to me as well.
Here
are some suggestions of things to do —should sleep evade
you.
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Have
a cup of herbal tea and read a relaxing book to start
your day… or before trying sleep again.
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Have
a cup of coffee and read some motivational literature
to jump start your morning.
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Put
on music, or a spoken word tape / CD if necessary to
shut off the chatter in your mind.
-
Take
care of any physical symptoms that are bothering
you—headache, upset stomach, heart burn.
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Take
action on any issue on your mind-
-
you
can write out an action plan for the next few
months, weeks, days, hours ahead (break it down
into manageable chunks) this will help you to feel
like you have control by having a plan and thereby
not giving up on yourself and the issue.
-
you
can organize any materials that might pertain to
that area of life.
-
read
information on the topic—becoming informed
sometimes has a calming affect.
-
put
in any direct effort to move the situation along
possible. Bite the bullet so to speak—take the
action you have been delaying.
-
Do
something else productive around the house. Find
something you can do without bothering others that
will free up your day time later. If you get stuff out
of the way at night—you can spend the daytime
addressing any issue that has your sleep disturbed.
-
Set
some more goals for you life.
-
Visualize
where you want to be in 4 months, in 1 year, in 3
years, in 5 years, in 8 years, in 10 years, up through
old age.
-
Write
these down and read them repeatedly. Focus on where
you are headed, rather than on the current tough spot.
-
Dream
of vacations you will take. Then plan how you can get
that accomplished. Set a goal or a course of action.
-
Write
letters (real letters hand written) to your children,
parents, or closest friends. Try to focus on the good
in your life and your goals ahead. The more you focus
on the good the better you will feel.
-
Find
something or someone to be involved with other than
yourself—who can you be thinking good thoughts for?
Who is in need of positive thoughts and/ or prayer?
Spend some time thinking about those who touch your
life daily, and the lives of all those you care
for—the list could be endless. Spend positive time
wishing all those extended people happiness, health,
and blessings.
-
Take
review of your life- have you forgotten any
celebrations lately? Have you left unnoticed and
concerns that affect your loved ones? Write a couple
notes and take the proper steps to connect with them
regarding those issues now.
-
Plan
out 17 surprises for your mate, children, parents, or
best friends. The 17 surprises can be plotted on a
calendar waiting to be launched at a time later.
-
Re-read
your goals you set. Re-read them as things you have,
or are in the midst of. (do this several times)
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Take
a bath to relax and try sleep again.
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Take
a shower to wake up.
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Exercise.
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Work
on a hobby, read a book, watch a happy video.
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Meditate.
After doing all of these
things, one of 2 things will happen. Either 1) you will be
so tired you are able to fall back asleep. OR 2) the sun
will be due to rise – rain or shine, and your day will
be ready to move forward.
We spend a lot of time
wasted… but there is much to do. The next time you have
trouble sleeping try the above suggestions. And feel free
to email the things that have worked for you—I am always
happy to add to my list.
Until next time-- All the
best,
Kate
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About
The Author
Kate
Hufstetler is a well established personal
and relationship coach who has helped many
individuals like yourself to beat
"the blues" and gain control
over their lives. Her clients come from
both the United States and overseas. She
offers coaching services via email and
phone consultations at flexible timing and
financing to meet your every need. Through
personal, business, spiritual mentorship,
she could help you too! Please visit for
available packages within your range: http://www.comedreamwithme.com/start_today.html
Kate@comedreamwithme.com |
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