I’ve never struggled to sleep (very, very lucky, I am aware) but I’ve been amazing at it in recent years because I use techniques like this. I’ve actually given the 26 breaths technique a go over the past week and haven’t yet reached single figures. I also make a conscious effort to drop my shoulders and relax my facial muscles.
I am SO gonna try this technique tonight! Great resource round-up as usual - Julie Smith's book has been on my list for a while but I've just never got round to it
Thanks, I'm going to try this next time I need it! One technique that often - but not always - works for me is thinking of something in a category for each letter of the alphabet. E.g. flowers, animals, movie titles, cities, etc.
It went well but not quite as expected. It’s was supposed to be a run along the river bank but because there’s been so much rain here, a quarter of the course was flooded. We were literally wading through the river. It was so cold! Was actually quite pleased with 2hrs 13mins in the end!
I have a special needs child and I’ve been dealing with a lot of anxiety and worries that would keep me up at night. One technique that really helped me get to sleep was imagining I was entering a little building where anxious thoughts were not allowed. I’d imagine them literally bouncing off the roof and flying into space. Or into a basket of things to deal with tomorrow. Only certain topics are allowed to be thought about inside my little mind building. I think it would be different for each person but generally lighter stuff like sports, cartoons, hobbies, entertainment. I usually don’t have to spend too much time doing that until I’m asleep
That’s another great technique. Mindfulness techniques such as imagining our worries floating on by on a cloud and us being passive observers can work wonders too.
Great little sleep tip. I love going between random odd numbers in my head, does similar. As you quite rightly said "“there are hundreds of ways to deal with stress and anxiety. All you need to do is find one that works”. Very true. Thanks for sharing this I just subscribed.
I’ve never struggled to sleep (very, very lucky, I am aware) but I’ve been amazing at it in recent years because I use techniques like this. I’ve actually given the 26 breaths technique a go over the past week and haven’t yet reached single figures. I also make a conscious effort to drop my shoulders and relax my facial muscles.
That’s brilliant it’s working for you Jack.
It works for other uses too such as relaxation during the day. Just don’t lay down or you’ll fall asleep! 😴 ha
Believe me, I can fall asleep anywhere 😂
I am SO gonna try this technique tonight! Great resource round-up as usual - Julie Smith's book has been on my list for a while but I've just never got round to it
How did it go Zan?
Loved it - it worked a charm... couldn't get below 10 haha. Reminds me a lot of this military sleeping technique which is also incredible:
https://bigthink.com/neuropsych/military-method-sleep/
Thanks, I'm going to try this next time I need it! One technique that often - but not always - works for me is thinking of something in a category for each letter of the alphabet. E.g. flowers, animals, movie titles, cities, etc.
Nice. I like that one too.
Similar one I’ve used in the past is recounting my last round of golf, shot by shot.
Great recommendations and resources!! Thank you Martin...also I've been meaning to ask you. How did the half marathon go?
Hi Julie!
It went well but not quite as expected. It’s was supposed to be a run along the river bank but because there’s been so much rain here, a quarter of the course was flooded. We were literally wading through the river. It was so cold! Was actually quite pleased with 2hrs 13mins in the end!
Oh my goodness! What a story to tell. :) Outstanding finish time Martin. I hope you celebrated and will you do another?
Yeah, I think so. I’d give myself a little longer with the training next time.
I’m going for a 5k pb now. Just to mix it up a little.
Way to go Martin!
I have a special needs child and I’ve been dealing with a lot of anxiety and worries that would keep me up at night. One technique that really helped me get to sleep was imagining I was entering a little building where anxious thoughts were not allowed. I’d imagine them literally bouncing off the roof and flying into space. Or into a basket of things to deal with tomorrow. Only certain topics are allowed to be thought about inside my little mind building. I think it would be different for each person but generally lighter stuff like sports, cartoons, hobbies, entertainment. I usually don’t have to spend too much time doing that until I’m asleep
That’s another great technique. Mindfulness techniques such as imagining our worries floating on by on a cloud and us being passive observers can work wonders too.
Thanks for stopping by.
You're over-riding your vagus nerve and flipping between the sympathetic and the parasympathetic nervous systems to aid the calming.
Oooo, like a little science to back it up. That makes sense though.
I am going to try this in about....20 minutes.
And thanks for the shoutout!
Yes! Let me know how it goes!
Thank you Martin, will definitely try it out!
Good luck. If it works for you that’s great as it’s so easy.
Agreed, a good night's sleep can never be taken for granted.
Thank you for recommending my article, Martin :-).
Beautiful curation. ❤️
Great little sleep tip. I love going between random odd numbers in my head, does similar. As you quite rightly said "“there are hundreds of ways to deal with stress and anxiety. All you need to do is find one that works”. Very true. Thanks for sharing this I just subscribed.