When worry stops you from switching off and sleeping, plus some tips to help
Unfortunately getting a good night’s sleep is not as easy as counting sheep. You find yourself worrying about your financial state, health problems; perhaps you have relationship issues, or you don’t know how to manage your troublesome kids.
Sleep is crucial to functioning on any level as a mother and partner, caring for children and running a household. Without sleep, you may find your mood and tolerance suffers, as does your willpower and energy levels. Worry also releases stress hormones that lead to physical issues such as the tendency to emotionally eat, cardiac problems and depression.
Tips to help you switch off and get some sleep
If you can’t switch off at night, try implementing some of these tips for a good night’s sleep.
Try to be present
Worry all you want but it will not stop potential bad events from occurring. Worrying just drains you mentally and emotionally. So it’s pointless to try to predict all the possibilities that may or may not happen. When you feel your mind wandering into a ‘what-might-happen’ mindset, make the conscious decision to think about something positive like a happy memory or a goal you’re working towards.
If you need some help to stay present try the meditations in the mind, body, breath category under the exercises in our 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge app.
Bad things happen
Unfortunately, this is a part of life and you can’t stop it no matter how hard you try. Accept this. Worrying is a sign that you like to be in control and it’s a scary thought that none of us are in control of anything or anyone but our own self. Rather than wasting energy worrying about what might happen, reserve it for when you actually encounter the bad stuff.
Fact vs. Fiction
Cognitive bias is a major player when you can’t switch off. In this context, it simply means how much of your worry is based on legitimate concerns and how much is based on reality you’ve distorted? If you find you can’t tell which is what, the next time you feel yourself worrying in bed, ask yourself what is actually worrying you, how worrying is going to solve the problem and what would happen if you stopped?
Ok, worry within reason
You’ve tried the above but it’s not that simple and you still can’t stop yourself from worrying! So give yourself permission to worry. Whether it’s while you’re the laundry, dishes or cooking, allow yourself five minutes each day to take stock of all the issues worrying you. When time is up, make the conscious effort to stop worrying by the above means if necessary.
Plan of action
One of the best ways to get a good night’s sleep is by getting reassurance in what you’re worried about. This means channeling that energy you waste on worrying into finding solutions to your problem. Is it a financial issue? Get help by actively seeking out a financial planner. Is it a relationship issue? Try a counseling service that charge you per session based on what your income is. By creating action, the feeling of taking steps in the right direction towards a solution may stem the worry you feel, resulting in a restful night’s sleep.
Join our community of supportive moms!
If you are wanting to get that bit of extra support in your journey to better health come and join our community of moms.
Are you ready to become a Healthy Mommy?
Regain your body confidence with The Healthy Mommy’s 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge.
Our Challenge is designed by moms FOR MOMS – to help them reach their goal weight and tackle their health and fitness.
The Challenge is home to customizable meal plans, 24/7 social support and realistic exercises moms can do AT HOME.
To find out more on the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge click here.
