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Yes, I actually tried it but I often found my mind wandering to where, what and how my sheep were jumping rather than the numerical task. I imagined beautiful, vast green meadows, a bubbling brook and a old but sturdy wooden fence built by generations of men from the same family (yawn)...but I never get further than that...Zzzzzz
This brings me to my observation, I really don't think there's an all encompassing ONE way for all of us to achieve sleep. I know people who swear by a warm glass of milk before bed but that just makes me go to the loo; I know of people who close all the curtains so not a shred of light comes through but that just leaves me really groggy when I do have to wake up in the morning.
So, what is the secret to a good night's rest...
Think about it this way, sleeping is like breathing, nobody thought us how to do it; even babies came equipped with the ability. Nowadays, our sleeping problems lie (hahah, I made a pun) instead in the fact that we work ourselves into such a frenzied state all day every day that we've actually forgotten how to let go and contentedly exist without doing a single thing. Tell me this, when was the last time you had a break from it all? Sigh, I don't remember either, but I do vaguely recall how good it felt and how well I slept. So, I've decided to take comfort in knowing if I've achieved a good night's sleep once, I'm already half way to achieving it again and if this is what it takes so I'm energized to handle life, it is worth the brain work. I took a moment to figure out how I could improve or induce a relaxed state before bedtime to ensure a smooth journey to slumberland.
Switch off the TV - This one might not be for everyone but I've read that as much as it seems to not require effort to watch the idiot box, it's still visual stimulus for the brain. So, I switch it off an hour before bedtime to give my brain a break.
Warm shower and comfy jammies - I think most people I know like a shower before bed. There's nothing like the feeling of clean as you hop into bed. I try though to enhance the experience by choosing a shower gel that makes me think of sleep. I know that seems silly but lavender works wonders while rose scents remind me of my mum and eucalyptus reminds me of my childhood bathtimes. On top of that, I've actually designated a section of my comfiest clothes for sleep. That way as soon as I put it on it helps trigger or remind my brain that sleep is the effect I'm going for!
Read in bed - I now gladly swap TV time for curling up under the covers with a good book. Remember all those times you fell asleep when you were cramming for an exam? Words on a page have a way of lulling or if not, boring us into a state of slumber. Just try and read something calming rather than a thriller or horror ok?
Hmmm, all this talk of sleep is making me drowsy, maybe its time for a power nap!
So, how do you unwind before bed?
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