Stop Stressing, Start Resting

I've been an insomniac for many years, some nights are worse than others. Weeks and months will pass with me sleeping like a baby, only to suddenly be stressed, anxious and sleep-deprived for no reason.

Sadly, sleep is something we cannot live without.

If we experience poor sleep for too long, we can expect to encounter a multitude of health problems.

Higher Risk Of Depression

If you've ever suffered from sleep deprivation, you know how it can affect your mental health. I've personally suffered from depression, and it's definitely worse when I'm suffering from insomnia. I don't want to be around supportive friends or family, I'm troubled with dark thoughts, and I become terribly emotional.

Lower Immunity

Our immunity is so important, even more so given the current world events. Lack of sleep can interfere with a normal healthy functioning immune system, which means we are more likely to catch an infection and fall ill. When we are unable to fight off infection, our bodies can't repair themselves or recover.

Higher Risk Of Heart Disease

When we get enough sleep each night, it gives our body a chance to regulate our blood pressure. Lack of sleep can increase your blood pressure which in turn makes you at a higher risk of heart disease.

I'll sleep when I'm dead!

This has to be the stupidest comment I've ever heard, and it's generally from the high achievers and the hustlers that would say something like this.

Of course, when they say it, they make the rest of us feel lazy or like a failure in everything that we do.

What Can We Do When We Can't Sleep?

I'm all about natural remedies, but if you have an ongoing problem with sleep, then it's important to speak with your doctor.

Personally, when I'm unable to sleep, I can become extremely stressed and frustrated. The more I stress about not sleeping, the less likely I am to actually get any sleep. And I'm sure this is the same for you too.

I've found that worrying about it becomes a vicious cycle.

The one thing I've found that has helped me is to finally enjoy some sleep is to stop stressing about it. I know, it's easy to say, but hear me out!

Stop Stressing and Start Resting

When I'm lying in bed and I feel that familiar sense of frustration, I turn to some motivational self-talk.

I simply say to myself:

It's ok, we don't need to sleep. How about we just rest a little instead?

This has become my mantra.

I find myself stressing less.

I find myself relaxing.

I find myself thinking positive thoughts.

The first time I tried this, I had a difficult time believing that these were more than just words. I've read so much about mindset and how it can affect all aspects of your life. I'd never really tried positive self-talk, so didn't really believe that it could work.

The second time I tried this, I actually started to believe in what I was saying.

I'm not sleeping, I'm only resting.

I could feel my body start to relax and succumb to the sensation of drifting. I could sense my eyes rolling back as I drift into oblivion. It's an amazing feeling when you realise that you can control your stress and dial it down.

It's truly amazing what your mind can do when you allow it. In truth, it feels a little like a form of meditation.

Whilst I've never been successful at meditating, I do know how effective it can be for those who suffer from stress and anxiety.

So, now I'm all about resting. Sleep will happen when my mind and body are ready for it. In the meantime, resting is enough for me.