When Sleep Becomes Elusive

When sleep becomes elusive, things tend to go downhill fast and it can feel like your world is beginning to spin out of control.

Sleep is vital, it helps us to produce and balance our hormones, allows us to better focus during the day, aids us in managing our tempers, writes what we learned in a day down as memories we can recall, heals and builds our muscles, and so much more.  Without it, we cannot survive and certainly we will not thrive.

The real bummer can be that once we start the slippery slope into lackluster sleep, it often becomes a cycle that feeds itself; can't fall asleep because you feel anxious?  Well, not sleeping will make you feel more of that and so the cycle is set.  

So, what can we do to break these cycles we get into and get a good nights sleep?  

I'm glad you asked, here are my go-to's:

-Meditate.  If you don't know how to meditate or it seems to scary just take a few moments throughout the day to take 3-5 slow, intentional deep breaths. If you are down with trying meditation but don't have your own practice, google it!  There are so many fantastic guided meditations and apps these days you're sure to find one you like.
-Hydrate, not not right before bed!!!!  Drink your water earlier in the day and take the time to learn your body's rhythms.  If you find you need to skip a glass of water because it's too close to bedtime try getting it in earlier in the evening to avoid those nocturnal callings.
-Use calming essential oils.  I love Petigrain, Serenity, or Lavender in my diffuser before bed.  They are calming and soothing, which is just what I need to quiet my mind and any anxious feelings I may have carried with me through the day.
-Take a warm bath or shower before bed.  Having the heat warm your body before crawling into bed is so soothing and relaxing.  If your a bath person you can add your favorite essential oils to epsom salt and then sprinkle it in for triple the relaxation as the Magnesium in the salts are actually gentle muscle relaxers!
-In the morning, to set your day up right, rub Balance blend or Cedarwood on your feet to get grounded and settled.  You'll be amazed at how well you'll feel starting off your day with your feet on the ground and your head out of the clouds!
-Exercise!!!!  Last but clearly not least, get your body moving.  Every. Day.  You don't have to do a knock down, drag out workout every single day but you should be moving every day.  A walk, a bike ride, a run, a fitness class, yoga, anything to keep your blood flowing, your daytime energy up, and to give your body a release that will help you sink into the pillow each night.  

Leave me your questions below or send me a message!  

Sleep Well!