Thursday, January 22, 2015

how to relax & fall asleep quickly


Getting my brain to turn off at bedtime can be difficult. Especially when I have a gazillion things on my mind. During the day, I feel pretty happy-go-lucky, but as I lie down at night, my mind starts spinning. Lately the tossing and turning topics include trying to have a baby (we have a BIG doctor's appointment coming up on Monday) and the logistics of a full kitchen renovation. Exciting and good things yes, but also anxiety inducing, as is my wont.

So when I recently came across this breathing technique I immediately decided to give it a try.

Here's how it works:

Step 1: Breath in silently through your nose for a count of 4.
Step 2: Hold your breath to the count of 7.
Step 3: Exhale through your mouth while making a whooshing sound to the count of 8.
Step 4: Now inhale again and repeat the cycle another three times or until you fall asleep.

I've been doing it for the past week and it honestly works! Admittedly, I felt like I was going to die the first few times I held my breath, but I got the hang of it quickly. And it's gotten easier with each passing night. Now I'm usually asleep after three rounds of 4-7-8.  Blessedly sweet sleep. It's become my go-to method to "close some tabs" when my thoughts get a little all over the place.

Are you a good sleeper? Any tips? Or are you a worrier, too? When it comes to worrying, we can really nail it sometimes (:

P.S. This brilliant website puts a single day of your life in perspective.

Print via. It's funny 'cause it's true.

18 comments:

  1. So timely! Lately I've been all about this.
    You have some big stuff on your brain girl! I will definitely be trying this on the weekend.
    Thank you for sharing!

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    1. You're welcome, E. It's such an easy and quick technique -- glad I stumbled across it. Let me know if it ends up working for you too. And yes, heaps of big stuff on my mind. 2015 is going to to be one heck of a year!

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  2. I should try this technique too! I'm happy that it helped you! We are all women like computers, that
    s for sure. Need some healthy techniques so our brain won't crash, like computer does!

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    1. Yes, I'm happy it works Kat! You should definitely try it. It puts you in a relaxed state of mind almost instantly. I started practicing it in the morning too when I first wake up -- like the doctor in the video recommends. The dude really knows his stuff.

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  3. Yes. Why does that happen as soon as our heads hit the pillow?! Glad it's working for you!!

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    1. I'm not sure why it happens Jen (Murphy's Law??), but I'm so glad I found a method that closes all those dang tabs. A girl needs her beauty sleep (;

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  4. I loved this post, D! I'm usually one of those people who are out like a rock the minute my head hits the pillow but for the last little while, sleep hasn't come so easy...exactly because of all those tabs I have open (literally, on my Firefox, and figuratively, in my brain)! I'm hoping that going on a vacation will erase this problem but if I find myself lying awake with my gazillion tabs, I'm trying some 4-7-8 magic! Haha and kudos to you for being open about trying for a little one! It's refreshing & I'm rooting for you!!

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    1. Thanks Hannah! You're always so sweet and supportive. It can be a challenge when you're a blogger to find the right balance between opening up while keeping some things private. I'm hoping that in being open about trying to have a baby, it might help someone else in a similar situation not feel so alone.

      p.s. Have a great time on your vacation!

      p.s.s. Hope you're able to sleep well this weekend! #478magic (:

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  5. I am SO bad for laying in bed awake, my mind going crazy! I am definitely going to give this a try :) xo,D

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    1. What is it with us ladies? As soon as the lights turn off, our minds take off like horses at the races. Hope this works for you, D!

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  6. Hi Dajana - I've been reading on and off for a while now, but am a first time commentor (I think). I like YouTube's rain and surf videos as sleep enablers. I set my laptop on my bedside table and just drift off to the sound of raindrops or waves.

    Here is a link to a favorite stormy night video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQ9OWMsJBTk
    Lisa

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    1. Hi Lisa! I've been listening to Rain & Thunder for a couple of days now. Thank you so much for taking the time to comment and post the link. I had no clue things like that existed on YouTube. You've opened my eyes to something so damn cool (and helpful). Thanks again!

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  7. Good luck with the big Dr. appt! Sending good vibes! And I love to breathe as well to help me relax at night. My creative juices always start flowing when I try to sleep. As a teacher we are also working on teaching our students to be mindful and to relax our minds and bodies with deep slow breathing. It really helps calm my class!

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    1. Thanks for the good vibes Barbara! It feels good knowing I have your support (:

      P.S. What a great life skill you're teaching your students. So many of us resort to shallow breathing when we're anxious or upset. I could have really used a teacher like you when I was in elementary (I was such an anxious kid!).

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  8. Sounds like a great technique, and one I should definitely try out! Hope everything went well at your doctor's appointment! *crossing fingers for you*

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    1. Efharisto Kassey! You can never have too many positive thoughts when it comes to trying to have a baby (:

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  9. I've heard this works from another friend as well, I'm going to give it a try tonight.

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  10. 4 steps are amazing and easy to fall asleep. Thanks for sharing with us. To relax your mind and to regularize sleep cycle herbal Medicine for sleeplessness helps a lot.

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