@Rosy how exactly do you "train your mind" ?? Glad it has worked for you, pretty neat trick!
So, this weekend. Overall pretty good on the sleep front. Saturday I woke up to my alarm at 7 as planned and got up right on time. That night, however, I just couldn't bring myself to set my alarm. So I just woke up naturally today, around 8. Definitely cheated after I said I wouldn't, BUT... I'm still pretty happy with 8 for not setting an alarm. That could have easily been 9 or 10am in the past. And... I technically didn't hit the snooze button as @beattie228 pointed out!
How did everyone else fare this weekend?
Give yourself credit for this weekend - the fact is, you got up at seven and at eight! Victory!:)
I wish I could remember which book I took the idea from - it sounded so preposterous at the time, that I still remember thinking, yeah, right - these people obviously don't have a lifestyle as busy as mine. There is no way I could ever train my mind to do that.
Actually, you sort of practiced exactly that this weekend:) so allow yourself a little time, don't obsess and try to force the issue.
See the thing is, in the beginning, you are still anxious and often your body does need a bit more rest than you think. It takes about a month to see "reliable" results and for the undercurrent of anxiety of worrying about not making it to an appointment on time to fade.
It is nothing but a new habit and having a new regiment in place to support your success is vital.
Key is that in order to be successful, you need to learn to listen to your body. That's just common sense and not hard to do at all. Pay attention to what exhausts you most, what times of the day you are tired and how in general your body reacts to different bedtime routines.
A couple of no brainer things to remember is to not have alcohol, coffee, sweets or snacks within 2-3 hours of retiring for the night.
There are also any number of relaxing herb teas (non-caffeine), I like to combine mine with herbs that strengthen your immune system. It's just a matter of finding one that tastes good to you.
Hydration in general is important, so even a glass of water is a good thing and helps with that groggy feeling in the morning.
For me, not having to listen to that damn alarm in the first place was utterly anxiety reducing and worth experimenting and exploring what my body responded to the best.
Here is the long version of what I do to calm my mind and mentally prepare for the next day. Not sure if these steps were from the same book, but I find it a helpful, stress relieving routine.
1. No alarm clocks allowed, especially nothing that has fluorescent green or red big numbers bathing the room in alien light:), no TV or computer or other blinking lights in the bedroom.
I do have a travel-sized alarm clock without LED, in case I need to catch a flight on time - not that I ever actually need to use it these days. But, I wouldn't want to miss a $1000 ticket flight - so I just kill the alarm button as I get up naturally in plenty of time.
2. I am a fan of aromatherapy. I use lavender in our bedroom, just sachets of naturally dried lavender in drawers and under the pillow:) No artificial sprays - just organic flowers from my garden mostly. The idea is that soothing scents aid your sleep and increase your sleep quality.
I am also a fan of fresh air and sleep with an open window whenever possible. I hate AC and the sound it makes, but living in Florida I don't think I could survive without it.
No matter the climate, I air out the bedroom in the morning and evening for thirty minutes, fifteen minutes if it is super cold or hot.
3. Once my head hits the pillow - I take a few deep breaths and let the day's events parade in my mind.
I acknowledge the good things that happened that day and count myself lucky:)
Then I review the not so good parts of the day. I don't look for solutions immediately anymore like I used to - I just take note. I've learned to stop replaying the bad stuff in my mind - it does not change anything and solves nothing.
I ask the Universe to help me sort it all out and help me see the problems from every viewpoint. (I know I react too quick and too emotional, I do not always see the big picture until it is too late, so taking a step back is helpful to me).
Full disclosure: If I'm really upset or in trouble I ask G to help me and remind myself that this too shall pass:) Can't get that Catholic upbringing out of my mind. (Childhood indoctrination:)
Knowing that everything in our lives is only temporary is huge.
Are you rolling your eyes yet?:)
4. Then I decide what my first task - action of the day will be and promise myself not to get sidetracked but take care of that one most important thing first - no matter what.
Then I think about all my projects and build a list of three to five priorities, often this is the time I remember a forgotten detail or realize I could make a change and improve everything.
5. Sometimes I wake up with a solution that hadn't occurred to me before or I suddenly change all my plans, because I had a better idea.
I live by my various to-do lists, it gives me the illusion of control of my life and reminds me, that all in all, I'm getting things done, sometimes at lightning speed, sometimes at a snails pace - but hey.
I think it is the de-tethering myself from the shrill alarm interrupting my sleep that makes it possible to even wake up refreshed, with new ideas and ready for the day - instead of instant anxiety and fuzzy, disorganized thoughts.
Carry on:) - my apologies for the wall of text.