I’ve been reading Eat, Pray, Love recently (finally!) and Elizabeth Gilbert puts a fine point on it, divulging that during a particularly difficult part of her life she was treated for depression, including her last resort of taking medication: “I could finally sleep. This was the real gift, because when you cannot sleep, you cannot get yourself out of the ditch, there’s not a chance.”
What fosters good sleep in your life? What rituals help you wind down and relax in order to fall asleep and rest peacefully? That’s what I’m exploring today in episode 53. I am not a medical doctor or expert, just sharing what works for me and recommendations from friends and professionals. If you struggle with insomnia, definitely consult with a trusted doctor to treat the cause of your symptoms.
We all know that sleep is an essential life requirement, but we tend to forget the ingredients we require to set ourselves up to fulfill this basic need. This is a highly personal area, but some places to look if you'd like to make some tweaks to improve your sleep are environmental factors, yoga, relaxation, visualization and meditation, Ayurveda, the timing of yoga and exercise, and other soothing rituals like bathing, writing, reading, music, baths, warm drinks, & herbal remedies. These are all practices I have employed and enjoyed at one point or another as gateways to sweet sleep.
What helps you relax and unwind in order to enjoy good sleep? I hope this podcast has brought up some reminders or new ideas to help you set the stage for good snoozing, and that you will let me know what practices you find work for you!
Check out my Companion Blog for more practices, resources, and links to ideas for promoting sweet sleep, and I will also include links to relevant videos on the YouTube Channel there.
Blythe Stephens, MFA
she/her or they/them
A Blythe Coach: Dance Education & Coaching
move through life with balance, grace, & power
DISCLAIMER: A Blythe Coach recommends that you consult your physician regarding the applicability of any recommendations and follow all safety instructions before beginning any exercise program. When participating in any exercise or exercise program, there is the possibility of physical injury. If you engage in this exercise or exercise program, you agree that you do so at your own risk, are voluntarily participating in these activities, assume all risk of injury to yourself.
