Ease Into Sleep

Sometimes it's really hard to shake off the day. Our bodies get tired, but our brains keep going. But this day is done, and the time to think and worry and stress is over. The best thing you can do for yourself right now is rest up for tomorrow. So let's relax your body right now, part by part. Your brain will follow suit. And along the way, if you find your thoughts drifting, just notice them. Think of your bed as a judgment free zone. Let's start with some deep breaths, in (inhaling) and out. (exhaling) Inhale as much air as you can through your nose and then let it out slowly through your mouth. In (inhaling) and out. (exhaling) Think of your feet and all they've done for you today. Relax all the little muscles inside of them. Wiggle those toes around a bit. Now, move up to your legs. Make sure they're comfortable, and twist them, straighten them out. On your next exhale, let out all their tension. In (inhaling) and out. (exhaling) In (inhaling) and out (exhaling). Your feet and legs have moved you from place to place today, now you're giving them some rest. Focus on your stomach. Feel how it's rising and falling, and rising and falling. Fill it with air as big as it can get, and then let it out slowly. Imagine the air you're letting out as all of the day's stress leaving you. Now relax your chest, feel it soften. Feel your shoulder blades sink into the mattress. Inhale air into your chest. (inhaling) Now let it out. (exhaling) Next, your arms. Wherever they are, may be tucked under the pillow or laying at your sides, find a way to relax them as much as you can. Feel all the muscles and bones in your arms getting heavier, sinking down into your bed. Your body is relaxed and ready for sleep. While you sleep, your body's totally got you. It's fighting off infection, regulating your hormones and healing inflammation, so you can wake up feeling like a superstar tomorrow. So relax and rest up....