The mind is a powerful thing. Hall of Fame baseball player Wade Boggs once stated “A positive attitude causes a chain reaction of positive thoughts, events and outcomes. It is a catalyst and it sparks extraordinary results”.
We can’t control everything life throws at us. Stress, in its various forms, is often unavoidable. Fortunately, we can take control of our thoughts. So why not use them to help us get the rest we need? Read below to learn more about how you can use your mind to positively affect sleep.
5 Tips to Maximize Sleep through Positivity
- Breathe. Part of staying positive is reducing negativity. Reduce stress through deep, controlled breathing. If you have practiced the “4-7-8 exercise”, use it to promote relaxation.
- Talk to yourself. Sure it may look strange to other, but the benefits are worth it. Begin when you wake up. Tell yourself “That was great rest, I am totally refreshed”….even if it isn’t totally true. Use positive affirmation to prepare yourself throughout the day for a great night’s sleep….”I will sleep through the night”. While in bed, use positive talk to prepare your mind for the rest you need.
- Make a bedtime checklist. It can be as inclusive or as streamlined as you like; you are in control. Just make sure that it includes relaxing activities you enjoy. For example, “perform 20 minutes of yoga after dinner”, “take a warm bubble bath”, or “read my favorite magazine 45 minutes before bed time” are all great ways of getting your mind in a positive place before sleep.
- Write yourself notes. Leave them in your steering wheel, on your lunch, or on your bedroom door. Write positive notes like “enjoy your sleep!”, “this is going to feel great!” or “finally, my comfortable bed!” to promote positivity before entering your sleep quarters.
- Make goals. Set long-term goals that are lofty. We all need something to strive for. Make sure you set readily attainable goals as well. These checkpoints along the way provide positive reinforcement, motivation, and keep us engaged. “Be in bed by 10:30pm” is an example of a goal you can achieve quickly. If too easy, further quantify it by adding the addendum…”at least 4 days this week”.
These tips can prepare your mind for a peaceful night’s rest.