Healthy Living DIY

You probably already know that trying to will yourself to relax doesn't work very well. Your mind is demanding a solution, and you're smarter than to think that forced relaxation is going to solve this problem. What you need is a plan. And some rest.

First, let's deal with the short-term strategies. This will help you get the rest you need -- so you'll have the energy to deal with the long-term stuff.

1. Identify a specific time and strategy for addressing the concern that's keeping you awake.

"Tomorrow" is not specific enough to satify your curious mind. These examples might just do the trick:

• I'll use my journal to work out a solution tomorrow morning before I leave for work.
• I'll call Jane on my lunch break. She always seems to know what to do. I'm sure she can help.
• I'll phone my pastor or counselor to set up an appointment.
• I'll call (the person you have the conflict with, in the case of a personal conflict) first thing in the morning. I'm sure we can work it out.

Then do it, or you might just compound the problem.

If your restless mind is a regular sleep-robber, scheduling a regular time to work with a journal or some other awareness strategy can be a life-saver. That way, when you tell your mind you'll handle the concern during your awareness time, it will have a good reason to believe you.

2. Turn the problem over to a higher power.

Sometimes, life hands you a problem over which you have no control. When a loved one is sick, for example. You've done all you can. Of course you're concerned. But the outcome is out of your hands.

It will not serve you to compromise your own health over a situation you have no control over. Nor will it serve your loved one. If the matter is out of your hands, let the worry go with it. Give it over to a higher power. Simple as that. You may choose any higher power that suits your belief system.

Some people find that the angels are wonderfully helpful in this situation. Archangel Raphael is known as a healer. In the the example we described above, where you're concerned with a sick loved one, you can simply ask Archangel Raphael to watch over him or her. Visualize your loved one surrounded by a protective cocoon of Raphael's green healing energy if you like. Hold the picture in your mind as you drift off to sleep.

3. Long-term, you're going to need to solve the problem. If your mind tells you that there is no solution, recognize that you're temporarily stuck in unproductive thinking.

There is some way to heal, if not cure, any situation. When the situation is healed, you will have found peace of mind. You will not lie awake at night worrying. Lying awake with worry is a signal that some aspect of your life is in need of attention.

You may wish to re-read the "Hopelessness to Possibility" post from a few days ago.

Or, simply create a plan for getting that part of your life under control. Our Healthy Living Manual is designed to support you in doing just this!