Beating Middle of the Night Stress

What do you do when you wake up in the middle of the night and cannot go back to sleep? Do you lie there tossing, stretch, panic, and feel your heart thumping? Do you notice your own shallow breathing? Do you try futilely to follow the random speeding thoughts that race through your mind?

Back in 1991 I met an elderly man in the grocery store. He must have been around 87. Approaching my cart, he leaned in and said "young lady would you like to know how to get to be my age?" To which I answered "sure". He then went on to explain that since he had been my age and out on his own, never once did he ever spend a sleepless night in bed. If he should have trouble dosing off, or worse-wake in the middle of the night, he simply & promptly got up out of bed and got busy about living.

At 22 I was not in the habit of having trouble falling asleep. No-in fact my trouble was choosing to go to sleep when there was always so much fun to get into. Now at 35, I fully appreciate the words this man offered to me. In my case, rarely is a sleepless night caused randomly. However, nights like that have occurred to me as well.

Here are some suggestions of things to do -should sleep evade you.

  • Have a cup of herbal tea and read a relaxing book to start your day? or before trying sleep again.

  • Have a cup of coffee and read some motivational literature to jump start your morning.

  • Put on music, or a spoken word tape / CD if necessary to shut off the chatter in your mind.

  • Take care of any physical symptoms that are bothering you-headache, upset stomach, heart burn.

  • Take action on any issue on your mind-

    • you can write out an action plan for the next few months, weeks, days, hours ahead (break it down into manageable chunks) this will help you to feel like you have control by having a plan and thereby not giving up on yourself and the issue.

    • you can organize any materials that might pertain to that area of life.

    • read information on the topic-becoming informed sometimes has a calming affect.

    • put in any direct effort to move the situation along possible. Bite the bullet so to speak-take the action you have been delaying.

  • Do something else productive around the house. Find something you can do without bothering others that will free up your day time later. If you get stuff out of the way at night-you can spend the daytime addressing any issue that has your sleep disturbed.

  • Set some more goals for you life.

  • Visualize where you want to be in 4 months, in 1 year, in 3 years, in 5 years, in 8 years, in 10 years, up through old age.

  • Write these down and read them repeatedly. Focus on where you are headed, rather than on the current tough spot.

  • Dream of vacations you will take. Then plan how you can get that accomplished. Set a goal or a course of action.

  • Write letters (real letters hand written) to your children, parents, or closest friends. Try to focus on the good in your life and your goals ahead. The more you focus on the good the better you will feel.

  • Find something or someone to be involved with other than yourself-who can you be thinking good thoughts for? Who is in need of positive thoughts and/ or prayer? Spend some time thinking about those who touch your life daily, and the lives of all those you care for-the list could be endless. Spend positive time wishing all those extended people happiness, health, and blessings.

  • Take review of your life- have you forgotten any celebrations lately? Have you left unnoticed and concerns that affect your loved ones? Write a couple notes and take the proper steps to connect with them regarding those issues now.

  • Plan out 17 surprises for your mate, children, parents, or best friends. The 17 surprises can be plotted on a calendar waiting to be launched at a time later.

  • Re-read your goals you set. Re-read them as things you have, or are in the midst of. (do this several times)

  • Take a bath to relax and try sleep again.

  • Take a shower to wake up.

  • Exercise.

  • Work on a hobby, read a book, watch a happy video.

  • Meditate.

    After doing all of these things, one of 2 things will happen. Either 1) you will be so tired you are able to fall back asleep. OR 2) the sun will be due to rise ? rain or shine, and your day will be ready to move forward.

    We spend a lot of time wasted? but there is much to do. The next time you have trouble sleeping try the above suggestions. And feel free to email the things that have worked for you-I am always happy to add to my list.

    Until next time-- All the best,

    Kate

    About The Author

    Kate Hufstetler is a well established personal and relationship coach who has helped many individuals like yourself to beat "the blues" and gain control over their lives. Her clients come from both the United States and overseas. She offers coaching services via email and phone consultations at flexible timing and financing to meet your every need. Through personal, business, spiritual mentorship, she could help you too! Please visit for available packages within your range: http://www.comedreamwithme.com/start_today.html

    http://www.comedreamwithme.com/start_today.html

    Ancona limousine airport .. Lockport Chicago limo O’Hare
    In The News:

    Recent reports show many common passwords can be cracked in literally seconds. Kurt the CyberGuy explains how to strengthen your passwords.
    Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.
    Iron, a robot that stands 5 feet, 8 inches tall and weighs 154 pounds, combines advanced artificial intelligence with human-like movement and exceptional vision.
    Hertz, the rental car giant, recently confirmed that customer information was exposed through a cyberattack on one of its software vendors.
    There are a number of features with AirPods you may or may not know about to take your listening experience to the next level. Kurt the CyberGuy explains.
    These 35 Chrome extensions have privacy and security concerns. Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says to delete them now.
    Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says 329,000 mph fusion rocket promises to be fast, disruptive and enable deep-space missions.
    Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.
    Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says a new autonomous AI is a game changer that also raises privacy risks. Is your data safe?
    Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says robots and drones are revolutionizing fruit farming with faster picking and smarter handling.
    Landmark Admin revises May 2024 cyberattack scope to show twice as many people were affected. Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson gives tips to help stay safe from an insurance data breach.
    Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson talks about how Yamaha’s hydrogen outboard motor could revolutionize boating with zero emissions.
    Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson reveals how to memorialize or remove a deceased loved one’s Facebook account and protect their digital legacy from misuse or scams.
    Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says an Apple Watch saved psychiatrist Amanda Faulkner by detecting deadly leukemia early.
    Scammers and fraudsters are increasingly targeting the most vulnerable, especially nursing homes and the personal data of their residents. Kurt the CyberGuy has safety tips.
    Infected USB flash drives can spread malware among multiple organizations in ways that can easily bypass traditional security systems.
    With a fully automated warehouse system and AI-powered robots, Ocado's Hive picks, packs and delivers grocery store orders in just a few minutes.
    Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.
    Recycling robots are using artificial intelligence to learn how to sort recyclables by recognizing patterns in colors, textures, shapes and logos.
    The Reachy 2 robot is designed to be friendly and approachable, inviting natural interaction and is perfect for research, education and experimenting with embodied AI.
    Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson shares several easy ways to keep your credit cards safe from digital thieves while you're traveling this summer.
    Arcturus sets up cameras around the edges of baseball stadiums to capture real-time action and generate a 3D digital clone of the game.
    Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.
    The CyberGuy explains why healthcare organizations are vulnerable to hackers after there have been a half dozen data breaches this year.
    Developed at two California universities, the innovative technology combines brain-computer interfaces with advanced AI to decode neural activity into audible speech.
  • Job Stress Management Tips

    Today's workplace produces plenty of stress. Life's little hassles mount... Read More

    Stress In The Workplace

    According to the Australian Council of Trade Unions' (A.C.T.U.) 1997... Read More

    Entertaining Without Stress

    Let's face it. If you are stressed, agitated and flitting... Read More

    How Stressed-Out Are YOU?

    Are you feeling stressed out? Too many things to do,... Read More

    Stress Management: Are You a Diamond or a Lump of Coal?

    "Do you want to be a lump of coal or... Read More

    Stressed? Go on a Quick Getaway

    Did you know that taking a short trip, such as... Read More

    Haris Stress Inventory

    Conceptualizing stress: Stress often has a negative connotation. Failure, illnesses,... Read More

    7 Tips to Relieve Stress At Work

    Do you feel stress at work? Do you carry your... Read More

    Is Your Workplace Suffering from Contagious Stress?

    We wonder how many of you might recognise this scenario?... Read More

    Create Reserves for a Stress Free Life

    One of the ways I have avoided a lot of... Read More

    Stress Management:: 4 Critical Distinctions

    Stress Vs PressureStress is something we all have, it's not... Read More

    Stress Management - Overcoming Adversity

    Adversity is an unavoidable part of life. Death of a... Read More

    The Epidemic of the Eighties is Still Here

    IntroductionTime magazine called stress the "The Epidemic of the Eighties".... Read More

    Balancing Acts: Keeping Work and Life in Equilibrium

    In the fast-paced world that we live in today, it... Read More

    Stress in the Workplace

    Why are you so busy? Do you really have too... Read More

    Stress Management: Are You a Workaholic - Humorous View

    As we celebrate yet another Labor Day, I thought it... Read More

    Stress Impacts Your Health

    Health Impacts of StressStress is a funny concept, try to... Read More

    Stress Busting Strategies

    Learn to have healthy relationships:This subject could fill an entire... Read More

    Stress Free COBRA

    If you have recently lost health insurance coverage through your... Read More

    Stress Management and Mastery: 5 Tips for Positive Anger Management

    A grandfather, whose grandson came to him angry at a... Read More

    Empowerment for Highly Sensitive People: Part 1

    Are you a person who has a keen imagination, a... Read More

    Three Stress Relief Techniques

    There is good stress, and there is bad stress. Good... Read More

    Fighting For Your Life

    Recently the well known American news anchor Peter Jennings died... Read More

    Stress Management and Mastery: Watch Your Language

    "Watch your language."We all heard this admonition as kids and... Read More

    Stress Management and Mastery: The Value of Vitamin NO

    What part of no don't you understand? - Bumper stickerThe... Read More

    Buffalo Grove cheapest limo ..