Did I say “up”? I meant “on”. Shameful trickery.
I have insomnia. I’ve tried everything. And although I (rightfully) complain when I have a cold, I am secretly happy at the end of the day because I get to take NyQuil, which helps me fall asleep.
This time of year can be extra joyful and stressful. So here’s a tip I’m thrilled to share with my fellow insomniacs and stressed-out peeps. Are you ready?
Breathe.
I’m not being cheeky—it’s special breathing.
This special kind of breathing, Pranayama, has been around for thousands of years. I’ve known about it for at least ten years and have used it for calming and de-stressing but I’ve only just started using it at night to fall asleep.
Clearly, I’m not sitting with a straight spine and smiling like you’re supposed to—slumped on my pillow with an I-can’t-sleep frown—and yet, magic! It still works.
No need for special gear (or talent, for that matter). It’s wicked easy. And free. All you need is a nose and fingers. And lungs.
Try it. You won’t be sorry.
My Sunday thoughts in 200 words or less.
Cool. I’ve done this in yoga classes for years, and occasionally on my own, but I never thought of it for insomnia. I’m SO going to try it tonight.
Thank you!
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Isn’t it great? I love this technique for calming, relaxing, and balancing. I have no idea why it took me so long to think to use it to help me sleep. Really. None at all. It works beautifully.
Sweet dreams… 🐻
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Sweet dreams Sarah. Insomnia is not a fun situation. I’m pleased you have found a solution. 🙂
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Thanks, Norah. It doesn’t work every time, but nothing ever does. This is amazing, though. So quick and easy and effective.
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Thanks for the tip! I’ve suffered from insomnia since I was a kid – happy to give it a try 🙂
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It’s very easy to do. If it doesn’t help you with sleep, at least you’ll be relaxed. 🙂 It’s supposed to be cleansing and grounding, too. Can’t be too clean or grounded, you know?
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I learned this one years ago, but forget to do it when I need it! Thanks for the reminder! And…it’s finger in or on or alongside? 😀
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We always (and by “we” I mean “me”) forget to do the things that will help when we need them most. Wow. That is the most convoluted comment… Whatever. On. It’s on your nose.
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I, thankfully, don’t suffer but my husband does. So you just stick a finger on your nose and off you go? Anyway, that’s what I’ve told him to do so will see if it works but he is a very non-compliant man and will probably forget to do it in his awakeness frustration.
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😀 Yes, just stick a finger on your nose and off you go! Check out those links — they’re helpful. It is really easy, though. It is so frustrating to not be able to sleep. We often don’t do the things we need when we need them the most. Maybe that’s why it took me so long to use this technique for sleep. ❓
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I’ll check the links as he did actually try it when he woke at 2am. “Did it work?” I asked. “I don’t know” he replied ” I went to sleep'”
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Haha! That’s awesome.
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Love this, Sarah. I do breathing guided chakra clearing meditations. I always feel so much better. ❤
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Haha! This is over three years old and it’s kind of weird to read through again. Well, it still works, that’s for sure. (If not always for insomnia, then definitely for stress and a good mental clearing.) Guided chakra meditations are wonderful. You want clear, smoothly-spinning chakras, my friend! ❤
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Thanks for this great advice, Sarah. ❤
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Thank *you* for sharing. ❤ I hope people try this. It's simple and super effective.
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Reblogged this on The Sisters of the Fey and commented:
Empaths get worn out easily. Sarah shares her Sunday thoughts with some great links too! ❤
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Thanks, lovely! ❤
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Thanks for sharing this, Sarah. Will give it a try ❤
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Thanks, Tina. ❤ Hope you find it useful (and relaxing…)
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