Forum Replies Created
-
Posts
-
Hi,
Thanks for the reply.
No, but I have changed my diet to a low carb diet which I think could have an impact on the quality of my sleep. It has been better in the last week and I have actually slept pretty well, getting about 6 hrs a night by forcing myself to go to bed later but making sure I get up at the same time each day. So fingers crossed if I can keep my anxiety in check with mindfulness, i maybe on the road to better sleep.
It is difficult not to stay in bed trying desperately to catch up on slept. But Martin in right you are better to try and limit time in bed to actual sleep. Im not sure about IBS but I found a change in my diet really helped to reduce my nighttime stomach cramps. I stopped gorging on crips chocolate and anything high in carbs before bed.
Hi,
In terms of my acceptance therapy it involved looking inwards, during meditation, at the feelings that are created from not sleeping. Such as, sadness, frustration, anger etc and either accepting them or letting them go. I learnt to treat my anxious mind and negative thoughts like a child. Every time my mind gets distracted with negative thoughts I escort it back to the breathing exercise. It has taken a lot of practice but slowly it has worked for me, not just about not sleeping but generally with negative thoughts and anxiety.
How long did I meditate?, well I just worked it around work and home life. But probably 3 times a day for about 10-30mins and also use pause meditation which is great. Whereby I just stop work and do a short 3 min exercise when I feel my anxiety coming on. I like guided meditation and sometimes silent meditations but that took me a while to master tbh.
Talking to yourself is about understanding how my subconscious mind works. Its always taking s**t to me lol but now I just embrace it.
I also like go outside and practice ‘living the moment’ whether that’s with my dog walking or just going to woodlands and beauty spots to experience nature at its best. Sounds crazy but I like to physically touch nature – rocks, trees etc. its a different experience than just watching.
I did see a councilor through work but that was more for CBT, which for me didn’t work as well as for others.
I have read a lot of books over the years but the one that stood out for me was ‘Mindfulness for Insomnia’ A four week Guided program. On ebay for £10 and includes downloads of mediation exercises.
Thanks
