Helpful Hints for Sweet Dreams and Peaceful Sleep

It seems these days, especially, many a night has been spent up and down, tossing and turning and staring at the ceiling hoping for sleep to come. When we carry monsters of worry, stress, hostile people and fear to sleep with us our dream time can be a battle or a nightmare. It is so important for us humans to get our rest, sleep to rejuvenate our bodies, mind and soul from the day of stress.

I am a proponent of healthy natural ways of getting to sleep, no drugs or alcohol. Start out by making sure your bedroom and bed are comfortable, serene and secure. Your bedroom is your retreat, your personal space to withdraw and rest from the battles of the day. Try having a ritual or routine that helps you unwind as you get ready for bed. For example, I turn my bed down, turn the bedside lamp on then go and wash my face, brush my teeth, put on my nightshirt. By doing this routine each night tells my mind it is time to relax and let go of all the things and stuff of the day, it is time for me. I also don’t believe in having a television in my bedroom. I know, many people do but this to me is not restful. My bedroom is my sanctuary and a place for sleep, dreaming and intimacy and privacy. I have dear friends and family members who fall asleep with the television on and that background noise just seeps into our subconscious and into our dreams.

Below I have listed a few ideas to establish or enhance your bedtime routine and help you get to sleep and peaceful dream land.

* Have a nice cup of tea (chamomile is a nice choice.) I love “Sweet Dreams” by Bigelow Teas

* Take a few deep breaths and feel the day’s stresses go out with each exhale

* Visualize your next day exactly how you want it to go as if it has already happened then ask God or your angels to bless it and bring you messages in your dreams.

* Read something inspirational, listen to relaxing music or if you must watch t.v. a funny or romantic feel good show is best. Leave the news programs, crime and horror flicks off.

* A nice fragrance of lavender or a personal favorite of mine White Angelica on your person, pillow or sachet under your pillow

* Be grateful, list in your mind or write in your journal at least 10 things you were grateful for that day. It can be grand or/and simple. The more gratitude we show the more life gives to us to be grateful for.

* Pray as though what you are asking for is already done.

* Meditate

* Write in your journal. It really helps to purge all that stuff in our heads and then it is not as likely to keep us up once it is out on paper.

Last but not least these two things have worked for me when all else has not: I kiss my pillow and tell it I want to go to sleep now. I know it sounds silly but it really does work. The other idea is that I simply say to my angels, “I am really ready for sleep can you help me to sleep now? Thank you.” And before I realize it I am sleeping peacefully and in dreamland.

Sweet Dreams!

Cheri