#39 - How to Stop The Racing Thoughts Before Bed

SUMMARY:

OH, that dreaded feeling of thoughts racing through our head as we try and fall asleep. We worry about what needs to get done tomorrow, what we should have done today, how our lives should be different, "shit, I forgot to do the laundry, tomorrow is only Tuesday.....I don't want to work tomorrow, I just want a break"..... The thoughts are endless and they only continue to flow inwards like a giant wave that engulfs us.

I know all about this because I used to struggle with this badly. That was until I began to practice mastering my mind through things such as: meditation, mindfulness, visualization, self-reflection and spiritual readings. All of these practices had a profound affect on my ability to "shut off" the impulsive thoughts. Sure, I still have thoughts drift in at night; however, I now can quickly catch myself latching on to them and just as quickly let them drift away. As I find my mind wondering I always ask myself: "Is there anything that I can do about this 'issue' right now?" 99.9% of the time the answer is "NO." So as an adult, that is not enslaved to the mind, I let the thought drift off.

If this sounds ridiculous to you and you're saying, "Sure, you make it sound so easy...just let it drift...I only wish that I could." I understand, and my answer would be, (just as I used to be) you're enslaved to your impulsive mind. It's entrapped you. You would benefit GREATLY from practices such as the ones that I stated above. Learning to separate from your mind and learning to direct it in a way that serves you. Which is a topic/subject/video/article of itself....I will be creating one soon.

The second thing that we typically do is let our thoughts consist of all things negative, stress, worry, doubt, fear, regret, and shame. This has such a negative effect on our subconscious and ultimately our life. Because of how much it will influence our belief filter, mood filter and emotions for the days to come. Try and listen to yourself one night while thinking away.... you may be surprised, or you may already know that you do it. We must realize that it's essential to take back control and intentionally generate thoughts of gratefulness, excitement, positive future-oriented, happiness, and joy. We must protect what we filter through our minds ESPECIALLY before we drift off into sleep where our brain marinates on it for 6-9 hours!

We must take ownership as to what we feed our mind. The news, the social newsfeeds, the snap chats.....will they positively influence our minds throughout the night?

6 STEPS TO BETTER SLEEP, A BETTER MOOD, AND A BETTER DAY

No screens for 1 hour prior to bed - TV, PHONE, COMPUTER
As you're laying in bed, remember at least 1 thing awesome that happened to you.
List and say 5-10 things that you are grateful for in your life.
Think of one positive "what if" scenario for your future. Envision living your dream.
As negative thoughts flow through you, remember, "Is there anything that you could do RIGHT NOW that will change your life or change the issue/thought at hand?" Then go immediately back to focusing on your breathing, relax and remind yourself why your life is awesome!
Immediately upon waking, write out 5 things that you're grateful for and really feel it. It could be as simple as having all of your limbs!

Try those 6 steps and after a week or so, see how much your mood, outlook, and sleeping patterns have changed.

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Brian Larson

Founder - Kingsman

Creator & Master Trainer - Kingsman Academy