How To Stop Feeling Anxious At Night
Today I’m sharing some tips on how to stop feeling anxious at night. Do you often find yourself struggling with anxiety, unable to relax and get a good night’s sleep? You’re not alone.
Many people experience anxiety at night, which can be attributed to a number of factors, such as stress, worry, and even hormonal imbalances. Fortunately, there are several strategies you can implement to help ease anxiety and promote a peaceful night’s sleep. Here are some great tips that will help you to stop feeling anxious at night time.
Establish a Relaxing Nighttime Routine
One of the most effective ways to combat nighttime anxiety is by establishing a relaxing bedtime routine. This can include activities such as taking a warm bath, reading a book, practising yoga or meditation, or simply listening to calming music. The goal is to create a routine that helps you unwind and signals to your body that it’s time to relax and sleep.
Limit Screen Time Before Bed
Studies have shown that exposure to blue light emitted by electronic devices can interfere with our natural sleep cycles and lead to increased anxiety. To reduce the impact of blue light on your sleep, avoid using electronic devices such as phones, tablets, and computers for at least an hour before bedtime.
Screen time before bed also plants seeds and gives us things to worry about, just as we should be unwinding, ready for a peaceful night’s sleep. So to help yourself stop feeling anxious at night, you might want to ditch the tech and engage in calming activities that promote relaxation, instead. Reading a calming book, meditation and journalling are all worth considering.
Practise Deep Breathing Techniques
Deep breathing techniques are an effective way to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. One popular technique is known as the 4-7-8 method. This involves inhaling for four seconds, holding your breath for seven seconds, and exhaling for eight seconds. Repeat this process several times until you feel calm and relaxed.
Team this with thinking about the things you’re grateful for, and it’ll hopefully help you bypass anxiety and fall asleep easily.
Exercise Regularly
Regular exercise is not only good for your physical health but can also help reduce anxiety and promote better sleep. Exercise also releases endorphins, which help lift your mood and reduce stress. Did you know exercise has been linked to keeping your vision healthy too?
Just be sure to finish your workout at least a few hours before bedtime, as exercising too close to bedtime can actually have the opposite effect and keep you awake. Who knew that going for a walk, or fitting in a workout could help you stop feeling anxious at night?
Journal Your Thoughts
Writing down your thoughts and worries before bed can help to reduce anxiety and clear your mind. Take a few minutes each night to jot down any worries or concerns you may have, and then try to let them go.
Journalling is a great way to help manage your stress levels. “Letting it out,” can help you to put things into perspective and reduce the negative impact of anxious thoughts on your sleep.
Consider Seeking Professional Help
If you find that your nighttime anxiety is persistent and impacting your quality of life, consider seeking professional help. A therapist or counsellor can help you to identify the underlying causes of your anxiety and provide you with effective coping strategies to manage your symptoms. In time, this can help you stop feeling anxious at night.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, feeling anxious at night can be a frustrating and exhausting experience. However, there are several strategies you can implement to help ease anxiety and promote a peaceful night’s sleep.
By establishing a relaxing nighttime routine, limiting screen time, practising deep breathing techniques, exercising regularly, journaling your thoughts, and seeking professional help if necessary, you can take steps towards reducing nighttime anxiety and improving your overall well-being. If these don’t work, it’s possible you could have a sleep disorder.
Remember, everyone’s journey is unique, so be patient with yourself and experiment with different strategies until you find what works best for you to help you stop feeling anxious at night.
This guest post was written by Tina who blogs at MotherGeek and GirlsGospel. She’s been sharing her ramblings for over 12 years now, so there’s plenty to catch up on!
