I really like this, though I recognize that it’s often easier said than done to put your thoughts to sleep. If you are struggling with thoughts that keep you awake at night, it may be that you need to be talking about those thoughts during the day to give them a release from your mind. If you don’t have someone you trust to talk to, write your thoughts down and tell your brain that you aren’t forgetting about these thoughts (or the to-do lists). They are there for you to retrieve them in the morning, but now is the time to sleep. I know for my clients, their sleep often improves when they start to talk about what is bothering them. They no longer have to hold these thoughts to themselves.
Btw, I am often asked by clients and others how, as a therapist, I am able to let go all the “stuff” I deal with and hear each day. I also practice this putting my thoughts to sleep idea. As I write my notes for each day’s session, it is my way of releasing that session. I don’t forget what was discussed, but I don’t have to now actively remember it either as it’s in my notes. I also need to talk through some cases with my clinical mentor, and there are times that I need to exercise hard for the physical release, and sometimes I let the tears flow as my way of releasing all that I carry each day. I have had to learn how to do this. If you want to learn more, talk to me. I’m happy to share.
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