Tip of the Week

By Anne Deidre
www.yourintuitivemakeover.com

Insomnia can happen to any one of us at different times in our lives. Sometimes it is a chronic sense of worry that can keep us up at night. Other times, it is just that we are going through something challenging and sleep eludes us. If you find yourself up at night, here are seven tips for getting a good night's sleep:

1. Keep Clutter at Bay
If your bedroom has clutter, eliminate it in order to get a more restful sleep. All of that clutter can disturb you even if you don't realize it. You can sort through it by putting things in their proper place, donating them to someone else who can enjoy them, or throwing away things you don't need. By getting rid of the clutter, a flow of peaceful, calming energy can return to your bedroom.

2. Wind Down
Before you hit the hay, it is helpful to wind down your evening activities. Prepare for a restful, uninterrupted sleep by creating a nightly routine. Play soothing music. Exercise earlier in the day. Cut back on caffeine and sugar. Watch what you eat and drink after 5 p.m.

3. Do a Nightly Review
At the end of each day, write in a journal as part of your nightly routine. Get in the habit of journaling about your day as creative expression. Creativity in the form of writing is a great way to not only make you feel better, but by reviewing your day through writing, you can get out what may have bothered you as well as see what is worth celebrating about the day.

4. Create an Action Plan
Whatever it is that you wrote down in your nightly review, create an action plan so that you can resolve the issues in your life. Whether you are up at night worrying about your relationships, job or well-being, being proactive will reduce the worry and stress in your life that can keep you up at night. Talk to your spouse, look for a new job or take a class that makes your heart sing. Whatever it is that you may want to change in your life, know that you are empowered to create it.

5. Know That You Have Support
Insomnia can make you feel that you are alone. Reach out to people who you trust and share your feelings with them. Find a mentor who can help you express your feelings and give you helpful feedback. Sometimes a fresh perspective is all it takes, and the feeling of support can help you feel less isolated.

6. What Are You Thankful For?
The benefit of keeping a gratitude journal or reviewing each night what you are grateful for will help you see the glass half full instead of half empty. Sometimes it is easy to get caught up in everything that is "wrong" in our lives and lose good, quality sleep. 

7. Bring the Outdoors In
Many of our bedrooms contain televisions, cell phones and other electronic devices. Move those televisions out and bring the outdoors in. Create an oasis in your bedroom with plants and flowers, including lavender. Lavender is known for its calming and healing properties, and the aromatherapy benefit is a plus to your great night's sleep.

About the author: Anne Deidre is the CEO of Inner Visions Publishing, an Intuitive Life Coach, sought after speaker and the bestselling author of Miraculous: How Spiritual Awakening Cured My Depression, Inspired My Purpose and Ignited the Intuitive Powers Within and Extreme Intuitive Makeover: 55 Keys to Health, Wealth and Happiness. Anne is an acclaimed artist. For more information and to receive your free "Your Intuitive Prosperity Makeover Kit" visit www.yourintuitivemakeover.com. Permission granted for use on DrLaura.com.