Rest

2019 is quickly coming to an end. Some people are rejoicing! For me personally, it was a year of challenges. There were good things. Thanks to podcasts, cheap courses, YouTube, and books/audiobooks, I grew quite a bit. I walked more than I ever have in my life, which is a good thing. (I’ve had a habit of neglecting physical health in the past.) Although I’m not there yet, I met some mini-weight goals and maintained some decent overall health numbers.

Unfortunately, I have added more medications to my regimen and new diagnoses. 2019 certainly has been an interesting year. There have been good things, challenging things, difficult things. But, all was not bad.

“The way you see the problem is the problem.” ~ Stephen Covey

This quote says a lot. Maybe, if you’re like me, you don’t want to read/hear it. There are plenty of days like that for me. I recently wrote about reflecting. 2019 certainly has been an interesting year. There have been good things, challenging things, difficult things. I’ve worked more this year than I ever have before. I’ve also slept worse than I ever have.

Is it connected? Work and sleep?

Although this has been the case for a number of years, it’s since we’ve been in Tennessee that I’ve really begun to notice it. Certainly, I don’t blame Tennessee. Tennessee has been a blessing to us! I do partially blame our aging Great Dane, whose dreams shake the bed and often wake me when he does shake. I don’t necessarily blame work or work-related stress. God’s been good to me that way; I’ve been able to manage work-related stress most of the time pretty well. Sure, I have had moments. I think it’s nearly impossible for someone who has worked in difficult situations not to have some residual effects. But, I rarely stay asleep when I sleep. It’s been a problem. A lack of rest is a problem.

Our pastor recently spoke about rest. Specifically, he spoke on observing the Sabbath. While I do observe it in some regards, I don’t in others. I’m not always mindful. That is, I don’t have a formula or scheduled time that balances everything out. I do try to be mindful of rest and when I need it, how I need it. I try to recharge in different ways that allow some rest. Although I’m mostly a creature of habit, I don’t always pay attention to the timing of things. Although I usually awaken at the same time five days a week, I don’t have a set bedtime. I don’t awaken on Saturday at the same time. I do on Sundays thanks to our church routine.

I’ve noticed that the more I struggle with sleep and rest, the more it becomes a mental thing. I see my sleep situation as a problem. According to the quote, this is a problem! I’m aware I have this new condition, this new diagnosis. I tend to talk to my students/clients about awareness and education. Well, I’m completely aware of the problem, which may not be helping this situation. I don’t typically get restful sleep. The more that occurs, the more I think it weighs on me.

I’m doing the right things as far as listening to my wife and going to doctors. The sleep struggle has been expensive, too, both financially and mentally. For instance, with insurance, we got quite a high bill recently. My wife, however, is good to remind me that’s because we really haven’t needed doctors, which is a blessing. So, it helps to maintain a positive perspective and to have someone on your side. I have a follow-up appointment that is still a bit away. In the meantime, I did some research and tried some things I can do on my own to help myself and my situation. I think it’s helping.

What else can we do if we’re not sleeping well?

If you follow Jesus, it’s good practice to seek Him first. Matthew 11:28-30 says:

Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.

Things to Avoid

• It is usually recommended one avoids screen time before bed. Too much can be stimulating, which could impact going to or staying asleep. See SleepFoundation.org for more information.
• It is also recommended one avoids caffeine, alcohol, or nicotine. I think the reasons are obvious. BetterHelp.com has additional information.
• Napping is tricky. Usually, big naps are not recommended. According to Entrepreneur.com, however, short naps of less than 30 minutes or naps of about 1.5 hours are recommended between 1 and 3 PM.
• Avoid working in your bedroom, especially in your bed. BetterHelp.com has additional information.
• Avoid disturbing REM sleep (more on this in a moment). There are times in which I awaken in the middle of a dream after snoozing. That is entirely difficult to shake during the day.
• Avoid staying awake in bed for extended periods. If you just can’t get back to sleep, calm, quiet activities may help you. Read the most boring subject you can imagine. See SleepFoundation.org for more information.

Things to Do

• Some will argue it’s meaningless. Others will say it means everything. If you pray, pray.
• Have a routine. This can be anything from a going-to-bed ritual, a set bedtime, a set waking time, or any of the above. See SleepFoundation.org for more information.
• While it may not be immediately helpful, it does have benefits long-term. Exercise not only reduces stress, but it also helps with mood, productivity, and overall well-being. Entrepreneur.com has additional information.
• According to Entrepreneur.com, sites such as Sleepyti.me can help you determine when you should wake. The idea is to maximize your REM sleep time and be more rested.
• Journal. If you find your mind will not shut down, write these things down. Simply dump what’s on your mind.
• Tap. No, not dancing, silly! EFT/TFT tapping can be helpful for many things. I’ve used Brad Yates’ videos for other things and find them helpful. You only have a few minutes of time to lose, so why not try it? If you find it helpful, try tapping for other things as well.
• Ted Talks. I found one useful in getting me to sleep. If you don’t want to watch the whole thing, skip ahead to about 8:25; at that time, he covers the technique.

Hopefully, these tips will help you get some rest. 2020 is quickly approaching. I have my word ready for 2020. In 2018, my word, trust, helped me immensely to trust God, others, and myself. This year, my word, love, has helped me. I think one of the best compliments to what you’re doing is when your own kid notices. 2020, I’m planning to flourish. I can’t wait to see how that turns out. If you don’t do words for your year, I encourage you to try it. In the meantime, I hope the remainder of your 2019 is full of peace, love, and rest.

I pray Philippians 4:7 and the prayer of Jabez for you. Merry Christmas to you, happy holidays, and Happy New Year!

#Jesus #Christmas #Peace #Rest #NewYear #Sleep #Problems