I have trouble sleeping every night due to my intrusive thoughts keeping me up etc. I usually listen to music to help me subside these thoughts but I’ve lost my earphones :( anyone have any recommendations to help I feel out of place without my usual routine
What helps me is focusing on my senses and body language! So, what that means is when you go to sleep (first) squeeze your toes for 5 seconds, then squeeze your calves (same amount of time), then the muscles in your thoughts, then you stomach, then your hands, muscles in your arm and then continue up to your shoulders. The pressure you’re creating and realising is suppose to help with calming your anxiety (coming from OCD). Also, try to not be on your phone 30 minutes before bed. I realized that my anxiety and OCD thoughts would seem worst when I was on my phone scrolling on social media. I usually try to read a book at least 30 to 45 minutes before bed! I hope this helps. I understand your struggle, as I use have to sleep with headphones in listening to a TV show or music. I know this is easier said than done, but when you’re brave enough - I would encourage you to lay there and let the thought be there. You’re going to feel uncomfortable and feel distressed in the moment, buts it’s going to be ok🤍
@justagal_name_mack Thank you sooo much! I appreciate it, I’m trying to minimise being on my phone. I’ve found that it makes me feel so on edge when I see certain things 😭 but again thank you so much I shall update very soon ✨
At times, my intrusive thoughts get so intense that all I can do is lay frozen in my bed and hope I fall asleep, and usually I do even if I'm not tired. My brain just wears me out and I wanna escape through sleep. (Sadly it doesn't work all the time)
Does anyone have tips on good sleep hygeine? What does everyone use to relax and wind down before bedtime?
I struggle so bad with intrusive thoughts. They can be so bad that I'll cry because I KNOW that's not how I feel or want to do. (Too embarrassed to say what they're about) I'll constantly try to figure out why I have them, and constantly figure out what they mean, causing me to constantly circle around and around. I had to get on anxeity meds, which helped a little but the thoughts still happen. How do you help yourself with this? How do you know that you're just not some physcopath? 😅
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