CALM YOUR BRAIN

 You are trying to get some sleep but...

That constant chatter in our heads can feel relentless, like a radio that won’t tune to a single station. Some days, it’s just tough to find a moment of silence, and it can be frustrating. It’s almost like your brain is hosting a nonstop party, and you didn’t even RSVP!

So, let’s dive a bit deeper, shall we? One thing I’ve found helpful is establishing a nighttime routine. Think of it as preparing for a concert: you wouldn’t just hop on stage without tuning your instruments, right? Create a little ceremony before sleep. You might start with a warm drink—something calming, like chamomile tea (pinch of sweetness adds a nice touch!). Then maybe read a few pages of a book or listen to some gentle music. The goal is to signal to your brain that it’s time to wind down, not continue the day’s dance party.

Now, let’s chat about the wonderful powers of breathing. Seriously, it might sound simple, but deep breathing can work wonders. When you’re anxious, your breath tends to get shallow, and it’s like your body’s stuck on “fight or flight” mode. But if you take time to breathe deeply—filling up your lungs like a balloon—you send that little signal to your brain saying, “Hey, it’s cool. We’re safe. Nothing’s chasing us right now.” Try inhaling for four counts, holding for four, and exhaling for six.

Also, consider cutting back on screen time, especially close to bedtime. I know, I know—it’s practically a full-time job scrolling through social media, but screens emit blue light that can trick your brain into thinking it’s still daytime. Save the cat videos for earlier in the day and let your mind rest for a bit. Maybe switch to reading a book or listening to an engaging podcast instead. It’s like giving your eyeballs a soft warm blanket!

In the daytime, when you catch your brain running laps, try grounding techniques. You know how when you feel a little woozy, someone tells you to “ground yourself”? It’s kind of like that but for mental chaos. Focus on your surroundings. Engage your senses: what do you see, hear, smell? Maybe even touch something textured, like a soft blanket or a potted plant. Engaging with your environment brings your attention away from the whirlwind in your mind, like putting on a mental speed bump. I like to go into my yard and look at the herbs I planted.

Don’t forget about the power of gratitude. It’s easy to get lost in a whirlwind of thoughts about everything going wrong, but taking a moment each day to jot down a few things you’re grateful for can flip your perspective. It’s like putting on a pair of funky glasses that make everything look a little brighter! It reminds you of the good stuff God gives and helps you with. And who doesn’t want to dwell on the blessings instead of the chaos?

Lastly, if you notice that your thoughts are really getting you down or affecting your day-to-day life, talking to someone can be a huge help. It could be a friend, a family member, or a professional. Sometimes, just sharing those racing thoughts takes a load off your shoulders—it’s kind of like taking a bag of heavy groceries and realizing you’ve had help all along. Talking to our Savior is a wonderful way to release the stress that got you all bound up inside.

So, as you navigate through all this mental traffic, remember that it's okay to take breaks. Life doesn’t have to feel like a race; it can be a stroll through a beautiful park too. And hey, God is with you, probably chuckling a little, thinking, “Oh, my lovely child, you’ve got a busy mind! Let’s laugh, find peace, and enjoy the ride together.” So take a deep breath and embrace the beauty of slowing down, even when your brain seems to have other plans!