Dealing with Insomnia - my secret

Studies have kept me away from my blogging for a while.  This morning I want to take a moment to share an important discovery or "re-discovery" as the case may be - on how to deal with sleepless night.  Apparently looking on FB - I noticed so many people seem to be experiencing this thing we all refer to as Insomnia.  So anyway - hope this helps.

Simple secret to deal with “Insomnia”

Most of us have difficulty falling asleep or staying a sleep at some point or other in our lives. That’s normal. However, if it is prolonged – that may be symptomatic of a deeper problem. Or it may lead to some serious problem as sleep deprivation can have severe consequences.

Over the last few months, this had become a disturbing issue for me. At least until about a week ago (then I found a solution – which I will share with you in a little while). But first let me tell you my story .. (you know there has to be a story in this, right? It is after all a personal blog documenting my personal journey to who knows where). Anyway, if you’d like to skip the story – all you need to do is of course scroll down the page. J

My story in this case started somewhere in January. I had traveled back to my home country for the Lunar New Year. I won’t bore you with the details of all the up and down events of the trip – but suffice to say there were lots of ups and downs which ultimately resulted in me delaying my trip back here for an additional week (or there about) making the entire trip approximately a one month event.

Don’t be mistaken in thinking that the trip was horrendous and created much distress. Far from it, while there were tough times, there were also good moments – not least of which was being able to spend time with my family. It’s been ages it seems when the whole family were back together at the same time (all the siblings were gathered under one roof to celebrate the Lunar New Year with my mom – not forgetting the in-laws and her grandkids or course). There were also great time spent with friends. But surely you know – good and bad (not only are they relative) both can lead to stress (i.e., eustress and distress) tho we normally think of stress as something that is the result of negative events.

So anyway, somewhere in there an “old problem” of finding it difficult to sleep resurfaced. At times, it would take hours of tossing and turning to finally fall asleep. At other times, even if I could fall asleep – the sleep is interrupted by numerous “not too pleasant” dreams or simply being awaken repeatedly for God knows what.

Thinking this would ease when I return to NZ was an error (in thinking). It’s not the place that is of paramount concern. Usually it is whatever is “ailing” the body or the mind inside of us. Having returned to NZ meant the start of my studies – which amounts to STRESS, right? But more than that, there were thoughts of things back “home.” Also of friends back home who have not kept to their word and as a result caused significant financial burden and worries. The let down is a very big thing – and not quite that easy to let go (but that too is a different story for another day - maybe). Financial concerns led to worries about finding employment to make sure my “well” doesn’t run dry in the midst of my studies – and so on. Being back in the academics (in pursuit of an education after being out of this for so long) – too was doing its part to keep my “sleeplessness” going. 

Remember, it's not where you do it. In your mind
you can go anywhere - be anywhere.

Then I remembered (so it’s really remembering a solution or solutions rather than finding something new).  As I looked at preparing for a workshop I will be doing later this year on hypnosis, I remember that time many years ago when I first opened up my practice and was told by a medical doctor I have hypertension and will need to take medications for the rest of my life.  I thought to myself – if hypnosis works as I say it does, surely I can use this to help me control (or overcome) hypertension. So I resolved to do a daily (well almost daily) session of self-hypnosis on myself to address the problem. After a couple of months, SUCCESS.  Again I won’t go into that now cos that is one whole other story (plus have to keep that as material for my workshop later this year).

So looking at the current problem – I figured surely this will work again. Self hypnosis will be an ideal approach to help me tackle the problem. But while considering this, I also remembered one other thing – which I have also used before but with less focus or awareness.  This is the “newer” of the two approaches, and I've come to realize that this “new” method is really very effective.  So what is it, you ask? It is so very simple.  The use of essential oil as a form of aromatherapy to help ease you into a state of relaxation.

This is placed on the side table
beside my bed

When I was back home, a friend had given me some essential oil – one was lavender and the other is called Ylang Ylang.  I’ve found both of them immensely relaxing.  Just a drop or two lulls you into a very comforting and peaceful state. It’s nothing short of amazing. It has become a ritual of sorts for me now to light the little “pot” with the essential oil in it twice daily. Once in the morning when I wake and when I do my “meditation” (which is basically a self-hypnosis session). The other is before I go to sleep at night.  The little wonder fills the room with this soothing aroma that leads you into a state of complete relaxation. It’s magical.  Not only do I fall asleep much easier (almost immediately), but I also wake up more refreshed than ever. Almost never having to wake up during the middle of the night.  And the early morning sessions, provide me with a clearer mind when I go off for classes or to handle whatever I need to for that day.

So – in conclusion, the “secrets” of dealing with insomnia that I want to share with you today are:

1.     ONE - Use self-hypnosis (or meditate). This has the added advantage of not only clearing your mind but also allows you to “input” positive suggestions – be they affirmations or plans and goals you intend to realize for yourself.

2.     TWO - Use essential oil (I recommend lavender cos it is reeeeallly soothing) to help lull you into this state of both physical and mental relaxation.  By the way, the Ylang Ylang has a sweet and floral scent as well – so you may prefer this. You can use this in combination with ONE as it hastens the process of reaching the state of both mental and physical relaxation where you can then "input" your self suggestions.

In case you are not sure where you can find these essential oils – there is an online site you can go to at: http://theseedsnatural.com/ (which is their main website) or their FaceBook page at: ttps://www.facebook.com/theseedsnatural/

Incidentally - I've purchased the above for my mom
to use as well. :)

I strongly recommend that. Give it a shot. There is really nothing to lose right? It isn’t expensive and even if it was – certainly your precious sleep and your mental and physical well-being is worth a whole lot more than paying for the essential oil. And besides the essential oil, they also have a bunch of beautifully handcrafted soap which is made from natural organic stuff. Sorry I can’t explain how it is one does this – cos I am no expert, but again you can check this out for yourself. If nothing else, they look simply artistic and beautiful. I will be trying that out next.

Oh one more thing - I strongly encourage you to NOT purchase those from the dollar stores cos while the seem to give out some fragrance, they do not apparently have the same effect. I know. I tried it. Thinking I could buy these oil here when I saw them in a 2 Dollar store (it only cost me $2 a bottle) - but totally useless (as far as creating that sense of relaxation). Might be good to freshen up your toilet after you've had some "war" in there - if you know what I mean. So, no - please don't waste your time and money on those. Really.

(disclaimer: I neither own nor have a share in The Seeds Natural – nor am I being paid for this “advertisement.”)

Shalom (which means – peace)
Syl