I’ve been having trouble sleeping lately.
I think it’s due to the anxiety that comes with any new transition, whether I’m aware of it or not. As I lay in bed, my mind races with new items to add to my to-do list: the work I need to get done, the personal things I want to make time for. Then suddenly it’s 1 AM and I have to be up in 5 hours, so I’m anxious about not being able to sleep! You might find this cycle familiar.
At school, my field seminar professor has instructed our class to do one thing in the name of “self-care” per week. This could be meditation, reading a book for pleasure, going out to eat with a friend.
This morning, I set my alarm 30 minutes early so I would have time for a 20 minute yoga podcast. (I’ve had the same free podcasts since college, and never get tired of them.) Despite not having slept enough- I know I function best with at least 8 hours- I popped right up.
Before I got sick, I practiced yoga regularly, both at home and in classes. But the illness left my body pretty week initially, my muscles atrophied. Although I’m back to feeling like my usual self, I never got my body back into “yoga shape” again. Why? I was scared. I was afraid it would be too hard, that I would be way behind the friends and strangers in my class. I had a whole list of excuses.
But when my professor explained that as social workers, we need to have an outlet to relieve stress and check in with ourselves too, in addition to our clients- she is a big proponent of meditation, and begins each of our sessions with closed-eye breathing exercises- I knew it was time to bring yoga back into my life. It wouldn’t be about “getting into shape,” or meeting the weekly exercise quota I arbitrarily demanded of myself. It would be about giving myself twenty minutes of deep breaths and stretches, a vehicle to relaxation to help me set the tone for the day.
And so this morning found me in the dark, cross-legged in my living room, deeply inhaling and exhaling as snow fell outside my window. It was a small gift to myself, but a generous one nonetheless.
I just wrote a post on the importance of checking in with yourself! Mine’s not yoga specific, but I’ve been having trouble sleeping, too, and I think a lot of the problem is not taking advantage of downtime when I’m lucky enough to have it.
Congratulations on your big career move, Katie. I’ve been reading for a very long time and have only recently started a blog of my own. I’m sure you’ll find peace and help dozens of others find it, too!
I also have trouble sleeping during transitional times and can totally relate—it was just such a phase when I first went back to school in 2009 that got me back into yoga. I still go through phases where I need to listen to a guided meditation on my phone (with headphones sometimes!) to drift off, but hey, whatever works. Kudos to you for being kind to yourself
I am so glad that you are doing this for yourself.
You definitely deserved it and more. I too have trouble sleeping–during both transition periods and uncertain ones. I do breathing exercises during the day, and at night, I’ve begun doing “legs on the wall” before sleeping. It really does calm down my body and mind. Good luck, friend
miss you!
It’s great that you are recognizing the need for this early. Social workers are at particular risk for burn-out, so I encourage you to continue this practice. You are mindful, and you can do it!
Leslie and I yoga-ed at my place this AM, so we were breathing with you! Glad you are taking time to relax.
Good for you! I have been having trouble sleeping too as have many coworkers – one mentioned it’s a normal thing in February. I attempted a good 5 minutes of sleepless yoga this morning but am inspired by your 20 minute podcast. So glad you are getting back to a healthy place where you can practice again and that your teacher recommends self care!
i use the free 20min yogadownload podcasts on my iphone app. <3 i slept in this morning and had a surgery at work so i knew i'd be needing a shower later so i will be OM-ing tonight! have you tried that headspace app i mentioned? i love love love it! i ask nate to do it with me sometimes and it's really amazing to be 'intimate' in that way. we aren't clearing our minds per se but acknowledging things and assessing why we are doing it and what/how we would like to improve our mindset. it's pretty incredible!
That’s a great gift to yourself, Katie, and I’m glad you were able to grab the extra minutes to breathe. I also get anxiety whenever there’s a transition, so a few minutes to breathe in and remind yourself that everything is okay (and to take it all in in small bites, not huge chunks), is perfectly okay.
Keeping you in my thoughts
Pearl
Here I am cant fall asleep mind racing about too many things and I find your lovely words. Think Ill be able to fall asleep…thank you Katie!
jmama
I love that you have reminders like this in your blog! I struggle trying to “turn my brain off” of work thoughts. Just today I caught myself mulling over something work related while brushing my teeth! I wasn’t able to be productive at that moment, so why am I worrying about it? Running is somewhat of my equivalent to your yoga. I notice if I set my alarm to get up just a bit early and get in a run before wok. I’m in a MUCH more relaxed mindset to start the day. Plus, jamming out to my fave songs during the run is like 2x the therapy!