Guided imagery by Belleruth Napastek/ Health Journeys ( now hosted on the Empower You app) has the advantage of being double blind tested. Guided imagery is especially helpful to those of us who have trouble quieting our “monkey mind,” as we try meditation. I’ve used hers for 20 years daily and even keep her Healthful Sleep on repeat through the night every night. I agree us climate warriors need to keep our own selves on a healing path as well as healing the climate!
Hi Kimberley, You might find the Huberman Lab podcast on the daily cortisol rhythm useful to listen to regarding sleeping more soundly. It's here: https://www.hubermanlab.com/episode/how-to-control-your-cortisol-overcome-burnout. Rather than reducing cortisol levels overall, ideally you want your cortisol to be high in the morning and low in the evening - I've implemented quite a few of the practical suggestions in the podcast episode and have found them very helpful for sleeping better. Hope it helps! All the best, Steph
Thanks for always keeping our attention on what we can do and how to do it! About sleep: my experience is that it keeps getting lighter as the decades roll by. My best 3 strategies: in the evenings, clear the mind of a sense of responsibility (lol as if a responsible person can do this); for a few moments before sleep, go to the most peaceful place in the imagination to cultivate a sense that all is well (again lol in these times); and most of all, make peace with the changing sleep patterns to minimize stressing on them. I actually don’t know which of the 3 is hardest. 😉 Be sure to let us know what YOU find that works!
Thank you for those words of wisdom Priscilla! Very helpful. Except perhaps knowing sleep isn’t likely to get easier with time :/ but I agree making your peace with it (your #3) is so important, after trying all the strategies to help improve (I like your #1 and 2 and will give them a try!). I have a doctor appointment next week to check out that side too, trying to cover all the bases. Will share any tips that work for me!
THANK YOU for inspiration! Two little yes-but nits: (1) I love SHIFT but the site has hiccups; no matter what path I choose, at some point the process 'freezes' and the CONTINUE button ceases to work. Hope it's easy to fix. (2) Also love the LovingKindness meditation - but not that video... oh dear, it breaks all the 'rules' for guiding meditation. Looking for a better one.
And, I'm eager to see the responses about better sleep!
Thank you Marilyn for the feedback! I’ll share with the developer right away.
Are you able to please share any details like what device /OS you’re using, and what country you’re based in? That could help us troubleshoot. Thanks so much!
Guided imagery by Belleruth Napastek/ Health Journeys ( now hosted on the Empower You app) has the advantage of being double blind tested. Guided imagery is especially helpful to those of us who have trouble quieting our “monkey mind,” as we try meditation. I’ve used hers for 20 years daily and even keep her Healthful Sleep on repeat through the night every night. I agree us climate warriors need to keep our own selves on a healing path as well as healing the climate!
That is so helpful to hear Kate, thanks for sharing! I haven’t tried much guided imagery, I will check it out! 🙏
Hi Kimberley, You might find the Huberman Lab podcast on the daily cortisol rhythm useful to listen to regarding sleeping more soundly. It's here: https://www.hubermanlab.com/episode/how-to-control-your-cortisol-overcome-burnout. Rather than reducing cortisol levels overall, ideally you want your cortisol to be high in the morning and low in the evening - I've implemented quite a few of the practical suggestions in the podcast episode and have found them very helpful for sleeping better. Hope it helps! All the best, Steph
Thank you Steph, I’m a fan of Huberman Lab podcast but haven’t heard that one, I will definitely give it a listen!
Thanks for always keeping our attention on what we can do and how to do it! About sleep: my experience is that it keeps getting lighter as the decades roll by. My best 3 strategies: in the evenings, clear the mind of a sense of responsibility (lol as if a responsible person can do this); for a few moments before sleep, go to the most peaceful place in the imagination to cultivate a sense that all is well (again lol in these times); and most of all, make peace with the changing sleep patterns to minimize stressing on them. I actually don’t know which of the 3 is hardest. 😉 Be sure to let us know what YOU find that works!
Thank you for those words of wisdom Priscilla! Very helpful. Except perhaps knowing sleep isn’t likely to get easier with time :/ but I agree making your peace with it (your #3) is so important, after trying all the strategies to help improve (I like your #1 and 2 and will give them a try!). I have a doctor appointment next week to check out that side too, trying to cover all the bases. Will share any tips that work for me!
Yes to the medical check—sleep apnea can be complicating everything! I have a dental appliance now, which helps a lot.
Science FTW! :)
THANK YOU for inspiration! Two little yes-but nits: (1) I love SHIFT but the site has hiccups; no matter what path I choose, at some point the process 'freezes' and the CONTINUE button ceases to work. Hope it's easy to fix. (2) Also love the LovingKindness meditation - but not that video... oh dear, it breaks all the 'rules' for guiding meditation. Looking for a better one.
And, I'm eager to see the responses about better sleep!
Thank you Marilyn for the feedback! I’ll share with the developer right away.
Are you able to please share any details like what device /OS you’re using, and what country you’re based in? That could help us troubleshoot. Thanks so much!
Mac, Tahoe 26.0.1, Safari, Sweden.
Thanks Kim, for an excellent and carefully researched post, which empowers individuals engaged in climate action! Best wishes, Alasdair