Difficult times wear us out. Our minds and bodies can grow weary trying to muster the strength to do what has to be done during a crisis. Our waking hours are spent trying to face the tough stuff and sadly, we work ourselves ragged worrying or doing everything that must be done to get through it all. If we sleep, it might be fitful but there’s also a chance of our mind is commandeering our sleep time… leaving us staring at the ceiling.
When we don’t get enough rest, our minds can grow weak which can affect our ability to be brave. Bravery calls for focus, concentration, and doing tough things. When we are tired, it can be hard to pull the strength together. That’s why it’s important to do all we can to set ourselves up for quality rest.
While it might not be possible to shut our minds down and fall asleep easily, there are things we can do to make rest a priority and set ourselves up for success.
Keep a schedule – Keeping a schedule for rest will help your body create a natural sleep/wake cycle. Keeping a set bedtime and wake time can help send our body cues and trigger our minds for rest.
Make things comfy – Make sure the room is quiet and free from distractions. Invest in quality bedding and set the temperature for comfort. If you struggle with anxiety, a weighted blanket can help soothe and comfort you while you sleep.
Use relaxation app – Your smartphone can help you get better rest. You can easily use an app for meditative rest or soothing ambient noise that promotes deep sleep. While you should avoid screen time prior to bed, using an app as a sleep aid can be beneficial.
Note: If you find that sleep is hard to find during your difficult time you can still take time to rest. Allowing yourself to unplug and restore your energy – through sleep or simply resting quietly – you will refresh yourself enough to build the stamina you need to become bulletproof.
Facing difficulties is easier when you are well-rested. There may be a temptation to bulldoze through the tough times but wearing your body out can cause burn out. Being brave includes making rest a priority so you can rebuild your stamina and face the day.
