How to Spin Positives Into a Good Night's Sleep
By Sandy Schroeder
Sometimes it is hard to be optimistic when you deal with deadlines, handle home tasks, and take care of your family, but researchers recommend taking a different path with a different attitude.
Attitude Research
In spite of everything, they say you will sleep better every night if you are optimistic.
Research studies of 3,500 people, ages 32 to 51, rated their optimistic attitudes and then checked their sleep patterns over a five-year period for these attitudes.
- Insomnia
- Difficulty falling sleep
- Length of time slept at night
The scientists believe these sleep issues can be gradually turned around if you take a few steps. The people in their study who were the most optimistic slept better.
Consider all you have done - Make a list of all of the things that you have dealt with and how they could be duplicated in the future. Give yourself credit and relish those moments.
Look for positive clues - Think about the positive work habits and relationships that you already have. Those are good things to build on.
Talk with friends and co-workers - Share your thoughts and questions with those around you. Often they will have suggestions on how they handled similar situations. They may also tell you what they do to stay calm and productive.
Dip into your own ideas - Think about what works for you when you need a lift. Quick runs, short walks, or time spent reading or listening to jazz all work for me. Often my negative thoughts fade, and I can see better ways forward.
Question any negative ideas - A friend of mine often said, "If you don't ask, the answer is no." It took me a while to realize she was right. When we tell ourselves why things won't work, we fail to try, and they don't work. Optimism is not foolproof, but it can produce some positive things if we let it.
Look around and say thanks - Sometimes when too many negative things happen all at once it is easy to overlook the good stuff. Take a minute each night to review your day and be grateful for the good things. Great friends, a wonderful family, thoughtful co-workers and helpful neighbors have all made my world an easier place to be.
Volunteer to help others - Nothing makes me more thankful than seeing my kids reach out to others. When we go to a senior home or an animal shelter and pitch in we all go home smiling.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Lakewood, Calif.