If you have sleep problems (and one out of three Americans do) it might be elevated cortisol from a hectic day. To lower cortisol and fall asleep fast, here’s two great strategies. 1.) Practice slow deep rhythmic breathing, always watching the breath coming in and out of the nose. 2.) Feel, really feel, a sensation of love and gratitude for someone or something in your life… your spouse, children, parents, pets, friends, neighbors, anyone…
Or even better, combine the two! First, inhale love, whatever that means to you. Just think about something or someone you love (or the feeling of love its self) as you breath in. Breath in gratitude for your health, friends, family or anything else. Then, as you exhale, share that love and gratitude with people you feel connected to. Picture their faces, as you pour love on them, and saturated them in an ocean of caring, kindness and gratefulness.
This two step process is way better than counting sheep. And, you don’t have to be in bed falling asleep to benefit from the “somberiffic” effects of this relaxing technique. You can also do it anytime: during the day when you are stressed, bored or have a few minutes. You’ll be lowing your blood pressure, improving immune health, and enjoying a sense of mental and physical peace and contentment.
