Too much on my mind. Anyone got any tips?

[RubyFowler]

Basically I've got work stuff, kid stuff, home stuff all whirling round and round in my mind and can't seem to switch off at all.
Mild headache won't go away.
Anyone got any tips they want to share about how to switch off? I can't see myself getting a good night rest which is what I really need!

@GoodnightGrandma

And if I can’t sleep a wank normally works 😱😳

Me too

@GoodnightGrandma

And if I can’t sleep a wank normally works 😱😳

Something of a theme and not where I thought this thread would go!

@Plantsandpuddlesuits it's about 6 mins in she starts talking about wax

I was going to say the Headspace App. I could on ever get on with meditation but this is so much more than that. There are stories to help you to get to sleep, sos sessions for times when you're super stressed etc. It's really good. Hope you find something that helps you.

I have ADHD and anxiety and find list making really helps, as well as ASMR (if you can find sounds that really work for you) and this grounding technique - which might sound bullshitty but I begrudgingly gave it a go and it really worked for me.

...

Before starting this exercise, pay attention to your breathing. Slow, deep, long breaths can help you maintain a sense of calm or help you return to a calmer state. Once you find your breath, go through the following steps to help ground yourself:
5: Acknowledge FIVE things you see around you. It could be a pen, a spot on the ceiling, anything in your surroundings.
4: Acknowledge FOUR things you can touch around you. It could be your hair, a pillow, or the ground under your feet.
3: Acknowledge THREE things you hear. This could be any external sound. If you can hear your belly rumbling that counts! Focus on things you can hear outside of your body.
2: Acknowledge TWO things you can smell. Maybe you are in your office and smell pencil, or maybe you are in your bedroom and smell a pillow. If you need to take a brief walk to find a scent you could smell soap in your bathroom, or nature outside.
1: Acknowledge ONE thing you can taste. What does the inside of your mouth taste like—gum, coffee, or the sandwich from lunch?

I use the Calm app and listen to the sleep stories. Get comfy take some deep breaths and relax.
I've never got to the end of one yet they are so comforting and cosy.

If you don't want to pay for the Calm app some of the stories are on YouTube.

@youvegottenminuteslynn

I have ADHD and anxiety and find list making really helps, as well as ASMR (if you can find sounds that really work for you) and this grounding technique - which might sound bullshitty but I begrudgingly gave it a go and it really worked for me.

...

Before starting this exercise, pay attention to your breathing. Slow, deep, long breaths can help you maintain a sense of calm or help you return to a calmer state. Once you find your breath, go through the following steps to help ground yourself:
5: Acknowledge FIVE things you see around you. It could be a pen, a spot on the ceiling, anything in your surroundings.
4: Acknowledge FOUR things you can touch around you. It could be your hair, a pillow, or the ground under your feet.
3: Acknowledge THREE things you hear. This could be any external sound. If you can hear your belly rumbling that counts! Focus on things you can hear outside of your body.
2: Acknowledge TWO things you can smell. Maybe you are in your office and smell pencil, or maybe you are in your bedroom and smell a pillow. If you need to take a brief walk to find a scent you could smell soap in your bathroom, or nature outside.
1: Acknowledge ONE thing you can taste. What does the inside of your mouth taste like—gum, coffee, or the sandwich from lunch?

My friend does this with her son, I don't think its bullshitty at all! I have used similar when I've felt panicky before but not thought to use it to ground myself at other times so thank you.

Agree with writing it all down. Put some dates against what needs to be done, by when. Just makes it all a lot more manageable

@GoodnightGrandma

And if I can’t sleep a wank normally works 😱😳

Times like these, I wish there was a “like” button for comments 😂

I know this is old wives tales, but if all the other great suggestions don’t work, some people (even us peri ones) get some comfort from worry dolls,( some psychological trick I guess). You’re not alone, I play myself these depressing/stressful movies in my mind regularly especially at night.

Mumsnet, never mind what they say about screens at night, 15 minor mn and I drift off

15 minutes of MN

Write a list.
Take a long bath.
Listen to some ASMR.

Where are you in your cycle? I have Exactly this the 4-7 days before coming on. I've learnt now that it will go but its a wierd feeling of just BRAIN ON! I come on then have a great restful brain off sleep.
Also massive vote for calm sleep stories or heads pace x

There's a visualisation exercise called leaves on a stream which is good for calming down swirly thoughts. It takes a bit of practice but the more you do it, the easier it gets and the calmer you can become.

www.mindfulnessmuse.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Cognitive-Defusion-Exercise-1.pdf

I also second the Calm app-the sleep stories are great. I’ve rarely heard the end of them. Some of the peoples voices are quite hypnotic.

I sympathise OP, I’m in a similar position, and I haven’t felt like this for ages, I hate it!
I actually find white noise really helps me drop off. Just a simple video on YouTube, I like the ones with raindrops