Meet Conor. Conor was an ill-advised lockdown project of mine. He is part of a pair of sock-snakes that I made for my 2 boys. Conor has a leash, goes for walks, and enjoys going to the “snake park.” He also enjoys bedtime. Here he is getting tucked in just ahead of doing his “3 thankful things”
Every night at bedtime, I prompt my sons to think of 3 things they are thankful for that day. Essentially just 3 good things. Could be big one: like ice cream at the beach last week. Often small things. If they have trouble, I prompt them with things taken for granted (love, safe home, full bellies)
Why? #GratitudePractice has several health benefits. #Gratitude practice in many forms has been shown in studies to improve physical, mental, and emotional well-bieng. By focusing on the positive at the end of the day, it is powerful way of promoting positive psychology. Ending the day on a high note. It opens reflective thought and may prompt a child to express a worry before bed aloud. And it’s a bridge in the bedtime routine to end storytime and turn out the light.
#Bedtimeroutines – with or without gratitude – are a crucial part of #healthysleep for children — AND adults. When I work with families, it can take a few weeks of building a new routine for a long-lasting and sustainable healthy sleep.
For adults, gratitude-theme guided meditation before bed can help with this. I love recommending Insight Timer (it’s free) to my patients to start out.
If you really have trouble with #sleep more than the occasional night, it’s worth getting expert doctor help. Because every night of your life you will need to go to sleep. Our bodies are really busy when we are asleep – it is essential for physical, mental, and emotional well-being. No one can do it for you. And while medications can help ease #insomnia – they are only for short term use (long term can cause problems) and no medication can keep you asleep, mimic sleep, or force the healthy sleep we need. There are some medical reasons for poor sleep as well, so always worth touching base with a doc.
What about Conor? Yes, he needed a drink of water.
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