Spiritual Dimensions of Sleep part 2
Part 2 on sleep problems and solutions Sent from my iPod
Spiritual Dimensions of Sleep part 1
One of the Most Common Causes of Insomnia
According to this leading doctor, the reason why people can’t fall asleep is not because of lack of being sleepy, but as a result of this. Here’s what you can do to fix this problem fast, including something almost everyone should install in their bedroom now…
According to this leading doctor, the reason why people can’t fall asleep is not because of lack of being sleepy, but as a result of this. Here’s what you can do to fix this problem fast, including something almost everyone should install in their bedroom now…
Watch part 1 of this interview with a sleep expert ( minor issues with sound quality)
Sent from my iPod
Relaxation and Mindfulness with Homemade Playdough
Some people who suffer from anxiety fidget a lot and like to keep their hands busy. For some that means holding a cigarette, fiddling with their keys, etc. I have found that in my practice, many anxious individuals find it relaxing to handle the playdough that is on my shelf. So why not make your own?
Not only is it natural and non-toxic, but you can add essential oils to it that have a soothing effect or any other desired effect you may seek.
The process of making it can also have beneficial and relaxing effects, keep your mind off things, and may even have a meditative effect. While you are at it, why not practice mindfulness while in the process of making your own playdough?
Mix the following organic ingredients (non organic ingredients are ok too):
1 cup flour
1 cup water
1/2 cup of sea salt
1 Tbsp of oil
2 Tbsp of Cream of Tartar
Food coloring or use natural spices for color (e.g. turmeric for yellow)
A few drops of an essential oil (eg, lavender for relaxation).
It is up to you to choose other essential oils if the purpose is other than relaxation… read up on the properties of rosemary, geranium, chamomille, peppermint, grapefruit, lemon, etc..Adjust ingredients (flour or water) until you get the texture you like.
Place in a sealed container.
If you would rather buy it… go on Etsy and for a tutorial on How TO, go on You Tube there are quite a few tutorials!
Calming Homemade Mist
If you feel tense and can’t relax or have problem sleeping you may want to consider making your own soothing mist. You can use it at home but you can also carry it with you in your bag, even have one in your office or your car. Below I provide you with a recipe to make your own soothing and calming mist.
Pour water (distilled or filtered) into the spray bottle.
Add a few drops of lavender essential oil to the water. The number of drops will depend on the size of the spray bottle. The smaller the amount of water the smaller is the number of drops you will add. Just put a few drops and mist, see what you like and add according to your preference.
Use essential oil, NOT artificial scents, as they are hormone disruptors among other things.
I recommend Lavender for relaxation but you can make different mists depending on your special needs. The type of essential oil you will chose will depend on what you will use the mist for.
You can research reputable websites that describe the properties of various essential oils.
I often recommend Lavender essential oil to promote relaxation, it is soothing and calming. Mist your sheets and pillows before bed and it has a soothing and calming effect. I also mist my sheet and pillow prior to making the bed as it freshens up the sheets as it is also an antiseptic. You can also mist your face (close your eyes) and it too will have a relaxing effect. But be cautious as it may be irritating if you have sensitive skin or if you have an allergy.
It is up to you to choose other essential oils if the purpose is other than relaxation… read up on the properties of rosemary, geranium, chamomille, peppermint, grapefruit, lemon, etc..
Have fun!!!
Executive Functioning Skills
Many kids with ADHD- Inattentive or combined type or nonverbal learning disabilities, for example, have deficits with executive functioning skills. This concept is “used by psychologists and neuroscientists to describe a loosely defined collection of brain processes that are responsible for planning, cognitive flexibility, abstract thinking, rule acquisition, initiating appropriate actions and inhibiting inappropriate actions, and selecting relevant sensory information (see Wikipedia for more details).”
A great book for developing executive functioning skills is : Smart but Scattered: The Revolutionary “Executive Skills” Approach to Helping Kids Reach Their Potential by Peg Dawson and Richard Guare. This book looks at the following: bulding response inhibition; enhancing working memory; improving emotional control; strengthtening sustained attention; task initiation; promoting, planning and prioritizing; fostering organization; time management; flexibility; increase goal-directed persistence; and cultivating metacognition.
You can find this book at Amazon or Chapters Indigo. Well worth it, for adults and kids alike!