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Stephen Bondar's avatar

As you know, I go to bed well past the time most people are actually getting up. But that doesn’t actually matter. I could try a breathing exercise right when I get into bed when I’m trying to settle myself to get to sleep. My meds will get me there anyway, but it might be nice to try this. There are many mattresses that you can try, but they’re all based on the same thing, a phrase that is said, as you breathe in deep into your abdomen, and the second part of the phrase as you breathe out. I might try doing it like four times. We’ll see what happens.

Melissa Makarewicz's avatar

Think that’s a great idea! Even a one minute breathing exercise can be a great way to start a new habit.

Stephen Bondar's avatar

Should have also mentioned that in the case of this, simply called the “Jesus prayer“, it apparently works as well in English, as in the original Greek, because the syllable count is essentially the same. It’s mostly associated with late Byzantine mysticism, particularly a Movement called Hesychasm, But in its essence can be traced back at least through Symeon The New Theologian , Who was active in the late 10th century, But probably even much farther.

Stephen Bondar's avatar

Here is the dictation thing again. This time I am watching carefully. I did not mean the mattresses. I meant mantras. The one I know is from the monks of Mount Athos, and from the middle to later Byzantine periods. It just goes “Lord Jesus, son of God“ on the inhale, and then “have mercy upon me, a sinner.“ On the exhale.

A Writer’s Journey's avatar

Deep breathing has helped me get to sleep and back to sleep. Good luck

Stephen Bondar's avatar

I’m just going to do it for the sake of doing it and calming myself. What’s actually gonna put me to sleep is my clonazepam.

Kris Nielsen's avatar

I’ve been trying to brush & floss before bed off and on for years, so that’s going to be my challenge. Put it n my pj’s then brush my teeth!

Melissa Makarewicz's avatar

That a great one! In Tiny Habits, he recommends the habit be as simple as "I'll floss one tooth before bed". With this tiny habit, 99% of the time you will floss all of your teeth, but if you have a night you are exhausted, you will still maintain the habit but just flossing the one tooth. I wish you much success with your new habit!

Rose Servitova's avatar

I am trying to bridge the gap between 'it's all up to me'/stress etc... and believing that we are supported by the universe. I've some lovely morning habits already in situ but I think I'd like to acknowledge on waking and again before sleeping. Maybe a surrender on waking 'Universe, I surrender this day to you' and gratitude on sleeping, 'Thank you Universe for being with me today'.

Melissa Makarewicz's avatar

Hello Rose!

I love that. Perhaps craft a sentence that you repeat every morning and then one for every evening. Let the Universe know that you will look for things to be grateful for during the day and then acknowledge a few things in the evening. ❤️

Sherrie Hansen's avatar

Great advice!

Melissa Makarewicz's avatar

Thank you, Sherrie!

Meggie Arbelaez's avatar

This is such great advice! I do this with my workouts, after I put the kids for a nap I go straight to the garage to workout !

Melissa Makarewicz's avatar

It’s so helpful for taking the mental load off of a task. I find my default can easily be scrolling or doing random chores around the house, and before I know it, the opportunity to do the thing I really wanted to do is gone.

I love that you can do garage workouts!

Meggie Arbelaez's avatar

Yes the phone can be such a life sucking thing if you let it be!!

Michele Blickley's avatar

After I get my first cup of coffee, I will meditate.

Melissa Makarewicz's avatar

Yay! I love that. A great morning habit and meditating in the morning is so powerful. Do you have a set amount of time you are going to do? That can be helpful to know. 🧘‍♀️

Mandisa Smith's avatar

Which tracking app do you love?

Melissa Makarewicz's avatar

This is the one I use. The free version works for my needs.