Happy Monday everyone! Thank you so much to @nainaztengra for last week's editorial. Amazing to say the least.

The last time I visited we talked a bit on why sleep is so important. How it affects so many different aspects of our lives. I put forth a little challenge to get ideas on what others do to combat sleeplessness, insomnia or just those random nights you can't sleep. @plantstoplanks was the only one who shared an idea. Which was eating cherries. Cherries naturally contain melatonin
"Melatonin is a hormone that regulates the sleep–wake cycle. It is primarily released by the pineal gland. As a supplement, it is often used for the short-term treatment of trouble sleeping such as from jet lag or shift work." (Google search)

This is great to know since many take melatonin as a 'sleep inducer' I do take melatonin when my sleep cycles end out out of whack. Meaning I am not able to fall asleep until 4am or so. It's like my body thinks I live on the other side of the world. It seems to need reminding what appropriate sleep times are for a day dweller. As a night dweller it wasn't an issue.

I asked my husband what he does to fall asleep so quickly. Not sure if that was the best idea 😆 He said on his sleepless nights he repeats to himself 'sleep' and said it usually works. This is also someone that can be asleep before his head hits the pillow. It makes sense though, to use sleep as sort of a mantra.

I asked a few friends around here and got the same answer 'Smoke some weed.' It's Colorado, I wouldn't expect anything different. This is a case of would if I could. Seems I am allergic to THC. I get sick when I smell it or around it. What cinched it though is that my son bought some 'mints' for me. As soon as the mint started to dissolve, out it came. 😥 'I thought CBD didn't do that?' His answer 'Umm mom, I bought you the one with THC in it.' Seems he wanted to see if it was in my head. Silly kid.

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From years of living with this a few things I have learned which work in most cases

• If you are lying in bed 'fighting' to sleep and it has been more than 45 mins. Get up. The reason being is that your mind will start to associate going to bed with a struggle and make it harder to fall asleep.
• Turn off your electronics at least 30 minutes before heading to bed. Things have gotten better with night views being available on our monitors and phones. (some exceptions do apply)
• Develop a bedtime ritual or routine. We actually function better when we follow routines. Yes it sounds boring, but it goes along with creating positive habits. If you go through the same process before bed every night, you mind will see the activity and realize 'Hey, we're going to sleep.'
• Basic relaxation exercises. If you join in on our meditation groups there is a part where @bewithbreath goes through of tightening and releasing parts of your body. This is a wonderful exercise. Start at your toes tighten them for 20 seconds or so then release them. As you so this visualize in your mind of all the tension just drain away and that your toes are completely relaxed and ready to sleep. Repeat this all the way up your body. What is great too if you take the time to meditate and follow this process again it is a routine in which your body knows what results you are looking for.
• Drink a warm beverage (non-caffeinated) Some people can get away with drinking coffee, I don't recommend it. My body knows if I am drinking coffee it is not time to sleep. 😋 A chamomile, valerian type herbal teas work very well. Maybe find a sleepytime blend. Don't be afraid to experiment with this. One brand my work for you when another doesn't it is simply the mixture that that particular company uses.
• Don't go to bed unless you are tired. This sort of falls in with the first tip. How many times do we try to go to bed and are completely wound up. Then you struggle falling asleep. You then fall in to the same trappings as the first tip. Use your routine. Granted you may need to be up in 5 hours, but would you rather get 3 hours of restful sleep vs. 4 hours of tossing and turning?

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One thing I have changed recently and I am very happy it is helping is that we purchased a weighted blanket. I always seem to sleep better when my husband is practically on top of me. With our dogs being in the way during the night I don't get that as much as I use to. So we made the decision to try this. I don't toss and turn as much, in fact it's becoming less. I am falling asleep faster and my sleep is much more sound. I actually am waking up feeling that I slept. My only problem is my feet get really hot. Once I have them out and I am situated I am out. He found a 20lb blanket on Amazon that was for sale at $35.00 (GREAT deal).

I hope you guys find this helpful. As always I look forward to any discussion and ideas.

Wisdoms and mindful musings

#mindfulmonday postings gives us these wonderful posts

@porters gives us the amazing piece on the The Power of Kindenss
'We may not often think of kindness or the profound effect it can have on the world around us. Kindness is in fact, often underrated and disregarded - not many people see it as a power!"
This is a super power we all have and should utilize more. If we start being kinder to one another then just maybe we won't feel so helpless.

@rem-steem shares with us daily mindful practices with this very helpful post Mindfulness In Our Daily Activities .
"There was a time when I used to do a little bit of mediation, not every day but very often. But now I don't get time. It's not actually time, I know. It's like I don't find the mental condition/state of mind I need to sit for a meditation session. That's why today I'm gonna share what I usually do instead of formal meditation nowadays"
The small practices that @rem-steem has added to daily life is the epitome of being mindful. It's small steps and actions that help nurture you mind, body and spirit.

@samstonehill shares with us his view from being inspired by a post from @metametheus The Equiox Is Upon Us...

@quotes-haven shares his musings on The Secrets of Life
"Wouldn’t it be great if life comes with a manual, and a set of instructions? "

#mindfullife musings

@nainaztengra shares this wonderful post on The Vibration of our Collective Consciousness
"In the last so many months or I can also say in the last 1 to 2 years time period almost everyone I am talking to is going through a rough patch in some or the other way in life. Be it health, work, finances, family, relations. There has been some kind of impact in most people's life in this last 1 to 2 years time"
A very enlightening piece and something for us to consider.

And in other news...

• You might have noticed we've shifted our curation and editorial to TUESDAY.

• Don't forget that we have our SMG (Steemit Meditation Group) led by @bewithbreath on Wednesdays at 8:30 pm London Time and Saturdays at 5:30 pm London time. Any questions please feel free to leave a comment.

• Did you know you can earn LOTUS rewards for post about mindfulness and spirituality by using the tag #naturalmedicine alongside #mindfullife, #mindfulmonday and other relevant tags? For more information, check out the following posts:

Introducing Lotus for the Mindful Life Community

How to Stake (Power Up) Your Lotus Coin

Mindful Life is a space within Natural Medicine whose aims are:

• To unite meditators across the Steem blockchain so that we can share and strengthen our own practices
• To provide a space to discuss the philosophy, science and practical application of such practices in our lives
• To inspire and motivate each other
• To provide support if we might be struggling, connecting with like minded people who might offer solutions

Entry is minimum 20 SP for those under 500SP, and 50SP + for those with a bit more. This makes you a full member of @naturalmedicine and all it's benefits. It's free for those under 100 SP.

Did you know that Natural Medicine has it's own front end - https://www.naturalmedicine.io? By using this front end, you not only earn our native token 'Lotus', but can find other like minded folk posting on everything from herbalism, meditation, healthy eating and essential oils, to homesteading, cannabis and environmental health. If you'd like to delegate to show your support of natural healing wisdoms, and recieve benefits from upvotes to great contests and prizes, and help support us curate worthy content, please click here!

https://steempeak.com/esteem/@quotes-haven/the-secrets-of-life