How to deal with sleep envy + last week recap
Hey pumpkin,
If you find yourself feeling bad for not being able to sleep while everyone around you seem to do it so easily, this letter is for you ❤️.
Sleep envy
When we see others having no troubles sleeping and we begin to feel bad for our own struggle – there is nothing wrong about feeling that way in the first place. I believe we all want and deserve to feel good and have no struggles with sleep.
And in cases like this, I find it so helpful to use the kindness tool and ask yourself honestly: “What is it that I am not giving myself right now, while comparing myself to others?”
Listen to the body, it sure will give you a signal as an answer. At first, you might not understand completely what that signal means, but the body will answer to that question one way or another. Maybe the body needs more support from you or it wants you to share your struggles with your close friend, maybe it craves a lazy afternoon where you don’t force yourself to push through the day, maybe the body wants to cry a little, or sing, or dance… Anything that feels like the opposite of pressure.
And whatever it is, when you start moving in the direction of your true needs, away from self-judgement, it will inevitably bring you closer to the desired state of peace where you no longer feel the need to compare yourself. You’ll simply feel enough.
New content on Sleep Talks
Last week I posted some new things on my Instagram page and YouTube channel. In case you missed it, here are a few links:
🪶 “Sandstorm” posts:
What is a sandstorm and how to get out of it, in two pictures:
Sandstorm is basically a place of utter confusion and not knowing how to move on. When you feel like you understand everything rationally, but there is a part of your mind that doesn’t “get it“. You feel anxious, lost, and nothing seems to make sense anymore.
If this sounds familiar, dive into this article to learn more on how to work with that state.
🎥 New video: What to do with sleep anxiety before a big day
Recently, a member of our cozy Sleep Talks community has asked me about how to deal with the upcoming wedding day. This is a really common question, so I decided to make a video on it 🙂. BUT! Interestingly, this video got less views as I thought it would. Not sure why that is… but if you feel somewhat anxious about “the big days“ I definitely recommend watching this episode.
Interesting discussions
1. A really nice and insightful comment under my recent video on the “big days“:
2. I asked people to share with me the resources that inspire them: books, podcasts, newsletters, websites and here are some ideas:
I particularly liked the Anxious Truth podcast - because it seems to go very much in line with my approach to insomnia.
And here is my favourite resource: the Daily Stoic Newsletter
I’ve learned a lot from stoicism on my insomnia recovery journey. I focuses heavily on accepting things that happen to us, whether it is an external event or our emotions, thoughts and feelings.
Hope you enjoyed this letter. If you wish to support what I do – to buy me a cup of coffee or something – consider becoming a patreon member ❤️
Take care,
Ali