Anxiety relaxation tips

[Vance2335]

Due to some issues that have come to light I am dealing with anxiety which has always been part of me but just back into the picture recently. Don't want to go into specifics because I will be seeing a therapist in the near future but wanted to ask some questions.

1. I am having trouble sleeping. I have been able to fall asleep but after a few hours I will wake up with thoughts running through my head and for the next 4 or so hours I am in and out of sleep (mostly out). I have also stopped a nicoteine habit just 2 days ago and found that trouble sleeping and more anxiety are symptoms so I was going to continue this habit until I was able to better grasp my anxiety. So I am wondering if anyone has some tips on how I can stop these thoughts from interupting my sleep or something that would help me stay a sleep (not looking for medication advice).

2. Overall is there any tips that can be given to me to help with general anxiety issues...calming techniques? I have been reading the bible which gives me peace but when I can't read I would like something to help me out. I also have a book on anxiety which I plan on starting to read today so that might also have some tips.

3. And I guess maybe some overall tips on how to deal with anxiety and guilt on a daily basis.

Thank you for any help you can provide.

[Vance2335]

Anyone else on relaxation tips?

[Vance2335]

Thanks. I have spent too much time in bed Sunday and yesterday.

Any overall relaxation tips?

[rls27]

One thing that may help you get a better night's sleep is burning off some of that energy and anxiety with exercise. Get some rigorous exercise in each day, wear yourself out a little. Also, don't go to bed until you are feeling sleepy. That means, don't lie in bed watching TV for a few hours prior to going to sleep. You should only be in your bed for two reasons...to sleep and for sex. That's it. Your body identifies with your bed for sleeping, when you spend too much time in your bed doing other things, it's getting mixed signals.

One other thing, if you haven't fallen asleep within 15 - 20 minutes of going to bed, get up and do something else until you feel sleepy. If you're thinking too much while trying to get to sleep--you can't shut your mind off--try to distract yourself with some light reading or watching something funny or light hearted on TV. Be careful not to fall asleep on the couch or anywhere else. Once you feel sleepy, that's the time to go to bed.