In the light of a new day

I've learned, over the years, that my best tool when I'm feeling emotional distress is SLEEP.

I simply don’t know if it’s the same for everyone. But for me, when I’m not coping and nothing else is working, I know that sleep will make things look different.

Maybe I should do some research, I don’t know. I just felt like telling you.

Overwhelmed

It's pretty much ALWAYS related to one of my kids.

When I’m overwhelmed by my emotions because of something they’ve said or done or not done or are about to do, if I find myself ruminating and wearing dark glasses and everything looks TERRIBLE, here’s what I know:

I know that if I go to sleep, something happens in my brain.

Things look different in the light of a new day, or after a really solid nap.

Often, the thing that was upsetting me just seems like a non-issue after that sunrise.

Obviously sleep isn't the cure-all

Admittedly, if things are shitty enough, I can wake up with a serious emotional hangover.

It’s not like sleep FIXES the thing that’s upsetting me. BUT.

The effect my emotions have on my body changes after sleep. The adrenaline or whatever other chemicals and hormones have had time to metabolize. My brain functions better.

I’m also aware that some of why this works so well for me is that I tell myself this is how it works. I believe it, so it becomes true.

Is there something going on in you right now that needs the light of a new day?

Is there something that you need to tell yourself will look better in the morning?

Maybe just take a nap, my friend.