You’re exhausted. You know you need to sleep. But the second your head hits the pillow, your brain decides it’s time to replay every embarrassing thing you’ve ever said, spiral about the future, and plan the next ten years.
Sound familiar? Same.
Rest doesn’t come naturally to all of us—especially if you’re neurodivergent or just prone to anxious overthinking. But rest is a skill you can practice.
Here are a few ways I trick my brain into letting me actually chill.
The “Brain Dump” Before Bed
Before sleep, I write down everything buzzing around in my head. No editing. Just a messy brain spill onto paper.
Once it’s captured, my brain relaxes. It doesn’t need to keep reminding me at 2 a.m.
Do Something Boring on Purpose
If I scroll TikTok, I’m up until 3. But if I read the user manual for my blender? Out like a light.
Pick something so boring your brain gives up.
Rest Isn’t Just Sleep
Sometimes we get stuck thinking “rest = 8 hours of perfect sleep.”
But rest can also mean:
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Sitting in silence for 5 minutes
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Lying down without your phone
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Listening to calming music
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Taking a “nothing walk” with no destination
Small rests count.
Try the “Reverse Bedtime” Trick
Instead of saying, “I have to go to bed at 10,” I tell myself, “I’m allowed to stay awake until 10.”
Somehow, this flips the script. Suddenly, I choose rest instead of fighting it.
Give Yourself Permission to Rest Imperfectly
You don’t have to “win” at sleeping. Some nights are restless. Some nights you’ll wake up anxious. That’s okay.
Rest isn’t a performance—it’s a practice.
Final Thoughts
Your brain might resist rest, but it’s not impossible. With small rituals and mindset shifts, you can carve out spaces of calm—even if sleep doesn’t always cooperate.
Related post: The Importance of Rest: Why Prioritizing Rest is Essential for Your Health and Well-being
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