“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes… including you."
-Anne Lamott, American novelist
In this final week of rest, focus on physical recovery. Many people struggle to fall asleep, stay asleep, or get enough rest, yet they often overlook how their daytime habits affect their sleep.
If you stay busy and multitask all day without pausing, you may struggle to wind down at night. As Lamott suggests, unplug for a few minutes: breathe , dream or practice 10 minutes of non-sleep deep rest (NSDR). Andrew Huberman popularized this practice, and I have recorded my own version as a guided meditation, on this website. Instead of reaching for more caffeine, chocolate, or a snack, give your body and mind the break it needs. Practiced consistently, NSDR can improve your sleep. I always try new techniques on myself before suggesting them and this works. It combines activation of the parasympathetic nervous system through breathing, a body scan and a form of yoga nidra. During this final week of October, add it to your daily routine and give yourself this small gift.