The Importance of Calming Routines

Nothing in a blog, mine or anyone else's should be seen as psychotherapy or counseling.  But from reliable websites we can learn some general principles that apply broadly and can help us out.  One such general principle is the importance of preserving or starting healthy routines.  Healthy eating, exercise that doesn't overdo your level of conditioning or health, reading a good book, yoga, meditation, visiting with supportive friends or family, can all help ground and stabilize us.  Oftentimes when we are in distress we will say, "but I don't feel like doing that."  Research suggests that feelings follow behavior, and getting active with healthy behaviors leads to better sleep and better feelings.  And speaking of sleep, keeping a positive sleep routine is critical.  If you are really not sleeping, I suggest speaking to your physician, as he or she can help with that, as sleep is fundamental to well-being and your health.  A psychologist can also help with insomnia, and indeed research shows that psychological treatment of insomnia is often more effective than medication.  A poet once said, "Be gentle with yourself," and caring for ourselves is a gentle act.