Body Scan Release: Unlocking Restful Sleep

Welcome back to Sleep Soundly. I'm Julia Cartwright, and I'm so glad you're here. You know, it's late November, and I can feel it in the energy around us. The days are shorter, the nights are longer, and our bodies are asking for something they're not always getting. Rest. Real rest. If you've been lying awake lately, mind spinning like a hamster wheel, you're not alone. So today, we're going to work with something I call the Body Scan Release. Think of it as giving your nervous system permission to finally clock out.

Let's start by finding a comfortable position. Whether you're sitting or lying down, just make sure your spine is supported and your limbs can relax completely. Go ahead and take a moment to settle. Close your eyes if that feels right. We're going to begin with three intentional breaths. Breathe in slowly through your nose for a count of four, hold for four, then exhale through your mouth for a count of six. One more time. In for four, hold, and out for six. Beautiful. You're already slowing down.

Now, I want you to imagine your awareness as a warm light, like honey, starting at the very top of your head. Just notice what's there. No judgment, no fixing. Is there tension? Tightness? Just acknowledge it with kindness. Now slowly let that warm light move down through your face, your jaw, your neck. Many of us hold stress in our jaw, so pause there for a moment. Feel free to let your teeth separate just slightly, softening the space.

Let that golden awareness drift down through your shoulders, and here's where I want you to do something powerful. As you notice tension in your shoulders, imagine it as clouds. Dark, heavy clouds. And with each exhale, those clouds drift away. They're not yours to carry. Move the light down your arms, your hands, all the way to your fingertips. Now your chest, your heart space. This is where we hold emotion. Breathe here. Let your ribs expand fully.

Continue down through your belly, your lower back. And finally, let that warm honey light travel all the way down your legs to your feet. As you reach your toes, feel the weight of your entire body supported by whatever is holding you. You are held.

As we close, I want you to carry this sense of release with you. Tonight, when your head hits the pillow, remember that you don't have to earn rest. You're allowed to simply let go. Thank you so much for joining me on Sleep Soundly: Daily Mindfulness Exercises for Better Rest. Your commitment to your own peace matters. Please subscribe and join us tomorrow for another practice. Sleep well, friend.

For great deals today, check out https://amzn.to/47ZqpWT

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI