Unwinding the December Hustle: A Soothing Bedtime Journey

Welcome back, friend. I'm Julia Cartwright, and I'm so glad you're here with me for Sleep Soundly. You know, it's early December, and I'm noticing something about this time of year. The days are getting shorter, the nights are longer, and somehow that makes us feel like we should be doing more, not less. Our minds are buzzing like overstuffed inboxes right before bed. Does that sound familiar? Tonight, we're going to gently quieten that noise together.

Before we begin, find yourself in a comfortable spot. This could be your bed, a chair, or even a cushion on the floor. The only requirement is that it feels safe to you. Let your shoulders drop away from your ears, and settle your body like you're sinking into warm sand.

Now, let's start with your breath. Breathe in slowly through your nose for a count of four, feeling the cool air travel down into your belly. Hold it there for just a moment. Then exhale through your mouth for a count of six, as if you're gently fogging a mirror. That longer exhale? That's your nervous system's favorite lullaby. Try that three more times at your own pace.

Here's our main practice for tonight. I want you to imagine your body as a house with many rooms. As you breathe in, imagine a soft, golden light entering through the front door. With each breath, this light moves through a different room, gently illuminating and relaxing everything it touches. Breathe in, and the light fills your scalp and forehead, smoothing away tension like someone ironing a wrinkled sheet. Exhale. Breathe in, and it washes down through your jaw and neck. Exhale. Continue this journey downward. The light moves through your shoulders, your chest, your stomach. There's no rush here. Just breath, light, and the slow unwinding of your day. When you reach your feet, imagine the light settling there, grounding you like roots finding earth. And then, gently, let the light fade. You don't need to hold it anymore. You're already home.

As you return to the room, notice how your body feels. You've just given yourself permission to slow down. Tomorrow, when that December hustle kicks in, remember this feeling. Come back to it whenever you need to.

Thank you so much for joining me on Sleep Soundly: Daily Mindfulness Exercises for Better Rest. Your commitment to rest is profound self-care, and I'm honored to be part of your journey. Please subscribe so you never miss a practice. Sweet dreams ahead.

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