Sleepless nights are agonizing. As you ruminate over tomorrow’s stressors, you send your body into overdrive of cortisol. You start to feel helpless as the time ticks on while you lay wide awake. If only we could train our bodies to shut down nervous thoughts and rest.
Thankfully, you’re not alone with your problem. Next time you’re struggling to count sheep, try the Military Method instead. Coined by legendary coach Lloyd Bud Winter, this method can get you to sleep within minutes. Start practicing the Military Method tonight before bed!
The Method
- Close your eyes. Focus on your facial muscles. Settle each part of your face all the way down. Relax your forehead, eyebrows, nose, mouth, and chin. Take a big breath when you’re finished.
- Reduce tension in your arms. Start at your shoulders, biceps, elbows, wrists, and hands. Feel your arms sinking into your bed.
- Take a deep breath with your whole chest. Relax your chest.
- Now focus on your legs. Feel your thighs sink into your bed. Relax your knees, calves, ankles, and feet all the way down.
- Clear your mind. Try and think about nothing at all. It’s easier said than done. So, visualize yourself relaxed in a dark room.
- Tell yourself, “Don’t think” for at least ten seconds. You can think it or even say it out loud. If you’re struggling to clear your mind, this should help distract you.
Now you should feel completely relaxed and ready to get some quality sleep. If you struggle with insomnia, the Military Method may need to be repeated a few times. With practice, the Military Method will only get easier. So, sit back, relax, and let the method drift you off to sleep.
