It's no secret that widows are stressed, lacking sleep and totally unbalanced.  Learning to relax is the best thing we can do for ourselves.  It's a skill like learning to ride a bike and you have to practice to get good at it.

Take 15 minutes every day to learn how to relax:

1. Find a quiet spot to lie down or sit comforably.
2. Make sure your warm and comfortable
3. Deliberately make fists by tensing up both hands really hard for 5 or 6 seconds... hold it...now relax your fists.
4. Slowly repeat this for each of the following parts of your body: arms, shoulders, neck/head, face, dummy, bottom, legs/feet
5. Relax when done and gradually get up.

There are many relaxation techniques, from deep breathing, visualization, meditation and self-hypnosis.  Find one that works for you. Having trouble falling asleep or waking up repeatedly during the night is nothing to worry about.  In fact, worrying about not sleeping can cause one to lose even more sleep. It's important to note changes in your sleep patterns - how long you sleep or don't sleep. Lack of sleep can interfer with knowing how to relax.

Here are a few tips to help with sleep:

1. Listen to soothing music, uplifting meditation before bedtime.
2. If unable to sleep after an hour, get up and read for a while.
3. Middle of night try a meditation book, focusing on the good in your life.
4. There is no such thing as too much sleep - nap when needed.

We relax as we sleep and some widows believe that we get messages and insights from our dreams.  Be open to them and keep a notebook by your bed to write them down.  For more information download my Free guide - "A Guide to Manage Stress and Sleep" https://sisterhoodofwidows.com/a-guide-to-manage-stress-and-sleep