Comments on: Can You Wait 5 More Minutes?

By: Ginger Harrington

Ginger Harrington — Fri, 06 Nov 2020 14:07:06 +0000

Oh how I have this problem of waking up and having trouble getting back to sleep. I usually get up and read. That’s when I get a lot of the research for my writing done. I love the idea of the night journal–though I think I’m awake due to hormonal causes. Just 5 more minutes is a strategy I’m going to use!

By: Michele Morin

Michele Morin — Thu, 05 Nov 2020 12:39:54 +0000

Praying the examen has been a lifesaver for me. The combination of working to remember my day, framing everything in gratitude, and then peacefully turning it all over to God has been good for my brain and my heart.

By: Laurie

Laurie — Tue, 03 Nov 2020 19:27:24 +0000

Wow, what great advice! I need to learn to wait 5 more minutes, especially with the pizza and the email! I have trouble sleeping too – I wake up and caan’t get back to sleep. I haven’t jumped on the podcast train yet. Maybe that would be a good idea. My kids love them! Someone (maybe it was you?) suggested praying for everyone I thought about during my sleepless nights and that has been working for me. Even if I don’t fall back to sleep, I feel like I am spending my time beneficially!

By: Mary Geisen

Mary Geisen — Tue, 03 Nov 2020 12:41:04 +0000

I love this! Five more minutes seems like the trick that will work. I have had many restless nights recently. I have heard of the night journal recently, too. Great practices.

By: Maryleigh

Maryleigh — Tue, 03 Nov 2020 03:15:05 +0000

So useful! Especially about the pizza and the five minutes! LOL – but really for so many other things! I am a goal setter – and that five minutes is a goal set that would work with the way I process!

By: Rebecca Hastings

Rebecca Hastings — Mon, 02 Nov 2020 14:06:31 +0000

I love (and need) this! I’m struggling with my eating habits, and have asked God to help me (novel thought!) Naturally, I read this today.
God is good. Thank you for sharing!

By: David

David — Sun, 01 Nov 2020 17:09:25 +0000

“Wait 5 minutes” is a very good idea, which I will definitely use. 5 minutes later I am busy doing something else and the urge is forgotten.

In an insomnia attack, I have to get up. Read, write, have a snack, … the best thing is yoga. 3am is quite a good time for a long slow session. And then my whole body is singing out for sleep.

Perhaps any habit that says “It’s bedtime, you will be asleep soon” will be effective. Bedtime journalling has worked for me (though after 5 minutes I’m just getting started). The best scheme ever was a 1/2 hour sesh: 15 mins free writing — has to be *about* something, has to be positive (eg why I like X); 15 mins reading poetry. Both of which I love but never have time for. And having to set aside 30 mins meant I intentionally went to bed early. Will be starting this again soon as I’ve just ordered a new book of pomes.

By: Amanda

Amanda — Sat, 31 Oct 2020 13:17:04 +0000

Love this idea—so simply and yet it could potentially change the trajectory of our sleep… and applied in other situations, lots of other things too!

By: Nancy Ruegg

Nancy Ruegg — Fri, 30 Oct 2020 21:56:00 +0000

Love that nighttime journal idea, Lisa. Thank you for the link! Sometimes reciting scripture or praying works, sometimes not. Perhaps they invite too much concentration, keeping me awake. I wonder if a breath prayer would help? Think I’ll try that for five minutes the next time I can’t sleep!

By: Nancy Ruegg

Nancy Ruegg — Fri, 30 Oct 2020 21:48:46 +0000

In reply to Barbara Harper. Maybe we could add Lamaze breathing to the five-minute waits!!