The 3:00am Rant That Got Me Back To Sleep

Last night, our dehumidifier in our en suite bathroom started up just before 3:00am. The subtle noise was enough to rouse me from my slumber.

Despite the fact that my husband got up to deal with it, I was still awake.

Despite the fact that I had fallen asleep quickly at 10:30pm, my mind drifted back to a patronizing comment from someone earlier the day before.

As you can guess, my mind wouldn't let it go.
Even if it was 3:00am.

I had always read about the importance of having a pen and paper by your bed in case of these moments, but I have them so rarely, that I don't. I also don't want to wake the man next to me with my light or pen scratching.

Luckily, my husband was also wide awake and started reading.

I crept down the hall to my office and grabbed a notebook and pen.

Back under the warm covers, I let the pen flow, and let all the emotions about this patronizing comment, and the patronizing woman, came out.

By the end of the 7th page, the emotions were spent, and I had a very different perspective.

James Pennebaker has done extensive research on the power of journaling through emotional moments. Yes, in the short term the emotional charge rises, but in the long term well-being is better than before.

With the rant over, I closed the notebook, pulled out my own book, and read for 5 minutes.

Then I slept like a baby...

I highly suggest this method for getting out of your head.

I think it worked so well for me because I let it all out and then moved on to something distracting (reading). The combo made it work.
www.linkedin.com/posts/theresadestrebecq_the-300am-rant-that-got-me-back-to-sleep-activity-7399429984341348353-TTFj?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAO_28UBcG8HqN-K4HvWw7DNkUv85mYjZdk
PS. The book I am reading this week is Flux: 8 Superpowers for Thriving in Constant Change by April Rinne. Also recommended.

Originally posted on LinkedIn with comments.

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