Oh wow, this has just reminded me of the little notepad I used to keep by my bed. I would write down my list, and then just the fact that it was there in case I needed to jot down a thought would stop the thoughts from coming!
It's funny how retirement from my career has meant I no longer need my notepad, and I had forgotten all about it until I read this.
First of all, I feel personally attacked by the 10:47 PM strategic review of my entire existence. 🤪
There is something so absurd about the brain saying, "Ah yes, the body is finally relaxed. Excellent! Now is the perfect time to investigate every unresolved question you have had since 1997."
I like that you didn't frame the brain as the enemy. So often we treat our thoughts like some annoying intruder we need to defeat. But really, our brains are doing exactly what they were designed to do: anticipate, protect, problem solve, and keep us safe. They're just occasionally terrible at reading the room.
The idea of thoughts being information rather than assignments is such a useful reframe. I think many of us have accidentally trained ourselves to believe every thought that arrives at bedtime has been marked "urgent" by some imaginary internal manager wearing their bossy pants.
"Should we solve this now?"
"No."
"But what about the weird shoulder pain?"
"Still no."
"But what if the shoulder pain is connected to every life choice we've ever made?"
"Definitely no. Go to sleep."
I also appreciate the reminder that nighttime thoughts are unreliable narrators. The same problem can feel completely different when viewed through the lens of daylight and a rested nervous system.
Another great essay! And I'm going to write down my to-do list before bed tonight, mostly because I would like my brain to stop scheduling emergency meetings with me after business hours. 😅😂
The brain is going to do brain things, which sometimes means we’re just along for the ride. It would be nice if that ride didn’t start at 11 p.m. or 2 a.m., but hey, shit happens. 😂
I’m glad you’re going to keep a pen and paper to make your to-do list before you go to sleep. I’ve actually done this without even realizing it was a strategy, and it really helped. I’m a big proponent of externalizing things by writing them down, talking them through, organizing them, or getting them into some tangible form. It helps move them out of our heads and into something we can actually work with. Or so, they say! Lol.
The to-do list worked! I woke up at just a little after 4 AM in a panic. Normally whatever is feeling urgent gets the old “I’ll remember this tomorrow”. Of course I never remember. This time I had my little notebook next to the bed and wrote it down!
Jenn, I love how gently you take the authority out of the spiral here. My neurodivergent midnight brain does unfortunately believe every thought arrives with a clipboard and an urgent deadline.
“Treat thoughts like information, not assignments” is such a useful sentence.
"The good news? Your brain isn’t broken. So, that’s a plus. "
What a relief! 😊
Solid advice!
😉
Oh wow, this has just reminded me of the little notepad I used to keep by my bed. I would write down my list, and then just the fact that it was there in case I needed to jot down a thought would stop the thoughts from coming!
It's funny how retirement from my career has meant I no longer need my notepad, and I had forgotten all about it until I read this.
FREEDOM 🤣😂
*dances around the room like George Michael
Woohoo!! What a great feeling. Get your dance on!
I think this strategy was a good one… and interesting how since retirement you’ve not felt the need for it. 😉
I usually sleep like the dead but I do have nights where my mind is wild! As much as it pains me, I do get some of my best ideas then 🤣
Haha! Me too. Sleep issues aren’t common, but sometimes I land good ideas. 😉
First of all, I feel personally attacked by the 10:47 PM strategic review of my entire existence. 🤪
There is something so absurd about the brain saying, "Ah yes, the body is finally relaxed. Excellent! Now is the perfect time to investigate every unresolved question you have had since 1997."
I like that you didn't frame the brain as the enemy. So often we treat our thoughts like some annoying intruder we need to defeat. But really, our brains are doing exactly what they were designed to do: anticipate, protect, problem solve, and keep us safe. They're just occasionally terrible at reading the room.
The idea of thoughts being information rather than assignments is such a useful reframe. I think many of us have accidentally trained ourselves to believe every thought that arrives at bedtime has been marked "urgent" by some imaginary internal manager wearing their bossy pants.
"Should we solve this now?"
"No."
"But what about the weird shoulder pain?"
"Still no."
"But what if the shoulder pain is connected to every life choice we've ever made?"
"Definitely no. Go to sleep."
I also appreciate the reminder that nighttime thoughts are unreliable narrators. The same problem can feel completely different when viewed through the lens of daylight and a rested nervous system.
Another great essay! And I'm going to write down my to-do list before bed tonight, mostly because I would like my brain to stop scheduling emergency meetings with me after business hours. 😅😂
The brain is going to do brain things, which sometimes means we’re just along for the ride. It would be nice if that ride didn’t start at 11 p.m. or 2 a.m., but hey, shit happens. 😂
I’m glad you’re going to keep a pen and paper to make your to-do list before you go to sleep. I’ve actually done this without even realizing it was a strategy, and it really helped. I’m a big proponent of externalizing things by writing them down, talking them through, organizing them, or getting them into some tangible form. It helps move them out of our heads and into something we can actually work with. Or so, they say! Lol.
Thanks for reading, my friend! 💛
The to-do list worked! I woke up at just a little after 4 AM in a panic. Normally whatever is feeling urgent gets the old “I’ll remember this tomorrow”. Of course I never remember. This time I had my little notebook next to the bed and wrote it down!
Thanks, my friend! This is a game changer! 💛
Ah!!! I’m so glad! Little notebook to the rescue! 💛
Jenn, I love how gently you take the authority out of the spiral here. My neurodivergent midnight brain does unfortunately believe every thought arrives with a clipboard and an urgent deadline.
“Treat thoughts like information, not assignments” is such a useful sentence.