First aid for when you've had a giant kaa-uu-tee night
You probably know them: the nights when it feels like you have ceiling duty. They always come at the worst times, and you know that the next day you'll get out of bed with red eyes and spaghetti legs. Actually, you're just a bit hungover. Yes, that can happen without drinking alcohol. I fell asleep at half past three last night and the alarm went off at a quarter to seven.
Can a person handle that? Sometimes yes. Did I handle it today? Nah. So here I am, like a rollmops with a hood on my head and tiny eyes, sulking on the couch. Maybe I'll have breakfast with a cheese soufflé or something else weird. Insomnia is the biggest, biggest bitch that exists. Actually, on a day like today, you can only do one thing. Be a little kind to yourself. Had a shitty night? Here comes Kiek to the rescue with the SOS plan.
Take a bath early in the morning
Look for that weird bath bomb you always wanted to use, those bath pearls – do those things even exist anymore? – or grab that bath salt. This is not going to be a normal bath. This is going to be a luxury bath. With wrinkled toes and all. You need it.
Realize this: you don't always have to be a happy shiny person
Waking up feeling drained is also an emotion. And hey, you're human. Be honest with the outside world. Cancel – as much as possible – the appointments outside for a bit. Today is me-time. Tomorrow you'll be back to being the first.
Cuddle with a pet, stuffed animal, or even better: A PERSON
Nothing is more relaxing for your shitty night-that-has-turned-into-a-shitty-day than the purring of your cat on your lap. Or that lick from your dog. Cuddle. With animals, with bears, with people. Cuddle. A lot.
No big efforts today
Again: be kind to yourself. Do what makes you happy. Make something delicious to eat. Watch your nostalgic movie from the past. Lounge in bed, blast Netflix, play your favorite music. Take a nap if you can.
More often trouble? Don't use caffeine and nicotine after 6:00 PM
So no tea or chocolate either. At least not right before bedtime. Also, take a look at underlying issues like your lifestyle or stress. Especially sugars cause spikes in stress hormones that make you a bitch for your sleep.
And having a bad night once in a while is fine, but chronic insomnia? Then contact your doctor, because that's heavy.
And especially go to bed early, early, earlly tonight.
Sssszzznurk.
