Like a lot of people, I struggle with anxiety. I get overwhelmed easily. Some days are worse than others. Thankfully, I am able to manage my anxiety by talking it through with my husband or close friends. Last year, I started using essential oils in the studio and at home to help "quiet" my mind. Those things have certainly helped...but I'm always looking for other ways to improve my mental health.
We all know that SLEEP is essential to your overall health. Unfortunately, my schedule doesn't allow for much of it. I'm in bed by 8pm...usually asleep by 8:30pm...and wake up at 1:45am. I'm always tired. Anyone with a crazy schedule knows that squeezing in a nap is a necessity. However, LIFE doesn't always allow TIME for a nap. One of my goals for 2019 is to NAP MORE. I need to carve out time (even if only 20-minutes) every day to rest and recharge.
Before Christmas, I came across an article that talked about the benefits of having one of those trendy WEIGHTED BLANKETS. They can weigh anywhere from 10 to 25 pounds. I was immediately intrigued. I started researching...and realized those things are EXPENSIVE.
I mentioned wanting one, so my husband bought one for me for Christmas. It weighs 20-pounds...and I couldn't wait to use it! I have tried it out for naps and for overnight sleeping and here are some thoughts I wanted to share.
It felt a lot HEAVIER than I expected. They recommend getting a blanket that's 10% of your weight. 20-pounds is too heavy for me...but I'm keeping it because I want it to be an option for my husband too. I'm also used to it now.
The first time I used it was for a quick nap on the couch (see above). My husband was watching TV and Donato was running around playing with his monster trucks just a few feet away and I was STILL able to fall asleep. I was amazed at how QUICKLY I passed out. It feels like a big hug. Kind of like a SWADDLE for adults...LOL. I wasn't too hot (and that's saying a lot since I'm menopausal after having a hysterectomy). I also noticed that I slept DEEPLY...so when I woke up after 30-minutes, I felt completely REFRESHED.
I decided to use it overnight a few days later. I initially used it on TOP of my comforter, but that felt too warm, so I just used the weighted blanket instead. I immediately felt STUCK. Why? Because I tend to move around a lot when I first get into bed until I find my "sweet spot." That's very TOUGH to do with the weighted blanket. It felt like I was bench pressing every time I turned from one side to the other (I'm a side-sleeper). When I got up to use the bathroom in the middle of the night, I noticed my neck and shoulders felt a little sore. Yup...it was because of the "workout" I got from the blanket. Overall, I wasn't as happy with using it all night.
It's been two weeks since I started napping with my weighted blanket and I LOVE it. My mind is able to shut "off" a lot faster when I use it. I sleep DEEPER. I have very VIVID dreams. I feel RESTED when I wake. I love how "secure" I feel with it on me. And yes, it has helped with my anxiety...especially after a stressful day at work.
In case you're wondering which blanket my husband bought...here's the LINK.