like myself, for those with anxiety, obsessing about heartbeat as we try to fall asleep.

[razor62]

I am putting in my earplugs from my iPod and tuning into one of my favorite heartbeat sounds video from YouTube. There are many to choose from. I will be doing gentle yoga belly breathing as I listen to this and consciously releasing the muscles in my body. I start with my feet and slowly work my way up to my head. YouTube also has delta brainwave music videos to assist in REM sleep. The videos I use are 8 hours long.

[Hidden]

8 hours long, how long do you actually do it for?

[razor62 in reply to Hidden]

I usually asleep within 1-2 hours. If I feel the cortisol hitting my muscles I tense and relax, starting at the feet and moving up. When my mind starts to race off into parts that cause anxiety, I guide my thoughts back to my camping trip with my brother this past summer or another lovely memory of an outdoor pleasure. It sounds like a lot, youtube video, the breathing, the relaxation of muscles, the memories of a relaxing nature trip, but it's all developed into a gentle rhythm.I've come to look forward to the practice of it. A health crisis made me realize I had to find an alternative to living with the release of stress hormones and so far so good, off of all but one medication, which I'm weaning off of with the help of a medical professional. I'm 62, and have relied on the pharmaceutical route for years. At my age they not only stopped working but I became very aware of the toll they were taking on my health. I am now looking at natural alternatives and a year iamnto this "experiment" am very grateful for the positive and life changing results. The depression is gone and anxiety and I are finding a different way to deal with life. I was just getting too old to live with this "crap".

[Hidden in reply to razor62]

Brilliant that you have discovered this way to help yourself, I too think of good times and it does help a lot. It's great that you have shared this now it us another weapon to use in our favour.

Thank-you ☺

[razor62]

Thank you and you are very welcome. G

Good luck with the "trip"

[Somedaysuddenly]

I also listen to binaural beats! Great stuff!