I Can’t Sleep - New Daytime Podcast: I Can’t Relax

Episode Date: September 5, 2024

In this BONUS episode of the I Can’t Sleep Podcast, I’m excited to introduce my new daytime podcast, I Can’t Relax, designed to help you during stressful moments. In this first episode, I guide you through a calming--very demure, very mindful--exercise focused on a peaceful gravel path, encouraging you to stay present and centered. Follow I Can’t Relax on your favorite podcast platform for more ways to find peace, relaxation, and a better night’s sleep. I Can’t Relax Podcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1mVutgRcYF36xYiORPmZc7?si=384d74b18ede40ff Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/i-cant-relax/id1766525442 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You're listening to a Glassbox media podcast. What if I told you that most of the modern day self-help advice you've been hearing could actually make you worse? The key to a better life isn't about feel-good gimmicks that sound catchy. The Mentally Stronger Podcast gives you access to a licensed therapist who shares science-backed tools that will actually change your life. Hi, I'm Amy Morin, psychotherapist, mental strength trainer, and international best-selling author. In each episode, we cover research-back strategies, like how to stop relying on willpower and start creating habits for lasting change. And the five mental strength-building exercises you can do from your couch.

I also speak to world-class experts like Dr. Nicole Kane, who shares how to permanently heal anxiety by addressing the root cause. With over 200 episodes in our catalog, this podcast is for you if you're ready to crush self-doubt, conquer challenges, and become stronger than ever with therapist-approved strategies that can change your life. Listen to Mentally Stronger with therapist Amy Morin, wherever you get your podcasts. Welcome to the I Can't Relax podcast. This is a bonus episode for I Can't Sleep podcast listeners. I've launched another podcast where I describe visual scenes from around the real or fictional world to calm your mind in stressful situations.

I'm your host Benjamin Boster and today's episode is titled Gravel Path. Now, don't panic. No changes are coming to the I Can't Sleep podcast. I'm just taking the opportunity to provide a spin-off podcast for those looking for shorter daytime content to help them relax and stressful situations. If you want to hear more episodes like this in addition to your nighttime routine, head over to your favorite podcasting platform and search for the I Can't Relax podcast. Remember to follow the show to get the latest episodes when they arrive and share with others who could benefit from either platform. Now before we begin, let's hear a word from some sponsors and then we'll get right into today's episode. As we get started,

take a moment to find a distraction-free space where you can get comfortable. This can be sitting or lying down. And if you would like, allow your eyes to gently close. Let's begin. Begin by taking a deep breath in and then slowly exhale. Feel the tension in your body start to melt away. With each breath, you're more present, more connected, to this moment. Now imagine yourself standing at the beginning of a gravel path.

The sun is gently shining, casting a warm and comforting glow on your surroundings. The sky above is a soft blue with a few fluffy clouds lazily drifting by. Take a moment to soak in your new surroundings. As you take your first step on the gravel path, feels the crunch of the stones beneath your feet. Sound is rhythmic and soothing as you casually walk, grounding you with each step. Notice how the gravel shifts slightly, accommodating your weight, creating a symphony of tiny, pleasant sounds. As you walk, your feet sink into the soft gravel ever so slightly and you can feel the mix of the coolness beneath and the warmth on top of the small pebbles.

Look around and observe the nature surrounding the path. To your left there's a meadow with tall grass swaying gently in the breeze. To your ride there's a small grove of trees. The leaves rustle gently in the wind, creating a calming, natural music. As you continue to walk, you notice the path winding slightly, leading you deeper into this tranquil setting. The air is fresh and filled with the subtle scent of wildflowers. Each breath you take is filled with the essence of nature, cleansing and invigorating. Feel the warmth of the sun on your skin. It's gentle gentle, not too hot. Just right. The warmth seeps into your muscles, relaxing them, easing away any lingering tension. You feel light. Almost as if you're floating. Ahead, you see a small wooden bench

by the side of the path. Walk towards it and take a seat. Feel the texture of the wood beneath your hands. Sit for a moment, taking in the beauty of your surroundings. Listen to the subtle symphony of nature, the crunch of the gravel, the rustling of the leaves, the singing of the birds. Let these sounds wash over you, bringing you deeper into a state of relaxation. As you sit, your attention to your breathing once more. Inhale deeply, filling your lungs with the fresh, crisp air. Then exhale slowly, letting go of any remaining stress. With each breath, feel yourself becoming more present, more at peace. Now rise from the bench and continue your journey down the path. again feel the gravel under your feet, grounding you with each step.

You are calm, centered, and at ease. The path gradually leads you to a small, clear stream. The water is crystal clear, gently flowing over smooth stones, creating a soft, soothing murmur. Kneel down and dip your fingers into the water. Feel its coolness, its purity. This is nature's gift to you. A moment of pure, unspoiled tranquility.

Now stand up and take one last look at the stream before continuing on the path. Know that this peaceful place is always here for you. A sanctuary you can return to whenever you need it. As you walk back to where you started, Take with you the calm and serenity you found in this journey. Let it fill your mind, your body, your spirit. Know that you can carry this peace with you wherever you go. Slowly bring your awareness back to the present moment.

Look at your fingers and toes. Stretch gently if you need to. When you're ready, open your eyes. Thank you for joining me on this mindful walk down the gravel path. Remember, you can always use exercises like these to train yourself to find peace and calm and stressful moments. Until next time.