Reykjavík Grapevine - 08.10.2010, Síða 39

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The Reykjavík Grapevine
Issue 16 — 2010
your Emotions | Ask The Doctor
Lately I have been very in-
terested in the whole busi-
ness of yoga and meditation.
There is something fascinat-
ing about the calm and peaceful at-
titudes of those who practice these
ancient techniques. When we think of
meditation the first thing that comes to
mind is a person sitting quietly with legs
crossed and concentrating on his or her
breath. However, meditation may also be
achieved laying down, walking, standing
or practicing everyday activities.
The word meditation is derived from
the Latin words “meditari” which means
to think or to dwell upon and “mederi”
which means to heal. It also means
awareness, and whatever you do with
awareness, is meditation. For example
watching your breath, practicing relax-
ation or yoga and observing the nature
around you is meditation. Provided that
these activities are free from any other
distraction to the mind, it is effective
meditation.
To me, meditation also means peace
of mind to contemplate life without
judgment. In this fast and competitive
world we often forget to observe the
world around us with awe and admira-
tion instead of with criticism. Noticing
little things like the way the rain touch-
es our skin, the smell of freshly baked
bread and the landscape around us can
help us connect to the more human part
of us and feel more at peace. Medita-
tion is not reserved for the Himalayan
monks, it is something that all of us can
practice. So let’s “om” together while we
read your dilemmas and my answers to
them!
I have a very difficult time falling
as sleep at night and when I finally
manage to fall asleep I usually wake
up before the alarm rings. Need-
less to say, I am usually very tired
at work. I have tried medication but
I usually wake up after a few hours
and can’t fall as sleep again. Is there
a cure for my situation?
The sleeping difficulty you describe, also
called insomnia, is characterized by per-
sistent difficulty falling asleep when you
first go to bed at night, difficulty stay-
ing asleep, waking up frequently during
the night, and/or waking up too early
in the morning. Insomnia is also one of
the most common sleeping disorders
affecting around 30% of all adults. Un-
fortunately, the lack of restful sleep can
be quite debilitating and people affected
by this condition can have diminished
energy to carry on throughout the day,
might have difficulty concentrating and
might even feel emotionally drained.
However, much research has shown
that the amount of sleep we need at
night varies between people, with adults
needing from 4 hours of sleep at night to
10 hours or more.
There are several things you can do
that might help you with your situation
and here are my suggestions: when you
lay in bed at night try not to worry about
not being able to sleep and remember
that we don’t all need the same amount
of hours of sleep, make sure the envi-
ronment in your bedroom is optimal
(check for example for noise, bright-
ness, mattress comfort, and bedroom
heat), diminish caffeine intake specially
four hours before you go to bed, try not
to smoke before you go to bed, exercise
regularly, use your bed only for sleeping
(for example: don’t read, watch televi-
sion, eat or speak on the phone while
laying in bed) and if you have not fallen
asleep within thirty minutes leave your
bedroom and do something relaxing
until you feel tired again. These are just
a few tips but there are loads of books
about the subject and information on
the Internet. Good luck and keep in mind
that you will eventually fall asleep!
I moved to Iceland a few years ago
and pretty much since I moved I
have been feeling miserably. I don’t
speak to anyone about this (my
partner does not know about it) and
I even feel ashamed about writing to
you about it!! I don’t know, I some-
times feel as if I am going crazy and
that scares me. HELP!
First of all, I want to ask you to give your-
self a clap on the back for opening up
to us. There are many people out feel-
ing just like you so let me start by saying
that you are not alone. Learning a new
language, leaving your family and mates
behind, meeting new people, finding a
new job, redefining yourself in a new
land and learning new social norms
and rules are all challenges you have to
face when you move to a new country.
The whole process of adaptation can
be quite traumatic for some people and
can cause what we call “culture shock,”
stress, anxiety and even depression. Let
me reassure you that you are not “go-
ing crazy,” research on migration has
shown that people around the world
experience the same feelings that you
have described so there is no need to
feel embarrassed about what you are
going through. This is not the right time
for you to be alone with your feelings so
I suggest you get yourself some support.
Communicating your feelings to your
partner and friends might seem difficult
but try to keep in mind that the people
who care about you won’t be judgmental
and can help you get through this dif-
ficult time. Talking to other foreigners in
Iceland can also be helpful but if feelings
persist I suggest you seek professional
help. Don’t despair and remember that
with the adequate support this too shall
pass.
Yoga, Insomnia And Going Crazy
Psychologist Paola Cardenas answers your dilemmas
PAOLA CARdENAS
Tannvernd barna