I'm stressed out and when I try to go to sleep I can't shut off my thoughts. What should I do?

Making up stories in your mind can help. Just imagine who and where you want to be. I always imagine to be a lighthouse keeper at a calm shore =)

You could try some relaxation exercises. Breathe in and out slowly. I also make up cool stories where I am the hero to avoid thinking about stressing thoughts. Hope I helped a bit!

Here are available free help guide called "Sleeping well" say interesting things, do yourself a look.

I listen to a podcast about something that I'm interested in so that my thoughts stop. This helps me be focused, thus drifting to sleep.

Get off from bed after 20 minutes if I couldn't fall asleep. Then visit 7 cups of tea to unload all of my thoughts. Or if I have no internet connection, I'll do my hobbies to distract myself.

Put on a guided meditation video on youtube and follow along. Write down what is on your brain and leave there it on the page. Talk it out with a listener on 7 Cups of Tea.

This happens to many, many people, so despite how it may feel, you're not alone. If it's due to general mind chatter, I listening to an audiobook on headphones helps me. It's better than the radio, because there are no sudden noises (like a jingle) to wake me up again! There are loads of them online, for example Librivox or Audible. Also available from my local public library, and of course from bookshops. If I can't sleep because I'm worrying, my favourite thing is Emotional Freedom Technique. I'm not trained in it, so I won't try to describe it, but there are many self help resources on the web, in books, etc. I find the videos by Brad Yates on YouTube, to be especially helpful. If the insomnia is coming from thinking about stuff I need to do or to remember, I find writing it down, in a notebook I keep by the bed (or on a phone app) works well. When I really need to connect with another person, or get something off my chest, or I'm just going round and round in my own head - chatting with a 7 Cups Listener is wonderful. I hope those help, do message me if you'd like chat about sleep or anything that's bothering you.

The best way is to distract your mind by concentrating on something else. You can do a body inventory, which is concentrating on each muscle from the toes and fingertips in and relaxing each muscle. Or you can do imagery, like concentrating on feeling like you are floating on a cloud. Or you can use a fantasy situation and concentrate on how it would work. Like I imagine I'm stranded on an island and imagine how I would build a shelter, get food, etc. Any time you feel your worries begin to intrude, go back to the image you are using. You can also try some yoga or meditation before bedtime. All these things can help. You just have to determine which one works best for you. Good luck!

Talk to someone about it, It may be hard but with enough venting you'll feel a lot better. Don't worry!

Try counting your heart beats for 60 second then rest for about another 60. Repeat. If that doesn't work try listening to quiet classical musical or pull out a book. Stay away from electronics as they wont make you fall asleep. They will be more of a distraction.