So many good ideas!

One thing that I haven't seen mentioned that I have started again is slowly rocking in a rocking chair when I am agitated in anxiety. I have found that if do about two rocking cycles per 5 seconds for at least 10 minutes, I settle down. I do 10 minutes before bedtime as habit now to wind down from the day, and help fall asleep easier. But if I rock too fast, I get amped up. The speed of rocking makes a difference for me. Keeping my mental focus on the gentle rocking also helps me put the focus on the rocking and not what is going on in my head.

If I wake up at night and can't fall asleep because my mind won't let me rest, getting up and slowly rocking for at least 10 minutes helps me calm down. I can go back to bed, lay down, and sleep peacefully for the rest of the night. For me, it is a lot better than tossing and turning that makes me feel worse.

And I have had nights where with just rocking before bedtime, I have slept deeper and better than I have in a long time.

It doesn't work all the time to completely calm me, but it helps. Sometimes anything that helps is most welcome!