ABC6: Curing Insomnia During the COVID-19 Pandemic

As the COVID-19 pandemic rages on, it can be hard not to lose sleep over all the new stress we're experiencing. Finding a way to battle restless minds and anxious thoughts with some simple meditative exercises can be key to getting rest. 

"You can do some progressive ‘tense and release’ if you’d like, because that can really localize the tension and then intentionally let it go," Jessica Englehart, a licensed clinical counselor with OhioHealth's mindfulness team, told ABC6 reporter Ciara Lucas. "It's about giving the mind some busy work so that the body can fall asleep."

Englehart recommends setting aside a designated time and space in your home to engage in mindfulness activities. No matter what your routine looks like, it's important to start small.

"The benefits can be felt immediately," Englehart said. "You don’t need any special equipment to do this. You just need your breath, which is always with you. And simply the intention of staying with present moment experiences."

To watch the ABC6 story, click on their logo below.