I might as well entitle this post, 'Sleep Problems, the new version of #firstworldproblems' because in no big way is this 'problem' really that big... but it's frustrating.

Lately, I have been having trouble sleeping.  Now, I have had my fair share of sleep problems throughout the last tumultuous year but have come a long way.  So much so that my problems relating to sleep on that front, dissipated a while ago.  So what's going on with my body, or should I say mind, now?  Well, to me it feels like attack of the social media. 

Okay.  This is going to sound crazy.

I know this because it seems crazy to me.

I feel with all the social media out there, and being someone who loves to be a part of it (Twitter, Instagram, blogging... etc.), it's hard to catch a breath and shut down.  I feel like I'm constantly plugged in, and while I love it, it sometimes makes me anxious.  Anxious!  Can you believe that?!  I'm anxious over social media and it's supposed to be an enjoyable, free thing.  So weird.

At night, especially on Sundays (the night before the week begins!), I find myself replaying things over and over in my mind.  I'm trying to think if I'm caught up; is my blog post done for the next day?  Did I check Twitter?  What are my 'friends' doing on Instagram?  What do I need to do this week?  Will I have content or something to talk about on my blog?  Did I buy milk?  What is next on the check-list for MOH duties for my sister's upcoming wedding?  Is there food for lunch tomorrow to take to work?  What the hell am I going to wear?!

Now admittedly those aren't all social media anxieties, but they get compiled in with my other worries as I try to drift off into la-la-land, which makes it oh-so-frustrating.

I have tried sleep apps on my phone (waves & rain work best for me) but the anxiety rolls on.  I have taken Melatonin a couple times but I try not to do this frequently as I don't want to become dependent; and while it works, I worry about the idea of even taking some sort of pill to sleep.  Isn't that bad?  And shouldn't someone like me who doesn't really have a real 'problem', be able to fall asleep without some sort of aid?

Do any of you suffer from social-media-anxiety?  Sounds so silly.  What about sleep problems?  Real sleep problems.

Outfit deets:

* Old Navy button down that I've had for years.  The last time I wore it was with dark denim (flared this time), no cami underneath and the same belt!  Sub-concious inspiration?  Also seen with a leopard skirt and the white/grey striped version.

* Smart set cami.

* Sirens jeans which I don't think I've blogged before but do wear them frequently.

* Aldo wedges which I picked up last fall and am so glad I did because they are chic, comfy and easy to walk in.  Plus I love pairing them with jeans.

* Accessories: H&M belt & thick bangle, Old Navy bangle, Pandora bracelet & Suzy rings.

I am a bad reactor.  

If someone does something I don't like, namely someone close to me, I might react badly.

I like to be in control.  You can't always be in control.  Someone who likes to be in control but isn't can sometimes have a bad reaction.  

Whoopsies.

I have discussed negative qualities on my blog before; we all have them, it's inevitable, but it's how we handle those traits.

I had an interesting discussion with my parents last weekend about reactions.  Without going into too much detail, my Dad (who I consider one of the most laid-back people I know) offered up some advice on this topic.  Now, before I spill the words of wisdom, you must know that this is a very simple piece of advice, but very difficult to execute:

Don't react.

That's it!  That's it?  Yes, that's it.  Simple and effective, but certainly not easy.  

A counselor once told me when you are put into a situation where you emotions are getting the best of you, your brain immediately turns to 'fight or flight'.  If you take the simple step of taking a deep breath in through the nose and a big exhale through the mouth, the two options (fight or flight) will dissapate and you will be able to more calmly react.

So with those two words of advice, I have been putting this to the test since Monday, and you know what?  It kind of works.  That's not to say I didn't want to errupt at times or fly off the handle (or actually did for that matter), but it did put a thought into me that I've never had before: don't react.

Try it for yourself and see if it works!

And one from Instagram (follow me):