Let's talk life - Overactive mind at nights

• Overactive mind at nights

Dear counsellor,

I think of sleep all through the day. I don't sleep well at nights as I lie awake thinking about the day's events. I worry and fret a lot.

- Sofia

Dear Sofia,

Fretworks never do anybody any good. Stop worrying and have faith in God. Life is a journey and you need a partner whom you can depend on and lean on. This partner can be relied on and He will carry you through the worse and best times. This partner is God and you need to exercise faith in Him.

We need to realise that we have no control over the timing of our death. We can only eat healthy, exercise, pray daily and live one day at a time. Sleep is important and you need to evaluate what is happening to you in the days and the nights. Keep a journal by your bedside and write out the day's events. What happened, how you felt and what you did. When you have emptied your mind, you will feel tired and will fall asleep. Try this and see how it works.

• How do I lose weight?

Dear counsellor:

I am having problems with my weight. I am trying to lose weight with little success. I have tried various diet programmes and I have not lost any weight.

- Marie

Dear Marie,

Weight loss is a complex issue with many variables. Have you spoken to a dietitian about your diet? If you haven't done so, then you should. Diet involves the composition of your meals and the calories for each meal. Your daily calories need to be calculated as well as the activities for the day. We have become very sedentary and we drive everywhere we go. We need to exercise daily and think positive that the weight will come off.

You need to bring your weight-loss programme to God. Let him direct your path. Imagine yourself with the weight off and be happy for your self. Many of us have difficulties with our body image. We want to lose weight but we have got used to a particular size and unconsciously we don't want to change. We have bought clothes for a certain size and after a while we accept the size and are reluctant to change.

What can you do? Changes are necessary parts of life and so we need to set small goals and grieve the loss of your old self. Recognise that your old self is going and a new self is taking its space. Give thanks for each pound lost and look forward to another pound lost. Don't starve yourself as you may feel deprived and anxious. Remember that things are changing and you need to make adjustments. You will have to adjust your clothes size and give away your old clothes. Think positive about what you are doing as your health will improve, especially your heart and lungs.

Think about your self-esteem. Do you like yourself? Are you doing things to feel good? What about self-care? You need to attend to your needs and set life goals. Work towards your goals one day at a time. Give thanks with a grateful heart and seek God's blessings each day.

Email questions and feedback for Dr Yvonnie Bailey-Davidson to yvonniebd@hotmail.com or call 978-8602.