Alex
Thanks again.
I agree with your comments re breaking the routine. I have just returned from a short vacation in the United States (Los Angeles) and I felt that I had all the time in the world over there. I didn't need to "rush" around or rush home to cook dinner or whatever and the feeling of just taking a leisurely evening walk back to my hotel absorbed in what was around me was fantastic. But I guess that is the nature of vacations; being removed from your normal routine and daily activities/ responsibilities provides you with more time to do what you want. I think I once read somewhere that breaking the pattern almost gives one the illusion of having more time and can help avoid that feeling of "where has the year gone?" but it is so easy to get into that routine, must get home, must have something to eat, must read some of that book because I am really enjoying it etc, etc.
I have done progressive relaxation as you described and found it very effective but never during a h/s session. I guess I felt that I did not want to detract from the h/s itself.
One further question. When you talk about trying h/s prior to going to bed are you suggesting almost immediately prior to bedtime. I tend to use h/s around about 7pm which is approximately three hours prior to my normal bedtime.
Regards
Stephen
