My mind is giving me insomnia!

Ever since work started up again a month ago (new school, new perspective), my mind has been overflowing with so many different things that it keeps me awake at night. The melatonin supplement helps sometimes, but most nights, I just can't give myself a full night's sleep! I know this is bad. I know that we all need enough sleep to give our body time to repair itself, but sleep has been such a challenge for me lately. I've tried everything, from sleep hypnosis videos to yoga-before-bed sessions, but I just can't do it! I know my body is craving it, to sleep like a baby again.

I've been wanting to do so many things lately, and I think that's why my mind has been racing. I have a lot on my plate, but I always try and think of ways to squeeze in the things I want to include in my daily routine. 

For instance, today I decided that I wanted to do yoga on a regular basis again. Our town yoga studio is offering a great rate for teachers, which is primarily what made me decide to maybe try it out again. Going to a regular gym is too expensive for me, and yoga has always been the most consistent form of exercise I've done and I'm pretty sure I'd stick with, especially if there's an actual instructor making me accountable. I'm signing up for daily classes again starting next week. 

I also have been toying with the idea of getting nationally board certified. This is my third consecutive year of teaching elementary, which makes me eligible for it. I thought, hey, why not? It's a credential I could bring anywhere in the states, and it gives me an edge if I apply for another teaching job elsewhere (in case my husband finds a better job opportunity out of town, which is a likely possibility in the very near future).

But since I am still finishing up my third year of teaching, I also have to renew my current teaching license! I'm taking two of the required teacher competency tests next week. I've been reading up and reviewing what I can from study guides and test samples, so I'm not really that worried. What I'm worried about is my dossier, which I need to complete before June next year. I mean, I can totally do it; I finished a dossier the previous year as well, but as usual, I want it to be perfect. And this makes me nervous.

Aside from these things and my daily lesson planning, grading, and trying to keep our house in order, I can't help but keep these thoughts and plans and ideas running through my mind, especially late at night! I know I have to learn to let go sometimes and let my mind rest, but I'm not exactly sure how. I've tried reading before going to bed, but I still always end up waking up in the middle of the night and not be able to go back to sleep until it's time to wake up at 6:30. My body is starting to feel it, that's for sure. I've been getting more headaches and starting to feel more fatigued each day.

Any tips on how to clear your mind to prepare for a good night's rest? Please comment below! I need some advice!