A lot of negative things had piled up, all pretty minor thank God, but I was feeling kind of down. I was moping around grumbling to myself and not really enjoying it. So I sat down and made a list of all the negative things. That actually helped a lot; I felt better.
Then I listed all the positive things going on. Then I felt a whole lot better, and was able to go on with life in a decent mood.
Writing things down, making a list, gives me some sense of mastery. It also gives some distance from the things, gets them out of my head and onto paper, and helps me see them in more realistic perspective.
If you are trying to sleep but can’t turn off your mind, the worries keep hounding you, try writing them down. Then set the list aside and leave the worries there, you can look at them tomorrow.