Every night around 10:30, my body decides it’s bedtime. Doesn’t matter what I’m doing—TikTok, texting, or finishing homework—my eyelids get heavy and I think, “Finally, sleep.”
But my brain? Oh no. My brain thinks it’s time for a pep rally. Suddenly my thoughts start racing:
“Did you study enough for that math test?”
“Why did you say THAT in the group chat?”
“Don’t forget your project, your chores, your future, your entire life!”
It’s exhausting.
Recently I learned a trick from Dr. Daniel Amen, a brain health expert: name your brain. Yep. Give it a name, like it’s an annoying classmate who won’t stop talking. Then, when the thoughts won’t quit, you can literally tell it to be quiet.
His other tip? Write it down. Dump the thoughts in a journal, then ask, “Is this even helpful?” If not—crumple it and toss it.
So, I tried it. I kept a notebook and pen on my nightstand, grabbed a flashlight, and officially named my brain Walter. (Don’t ask me why. It just popped into my head. Plus, ignoring Walter already sounds easier than ignoring calculus.)
That night I’m all cozy in bed when Walter kicks off:
“You didn’t finish enough homework.”
“Your friends probably think you’re weird.”
I answer, “Walter, chill. Everything’s fine. Goodnight.” He pauses… then adds: “But what about next week’s test? And practice? And your entire schedule?”
So I write it all down in my notebook. And you know what? Once it’s on paper, it doesn’t feel so overwhelming. Nothing’s actually falling apart. I close the book, put Walter on mute, and finally sleep.
Now, I’m not saying naming your brain magically fixes everything. Walter still shows up uninvited, usually right when I’m most tired. But instead of lying there stressing, I can write out the noise, tell Walter to zip it, and actually rest.
That notebook has turned into a collection of worries, to-do lists, and random 2 a.m. “brilliant ideas.” It helps me see things clearly—and laugh at how dramatic Walter can be.
So if school stress is keeping you up at night, maybe it’s time to give your brain a name. Because honestly? It’s way more satisfying to say “Shut up, Walter” than to spend another night wide awake.
