Cognitive shuffling is a relaxation technique that involves consciously distracting your mind by imagining random, unrelated images or objects in a sequence. The goal is to prevent overthinking and quiet the mind, which can otherwise hinder sleep. By mentally jumping from one unrelated image to another—such as thinking of a cat, followed by a tree, then a book—you break the cycle of racing thoughts and allow your brain to shift into a more relaxed state. This technique helps ease the transition into sleep, reducing anxiety and promoting faster and deeper rest by keeping the mind occupied yet calm.
