I find that smoking helps me to relax. If I were you I wouldn't give it up because you can increase your imagination and creativity while high. Especially while dreaming. You might have to change your strains maybe try some sativas and no indica. I find that when I get that mental soaring high I can let my body go and keep my mind in the dream state. Try to smoke not to the point that your baked but that you feel a good hit. Then lie down in bed and breathe really slowly. Think of letting your body go and keeping your mind active. Think of things like space or a stair way through nothing, count your breaths or just relax and focus on letting your body sleep but moving your mind from reality to your unconscious dream state. It's best to try this method when your really tired. This helps me to see things and imagine stuff that I never could with out cannabis and it helps me keep my mind active. Practice enough and it might help you out.