Napping. It’s for lazy, undisciplined people who waste time, right? NO!! Science is proving napping is one of the best things we can do for our mind and our body!
I recently had a great discussion with a group of young professionals – I call them “The Green Street Group.” Most of them had taken a nap the day we spoke. I was so proud! These young people realize the value of napping, and proper napping, at that.
Proper napping is rejuvenating, healing and energy-promoting! Like rebooting a computer, napping allows us to reset our mind, which is often all that’s needed when we are working on a problem, looking for a solution, or just exhausted.
The key word above is “proper” napping, and my Green Street Group agreed! Napping isn’t sleeping for an hour or two. Napping is finding a quiet, comfortable place, and sleeping (or resting if you can’t fall asleep), for a maximum of 30 minutes. Any longer than this is not a nap, it’s sleeping, and that’s for nighttime. Sleeping too long in the day will interrupt your replenishing night sleep.
I like to nap on a part of my couch that gets the afternoon sun. I set my alarm for 30 minutes, put soft, soothing music on, and boom! I’m out. The alarm forces me to wake up. I might linger for a few more minutes, but then I am up and moving and feeling as if I can tackle just about anything!
As our work day continues to change, consider adding a break into each day and taking a nap. Whether you are working at home or in an office, you could find it difficult to find a quiet place to rest. If you are at home, can you encourage everyone to take a stress break? If you are still in an office, find an office not being used, or even head out to your car to rest!
You’ll find napping is a great tool to use to make sure you are focused, energized, and a little less stressed, too!
To Your Vitality!
