When the going gets tough, the tough take a nap. Tom Hodgkinson
Mothers who insist that their grumpy kids take a nap understand the magic of a well-timed rest; they know their little ones will likely wake up in a better mood. Similarly, kindergarten teachers have observed that students are rejuvenated and more focused after a nap.
However, naps aren't only good for kids; we can all benefit from brief rest breaks. Mothers who nap alongside their children awaken reenergized. Notable artists understand that a short rest can lead to monumental creative breakthroughs. Professional athletes embrace the restorative power of a nap after intense workouts and its role in enhancing their competitive edge. Spiritual leaders understand that periodic rest is vital to their spiritual and personal well-being.
But nobody masters napping like our highly adored canine friends. Not only are dogs our loyal companions, guardians, and unconditional lovers, they are our best teachers when it comes to naps. Dogs follow their instincts, making them experts at listening to their bodies. They take frequent rest breaks without hesitation, especially after playtime and meals, and awaken perky and ready to run circles around their beloved owners.
On the other hand, we, the so-called higher-level thinking humans, equipped with our "smartphones," "smart homes," and "smart automobiles," are ironically the only mammals too busy to take naps. Unfortunately, the stress of our fast-paced lifestyles is affecting our sleep patterns. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about one-third of adults report not getting enough sleep regularly. This sleep loss is linked to a host of physical and mental health problems, as well as poorer work performance and an increased risk of accidents, both on the job and on the road. Perhaps it's time we recognize the undeniable advantages of taking a well-deserved nap during the day.
Although naps can't fully replace lost sleep, they align with the body's circadian rhythm or internal clock, which follows a 24-hour cycle. The cycle has two peak periods for sleepiness: The greatest peak is during the night, and the second one falls in the early afternoon, making it the ideal time for a brief snooze that recharges you and boosts your overall well-being.
Thanks to the power of Gratitude, I deeply appreciate the simple pleasure of a nap. During the years I worked a traditional 9-to-5 job, my lunch breaks often included a power nap. I would retreat to my car, enjoy my lunch, put on soothing music, and drift off to sleep for a few minutes. That afternoon nap was a game changer - I returned to the office refueled and ready to tackle tasks with more clarity.
So the next time you find yourself in a funk, overwhelmed by stress, needing to think more clearly, satisfy a creative urge, or just want a break from the hustle and bustle of a fast-paced lifestyle, do what our smart friends do; TAKE A NAP!
Here are a few tips I hope will help:
· Nap for 15-20 minutes, napping for longer than 30 minutes can cause grogginess.
· Choose a comfortable, quiet spot.
· If you have trouble falling asleep: Close your eyes and mentally count your blessings – it works like a charm; Deep breathe; Picture yourself in a peaceful setting; Put on relaxing music
You've heard the saying, "eat like a dog" or "work like a dog." Well, my goal is to "nap like a dog." If I can master this one, it could be my best Self-Care practice yet. My spirit tells me I might need it in the days ahead. What's your best Self-Care practice? I'd love to hear about it..
Need help starting your Self-Care practice? I’m here with workshops or one-on-one coaching. Contact me at smallchange@myrtlerussell.com. Catch up on my Self-Care tips at www.myrtlerussell.com/blog.
コメント