Do you sometimes get a bit sleepy at your desk or job in the early or mid-afternoon? Find yourself reaching for that coffee or energy drink after lunch to help you make it through the day? Do you struggle with a lack of energy and concentration some afternoons?
This article provides an overview of napping, the healing benefits from napping, famous nappers in our history, and strategies for napping successfully.
Naps are a controversial subject, depending on who you're talking with... but my focus here is on health -- and occasional afternoon naps (especially as you start to feel groggy from your lunch) can do wonders for you. Studies show that taking a short power nap (10-20 minutes) in the mid-afternoon may be good for your brain.
Seems like years ago the term Power Nap was a thing, and guess what? It still should be! A short afternoon nap can restore and refresh you when experiencing a natural decline in energy and wakefulness.
Yes, there is a stigma about napping that goes all the way to childhood when many of us hated to be put down for an afternoon nap. And the always-on American work culture typically frowns on naps as well, but naps offer so many benefits for self-improvement and performance.
Finally, as with much in our lives, we must remember the importance of self-care and giving ourselves permission for healing and getting refreshed -- and an afternoon nap may be the self-care you need. Just remember to give yourself that permission and go into the nap looking forward to some peace, calm, and rest before you have to jump back into the rest of your work day.
Still, the napping strategy remains the same:
Naps can be a great tool, but should not be something you do daily. If you are having trouble sleeping at night, then that should be your first avenue of research -- so you can attempt to fix whatever is causing your poor sleep.
If you are against napping or are afraid you will become dependent on napping, another alternative for a brain and wakefulness boost is to take a short walk outside -- ideally in a local park. The combination of sun, walking, and nature should be enough to revitalize you for the rest of the day.
Dr. Randall S. Hansen is an educator, author, and advocate, as well as founder and CEO of
EmpoweringSites.com,
a network of empowering and transformative Websites, including EmpoweringAdvice.com.
Dr. Hansen's latest book, Triumph Over Trauma, is available in paperback and ebook versions.
Dr. Hansen has been helping empower people to achieving success his entire adult life.
He is also founder of EnhanceMyVocabulary.com,
MyCollegeSuccessStory.com, and
EmpoweringRetreat.com.
He is a published author, with several books, chapters in books, and hundreds
of articles. Dr. Hansen is also an educator, teaching business
and marketing at the college level for more than 25 years. Learn more by visiting his personal Website,
RandallSHansen.com. You can also check out
Dr. Randall Hansen on LinkedIn.
