Yes you read that right, Nap time is beneficial for kids as well as adults. Its just that for some reason, the older we get the less acceptable it is to tell your boss, "Sorry I cant finish this project until after i have had my nap". Crazy, right? Mexico is the country that gets it, sleeping helps employees to stay on the ball and get more accomplished. Heres some ways that fitting naps in can increase energy and reduce stress and depression.
Benefits Of Napping
It goes without saying that the biggest benefit of napping is the rest we all need so very badly. Fighting off fatigue that seems to strike us mid day is something a nap is sure to beat every time. There are also many other (maybe not as well known) benefits of napping as well.
Studies show that people who nap, are sharper, more energized, motivated and all around more efficient in every day life and the work place. Our bodies need rest to be able to work properly, and getting in time to rest our brains can do wonders in our lives.
Too Busy To Nap
So you work a 9-5 and don't have time to nap? There are many ways to reap the benefits of a power nap without actually taking one. Taking a few minutes out of the day to give your mind and body a break will reboot your energy levels, and boost brain power as well.
During your designated break or lunch time, take 10-15 minutes to do this simple excercise. Scoot forward in your chair so your bottom is at the edge. Place your arms out in front of your chest and rest them on the table. Arch your back so that your spine is being stretched and elevated. Breathe in and out in deep breaths, and relax your mind.
Studies show that the most beneficial exercise when it comes to promoting relaxation is when the spine is arched. All those Yoga poses you do? The reason most are so relaxing is because the spine is being stretched which releases all sorts of relaxing feelings, and is a great tool when it comes to de stressing.
Hard Time Sleeping? Meditation Is Right For You.
I know what your thinking, Meditation? I really don't feel like sitting cross legged in a room full of candles saying "OM". To that I say, neither do I nor would i ever be caught dead doing something like that. Meditation is so much more than the crap you see in movies, meditation is about quieting the mind of all thoughts, and focusing on the very present moment. Meditation can be done anywhere that is quiet, Hell, I used to meditate in my car during lunch break, and I always came back to work feeling great.
Meditation is easy, heres how to get started:
- Find somewhere quiet
- Close your eyes
- Quiet your mind of ALL thoughts
- when you feel your mind starting to wander, focus on relaxing each part of your body. Start with your toes, end at your head.
- Focus solely on the present moment, not the past nor the future. "I am relaxing right now"
- If at home, light some aromatic candles to add extra relaxation
Do's & Dont's of Napping
- DONT sleep too long- 20-30 minutes of napping is all you need to refresh the body and mind, any longer and you can end up feeling groggy.
- DO turn off the lights, when lights are dimmed, the brain releases a sleep hormone called melatonin
- DO get as comfortable as possible...the more comfy you are, the more rested and re energized you will feel
- DONT nap too late in the day, it could affect your nighttime Z's.
- DO rest the mind if at all possible. For some people, napping just isn't an option. Try making some quiet time for giving your brain a break if a mid day snooze isn't for you.
Whether you nap or rest the mind, this time in your day can re boost energy, decrease depression, and increase productivity. Nap time isn't just for kids anymore, everyone can reap the benefits of a power nap.
Give it a shot!
Sources
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/38907276/ns/business-us_business/t/businesses-waking-benefits-napping/
http://www.sleepfoundation.org/article/sleep-topics/napping
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