Many of us find ourselves longing for those childhood days when we had no worries and could nap whenever we needed to take a break. Alas, those days are far behind us now, and our workplaces use our productivity to measure our worth. But even though it may seem counterintuitive, naps are a great way to improve your productivity. Here are three reasons why you should treat yourself to more naps:
For starters, naps increases the amount of rest you get.
Many of us struggle to complete work because we simply don’t get enough sleep. Naps are the best way to improve your energy levels because they give your brain and body more rest, whether that’s in your own bed on your lunch break or behind your desk whenever you can manage.
If you’re extremely tired, you might find that a “caffeine nap” – the practice of drinking a cup of coffee and napping for 30 minutes afterwards – will help you more than a nap or a caffeinated beverage alone. However, if you have energy to spare, remember that napping without caffeine is better for you in the long-term. Caffeine can be addictive and cause withdrawals when you try to wean yourself off of it.
Also, naps refresh your brain.
When you have a headache or struggle to focus on a task, naps can help you concentrate, stabilize your mood, and heal your mind. A happier you is a healthier you, so take naps, especially if you struggle with mental illness. Everyone else will appreciate your improved mood, too!
If you increase your nap frequency and still find yourself mentally dragging during the day, ask a professional if you need to adjust your treatment plan
And finally, napping reduces your urge to snack.
When we’re tired, we’re much more likely to crave foods that are high in carbohydrates, saturated fats, and sugar. These foods typically decrease your energy shortly after you eat them.
Snacking before you nap can also decrease high-quality sleep. Increases your risk of wakefulness, indigestion, and bladder and bowel urges during the night. If you can, try to eat immediately after you wake up, and avoid snacking 3 to 4 hours before you go to sleep. With this knowledge in mind, your naps will restore you more quickly.
If you miss your childhood naps, now’s the perfect time to relive the good ol’ days with some naps throughout the day. Napping benefits your brain and body in so many unexpected ways, so cozy up and catch some Zzzz’s!
Photo by Kinga Cichewicz on Unsplash
