Monday’s Mental Minute
It’s the quicker picker-upper that doesn’t come in a bottle or blister pack.
A 100% natural way to think clearer, reduce stress, learn faster, boost creativity, become more patient, solve problems, look younger and improve your health in too many areas to count–and there’s no crazy side-effects.
So what’s this drug-free wonder drug? A nap.
Far from being a waste of time, scores of studies show that a “power nap” can recharge your body and mind . As a result, you work faster, make fewer mistakes, gain insight into challenging problems, spark innovative ideas, and much more.
In addition, the Pew Research Center recently found that 33% of people surveyed who earned more than $100,000 a year had taken a nap in the past 24 hours.
I’ve been a big fan of naps since even before I knew I had narcolepsy–for boosting energy as well as mind-clearing and stress reduction.
In fact, naps offer many of the same benefits as meditation, without the meditating (which has never been my strong suit!).
Who Should Take This? Everyone.
There’s a reason most people get drowsy in the afternoon, about 8 hours after waking, even if they get enough sleep at night and don’t eat a heavy meal for lunch.
Research shows our brain isn’t designed to go all day without rest–although even then, it’s still churning away behind the scenes consolidating new information, clearing out the old and sifting through our mental files for solutions.
What’s the Suggested Dosage? One nap a day, every day.
While science overwhelmingly proves the benefits of napping, it’s divided about the details of when.
Nap time recommendations range from 5 minutes to 1 hour–with some pointing to morning and others to afternoon as the best time for a few minutes of shut eye.
In her book Take a Nap, Change Your Life, nap expert Dr. Sara Mednick explains the benefits of different nap lengths and even gives you a Nap Wheel to determine the perfect time for your nap.
I think this is the first time ever I’m recommending a book I haven’t read (my sleep-wake cycle has a mind of its own), but she’s done some impressive research and the book has received a plethora of good reviews.
Of course, you can also experiment and see what works best for you.
A Few Tips…
- You don’t have to find a dark place–look at all the people who fall asleep on the beach–but you do need to find a quiet one where you won’t be disturbed. Or, there’s a free white noise application for smart phones and mp3 players you can use.
- Use a timer or set an alarm on your cell phone if you’re worried about oversleeping.
- In my opinion, it’s best not to crawl back into bed (too tempting to stay there!), but to instead lay down with a throw blanket on your bed, sofa or other comfortable place if you’re at home.
No day is so bad it can’t be fixed with a nap. – Carrie P. Snow
