Why Taking Regular Naps Could Help You Be More Productive
Unless you’re a newborn or an older adult, chances are you won’t be able to sleep for extended periods. It is during these in-between times that napping becomes a helpful tool. Why take a nap? Naps will help you feel more alert and productive throughout the day. This can be done almost anywhere – at home, office, car, etc. It is not reserved for only certain people with unique circumstances; anyone can nap!
The benefits of napping
There are many benefits to taking a nap, including better mood, increased productivity, and improved health. Some of these include:
– Improved mood – Whether you’re feeling stressed, anxious, or depressed, taking a nap can help improve your mood. This is because napping increases serotonin levels, a chemical in your brain that plays a role in mood regulation.
– Better sleep at night – Even if you don’t have time to sleep a full 8 hours, a short nap in the afternoon can have the same benefits as sleeping longer at night.
– Improved creativity – Taking a nap can help improve your creativity. This is because napping gives your brain time to process information, which can lead to new ideas and connections.
– Increased productivity – Whether you’re an employee or a student, napping can help you get more done. This is because napping can help improve your focus and attention span, which are essential for getting work done.
– Improved health – Napping can be beneficial for your health. It has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, reduce blood pressure, and improve your metabolism.
How to nap well
If you want to take a nap, but don’t know how to, here are some tips and tricks to make it happen:
– Make your bed an inviting place by removing any clutter and putting on some relaxing music.
– Find a quiet, dark place to nap. Make sure that the site you rest in is dark and quiet. Many people like to nap in a closet or a dark room.
– Nap in increments. If you’re still new to the napping game, start by napping for about 10 minutes. You can increase the time as you get better at napping.
– Relax your muscles. Relaxing your muscles as you nap can help make the process even easier.
– Keep a nap journal. If you napped one day and felt great afterward, write it down. This can help you connect the dots when you feel stressed and need to nap again.
When is the best time to take a nap?
The best time to nap depends on your needs and when you feel the most tired. There are a couple of ways to tell if you’re ready for a nap – you can try tracking your sleep patterns and see when you get the most sleep, or you can use a nap log. A nap log is a journal where you write down how you feel throughout the day and what you did (and what you ate).
What you should NOT do when taking a nap
You may think that taking a nap is like taking a break, but there are a few things you shouldn’t do while taking a nap.
– Don’t nap for too long. While a short nap can help you feel refreshed and alert, resting for too long can cause you to feel dizzy and sleepier than before.
– Don’t nap too close to bedtime. If you take a nap too close to sleep, you may not be able to fall asleep at the right time.
– Don’t nap with a full stomach. While a light snack can help you stay awake, a whole meal can tire you.
A nap can help you feel more alert and productive throughout the day. It also has several health benefits, including improving your mood and metabolism.
This article is written by a therapist from Sensera – a self-help app that provides daily CBT audio sessions and exercises. The app helps people deal with various mental issues (anxiety, low self-esteem, relationship problems). Download Sensera now to become happier!
