I’m going to share with you one of the most powerful tools in my arsenal for success and authenticity—equal parts secret pleasure, secret weapon.
You’ll never guess… It’s a nap.
Yep. It’s a time-honored tradition in my family. I remember as a child having naptime strictly enforced because, in fact, my mother needed a nap. Wise woman!
My grandfather on my father’s side, a remarkable, successful, charismatic professor and Dean at the University of Wyoming, always came home for lunch, and always followed lunch with a nap.
Secret pleasure, secret weapon.
It’s rare for those who nap to recognize their own cleverness and wisdom in embracing this powerful tool. They think it’s a weakness, this needing or wanting a nap. It’s not.
Napping is like hitting a big red “reset button.” In 15 minutes of napping, energy can be recharged, focus restored, mood improved.
For those of you who want more validation to embrace this secret pleasure, secret weapon, here it is in the Mayo Clinic’s words:
What are the benefits of napping?
Napping offers various benefits for healthy adults, including:
- Relaxation
- Reduced fatigue
- Increased alertness
- Improved mood
Improved performance, including quicker reaction time and better memory
What’s the best way to take a nap?
To get the most out of a nap, follow these tips:
- Keep naps short. Aim to nap for only 10 to 30 minutes. The longer you nap, the more likely you are to feel groggy afterward.
- Take naps in the afternoon. The best time for a nap is usually midafternoon, around 2 or 3 p.m. This is the time of day when you might experience post-lunch sleepiness or a lower level of alertness. In addition, naps taken during this time are less likely to interfere with nighttime sleep. Keep in mind, however, that individual factors — such as your need for sleep and your sleeping schedule — also can play a role in determining the best time of day to nap.
- Create a restful environment. Nap in a quiet, dark place with a comfortable room temperature and few distractions.
After napping, be sure to give yourself time to wake up before resuming activities — particularly those that require a quick or sharp response.
Coach’s Challenge: Try it out this week, at least once—my secret pleasure, secret weapon—and leave me a comment about it!
