There’s something truly wonderful about taking a nap.  If you go to sleep at night you want commitment.  You want six to eight hours of uninterrupted rest, and you count on getting that rest to get you through the day.  On the other hand, a nap is more like a fling.  There’s no commitment implied or needed and if you manage it right it’s bound to brighten your mood.

The Chore Of Sleeping

Now, don’t get me wrong: I’m not suggesting anything about relationships, here. All I’m saying is a good nap can be lovely and come without some of the implied chores or stresses that result when you settle in for the night.  For example, “going to sleep” typically involves lying on a mattress and ruffling pillows, sheets and bed covers.  There are also the all those associated tasks that like brushing teeth, taking off contacts, brushing hair, applying moisturizing creams, turning out lights and locking doors.  Oh, and don’t forget to set the alarm or to write notes about all those errands or projects you’re worried you’ll forget by morning.  Heck, going to sleep is a lot work!

How many tasks do you do right before going to bed?

So Simple

A nap is so much easier.  You can nap with or without notice, or on a whim.  You can do it anywhere.  You can do it in bed and burrow under sheets and blankets or curl up on the couch with an old afghan.  You can nap in an overstuffed chair while watching TV.  You can nap in the car or on a plane.  You can nap on the floor or on a park bench.  You can be inside or out—there’s nothing like catching a few winks on a hot summer day as you sway gently on a hammock.  And the best part about napping is there is never any need to worry about teeth, eyes, skin or hair, since you plan to be back in business in just a few winks.

Power Me Up

The funny part is I often feel better after taking a short 20 to 30 minute nap than I do after sleeping all night—there’s real power to be gained in that power nap.

Once Upon A Time

I remember kindergarten.  My teacher would say tell us it was time for a nap and we’d all roll out little mats and lay on the floor.  At least half the time I wouldn’t sleep. I’d just pretend and be thinking napping was stupid.  I wanted to play.  I wanted to run.  I wanted to do anything, but sleep.

What We Want And What We Get

Boy, do things change as we grow older.  I can’t tell you how many afternoons I’ve sat in front of my computer screen at work, wondering if anyone would really think less of me if I slid from my chair, crawled under my desk and took a 20 minute snooze.  I suspect napping would make me much more productive for I wouldn’t have to waste all that time craving sleep.

Ignoring The Signs

The body knows when the brain is tired or stressed, so why do we fail to heed the warnings?  And why, when we know how great a nap can feel, do we tend to look down on those fellow co-workers we find asleep on the job?  Is it only because we wish we were sleeping ourselves?

Feeling Nappy

Napping is food for the soul.  It’s the garden oasis in the desert of the day. A nap is short, sweet and to the point.  It comes without obligation and delivers a dose of luxurious rest to refresh both mind and body.  Have you had your nap today?  Close your eyes…it’s only a wink and a nod away.

By Bob Anderson
© 2011 Javabird LLC.  All rights reserved.

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If you liked this post, you may also like to read:

Help I Can’t Get To Sleep
The 12 Ways I Manage Stress
109 Ideas For Tuning Up The Soul
Finding Balance In Nature
A Walk On The Beach

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