Bring Back the Nap! 3 Benefits of an Afternoon Snooze
By Genevieve Cunningham
Most adults would agree that there's nothing better than a good nap. On the rare occasion when we actually get a little extra shut-eye, we wake up feeling refreshed and energized. It feels so good! Unfortunately, getting a nap on a regular basis isn't likely to happen. We're supposed to put our nose to the grind and work, work, work. Who has time for a nap? But as it turns out, napping might be incredibly beneficial to our health. If you're considering adding a little rest to your afternoon routine, take a look at these reasons why it's a great idea.
It Can Improve Productivity
Trying to function when you're tired is almost impossible. We all try to do it, of course, but it's not a good idea. We're more likely to make mistakes, lose focus, and decrease the quality of our work. But if we take a short nap, we can regain our focus and improve overall productivity. And in our busy world, we definitely need to be productive. Schedule a 20- to 30-minute nap into your afternoon, and you may find that your productivity improves like never before.
It Can Boost Mental Health and Moods
You know that feeling you get when you go to bed late and still have to wake up early? You feel irritable. You feel moody and upset. Even though this initial feeling fades a bit, we often go through the rest of the day in a poor mood. Getting a little extra sleep in the form of a nap can completely turn our mood around. It can quite literally boost our overall mental health. We can feel more positive and generally healthier on a daily basis. And in our world of ever increasing mental health problems, this is a benefit worth exploring.
It Can Lower Stress
We're all under plenty of stress. Experiencing stress is a normal part of life. But when we're also exhausted on top of the stress, it can make everything seem worse. Getting a little rest through a nap can lower your stress, or at the very least, lessen the side effects of excessive stress. And who wouldn't want to experience less stress on a daily basis? Less stress and more sleep may be just what you need to feel better about your health and your life as a whole.
We take naps when we're young. We often take naps when we're older. Why not go ahead and keep the habit in the in-between? It's a great habit that can lead to an improvement in both health and life. Schedule a little nap into your daily routine, and you'll be feeling better than ever in no time at all.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Glen Carbon, Ill.