Napping, It's OK

Have you ever experienced that tired, drowsy feeling, almost like someone pulled out your plug? For me, I'm not ashamed to admit that this happens almost every afternoon. As we expend energy during the day doing whatever we're doing our qi or energy is slowly being drained. Fortunately, I have a solution that's easy and free. . . TAKE A NAP!

In this country there seems to be a certain guilt associated with taking a nap. Maybe it's because we've been inundated to believe that any time not spent working is time wasted. (I know I used to feel this way.) Lately however, I've found that at the end of the day when I'm dragging, I'm more productive if I stop what I'm doing, and take an hour or so to nap. Afterwards, I always have the energy and focus to re-attack my work, instead of wallowing away for three, four, or five hours stuck in the same place because my fatigued brain simply can't get going.

If you can't already tell, I love my afternoon nap. It's my mini vacation from my busy and stressful day. Not only do I always wake up feeling refreshed, mentally alert, and able to perform the rest of my day feeling energetic, but it's a nice chance for me to be alone with my thoughts, to relax, and reflect on all that's happened during the day. The National Sleep Foundation, has noted that following naps many individuals notice an increase in mental alertness, work performance, and a reduction in mistakes and accidents.

So get over yourself already, stop feeling ashamed, and take a dang nap! It's a great, simple and easy way to take care of yourself. Plus it's free!