Naps are for sissies – oh really?

May 10, 2011 in Personal Development with 9 Comments

It’s 3:00 PM and I just woke up from my afternoon nap.  Yes, I know you probably think that’s just a luxury for old geezers – but, frankly, I’ve always enjoyed afternoon naps.  I’m an early riser and love to spend that first golden hour of the day on the treadmill listening to the wisdom of those I consider masters of achievement.

And then I’m prepped for thinking and writing on topics I’ve outlined at the beginning of the year.  I have lunch appointments at 11:30 with a variety of interesting people.  But by about 2:30 I’m ready to recharge – and for me that comes best not with a cup of coffee or a power drink, but with a brief relaxing nap.

According to the June 2011 issue of Success magazine, Winston Churchill said napping during the day was the only way he could cope with his responsibilities as British prime minister during World War II.  He wrote, “Nature had not intended mankind to work from 8 in the morning until midnight without the refreshment of blessed oblivion which, even if it only last 20 minutes, is sufficient to renew all the vital forces.”

Research continues to show that an afternoon nap restores energy more effectively than any artificial stimulant can and it also assists memory and creativity.

And after my 20 minutes I’m refreshed and am off to a book release party for Chicken Soup for the Soul: Country Music with author Randy Rudder at the ASCAP complex in Nashville, then dinner with some visiting friends.  When others are nodding off I’m energized and coming up with new ideas.

How about you – have you had your nap today?  Or do you think naps are for sissies?

 

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  • Theresalode81

    I love naps even though I can’t always take one. Like you, I am an early riser and I find my energy level dipping around 3 or 4. And speaking of…..

    • Anonymous

      Theresa – well with your life of leisure what’s stopping you. Surely your kids don’t require that you keep both eyes awake – do they?

  • Wendy Staas

    I love naps!!! Never thought I would say that. . . since I did not like them when I was little. Taking a nap does energize me and helps relieve the stresses of life. However, I cannot do a 20 minute nap. . . it usually takes me that long just to shut my brain off. I leave about an hour to hour and a half. . . I figure, if that is what my body needs, then it shall have it. Thanks Dan!!!

    • Anonymous

      Wendy – yeah Joanne has trouble doing a 20-minute nap. I usually read for about 10 minutes and then just drip off for those precious 20 minutes or so.

  • http://twitter.com/JWFinCoaching Jonathan White

    I am a huge fan of the afternoon nap! There’s nothing like taking a short 10-20 minute nap after lunch to re-charge your batteries for the afternoon/evening. It is funny you posted this because I found this article in the paper on Sunday about a business owner who built four nap rooms for his employees to use during the day. You think productivity is high at his business? I bet so!
    http://bit.ly/ju7900

    • Anonymous

      Jonathan – thanks for sharing about the business with “nap rooms.” I think that could really catch on. Personally I loathe having to struggle through that afternoon lull without being able to check out for a few minutes. And I certainly come back stronger.

  • http://www.facebook.com/amy.kornreavis Amy Korn-Reavis

    Sleep is my specialty and I can vouch that a short nap will be great for you. It reboots your brain so you are able to learn more and retain more.

  • http://www.facebook.com/joelboggess Joel Boggess

     The CD that comes along with each Success magazine is also power-packed with many wonderful tips on human energy and performance. They just seem to keep getting better. June, 2011 is a keeper.

  • http://www.facebook.com/joelboggess Joel Boggess

     The CD that comes along with each Success magazine is also power-packed with many wonderful tips on human energy and performance. They just seem to keep getting better. June, 2011 is a keeper.