Reason 86: Naps
100 Reasons I'm Retiring
A former colleague of mine has a T-shirt that proclaims, “Even Jesus Took Naps.” The passage from Mark 4:38 illustrates that Jesus, being human, also tired and needed a power-nap from time to time.
Ah, naps. I fought against them as a 3-year-old, but treasure them as an adult. To lay out in a lawn chair on my patio, enjoying a respite on a summer day, or lean back in a comfortable chair near my electric fireplace on a winter afternoon with a soft blanket to keep out the cold is a luxury the years of teaching did not allow. I plan on taking full advantage of nap times.
Not only did Jesus recognize the value of naps, Mayo Clinic agrees that there are many benefits to a 15-45 minute power nap. We can relax, reduce our fatigue, increase our alertness, and improve our mood. While research from the United Kingdom is still in process, there’s a good chance a daily nap can reduce the risk of a heart attack (The American Heart Association).
Naps were a fact of life for the ancient Egyptians and Romans. In the Middle Ages, a “first sleep” was common in the early afternoons. Then the Industrial Revolution came along with its demand for more working hours, and there went the restorative power of the nap. But all is not lost. While countries in the Mediterranean, the Middle East, and China still encourage the “siesta”, naps are making a comeback across the globe. Companies such as Google and NASA provide “nap rooms” for employees.
But you don’t need rocket science to create your own nap environment. A comfortable space, a quiet atmosphere, and a soft pillow are all that are required.
Be like Jesus. Take a nap.
What’s your favorite place or time to take a power-nap? Do you find it refreshes you or makes you groggier?
I have a futon in my tiny office. I love to roll myself up like a burrito in a couple of cozy blankets. In just under an hour, I’m rested and refreshed.