Boost your energy and productivity with a nap
Want to be more productive? Try a power nap
Taking a daily power nap could help you to achieve more in less time.
I’ve been an avid napper ever since I experienced burnout earlier this year. Of course, I understand that not everyone can fit a nap into their schedule. I can’t nap every day, either.
Normally, on my work-from-home days and weekends, I always try to squeeze a 30-minute nap into my afternoon. And since working from home (WFH) has recently become the new norm, I still aim to fit my daily nap in.
Leading or part of a WFH team? Click here to find out how to promote wellbeing and happiness in remote workplaces.
You can imagine my delight when I discovered that napping is good for productivity.
Short naps – called ‘power naps’ – between 20-30 minutes in length are thought to improve performance and alertness.
Napping has also been found to alleviate stress and anxiety, and it has medical benefits for people suffering from narcolepsy.
It’s no wonder that napping is a growing trend. Over the years, Google and many other tech companies have had sleep pods or nap rooms installed for staff. In New York, there was also a noticeable rise in ‘nap studios’, where people have paid to have a rejuvenating nap during their lunch hour. And, closer to home, you’ll find there’s the BRTHE studio in Auckland with its 30-minute sleep class.
Maybe, once life has gone back to normal after COVID-19, it’s just a matter of time before all workplaces feature sleep pods and nap rooms? I live in hope!
Tips for power nap perfection
Make your next nap extra rejuvenating with these tips.
Aim to nap after lunch or in the afternoon, when you can feel your brainpower starting to slow. Napping too early or too late in the day might interfere with your nighttime sleep.
Keep your nap to 20-30 minutes if you can. That said, if it’s the weekend, there’s not much harm in treating yourself to a few extra minutes.
Create a post-nap ritual. Try to extend that feel-good feeling of your nap by easing back into your daily work schedule with your favourite herbal tea, some uplifting music, and a good stretch.
On the days you can’t find the time for a power nap, try these 7 healthy food swaps to boost your energy.
By Dil Khosa