Over the years, I've seen a lot of evidence that taking a mid-day nap helps productivity and brain function. This is evidence that I categorically ignore because it's just not normal for folks in the busy-busy-run-run United States to take naps, even though many other countries see napping as a standard occurrence and not at all a sign of laziness.
I resist. I refuse.
I stomp around like a two-year-old yelling "I'm not tired!" up until the moment that I pass out from exhaustion.
Napping and I have a long history of not getting along.
My Mom never made me nap when I was little. In fact, she discouraged me from sleeping during the day because she wanted me to go to bed at 8 and sleep through the night so that she could sleep too.
When the other children had to go inside for nap-time, I would stay out and climb trees or run laps around our house (seriously). Such was my energy level at the age of 5.
I was the only child in my kindergarten class who refused to nap.
While the other students lay their towels out on the floor and took a snooze, I would sit bolt upright with my kitty cat beach towel around my shoulders like a cape of resolve.
That's right Ms. Browne, naps are stupid, and I don't need one.
As I write this, my standard mid-afternoon tension headache is just beginning to settle along my temples and at the back of my neck. It's something that I normally ignore, or quick-fix by chugging a cup of coffee, then get on with my day.
Today is different.
It's sleepy-time, Spokane.
Every day this week, I am going to take a nap, and I'm not going to apologize for it. I know at least two people, one of whom being the incomparable Liz Blodgett, who nap regularly and are scary productive in spite of (or because of?) the time off to rest.
Special thanks to Erin for pointing out the napping conundrum to me yesterday. We all know it's good for you, but no one wants to say "I need a nap" even knowing that they'll regain that 20 minutes and more upon waking.
I will post some links and quotes about the benefits of napping later in the week, but right now, I'm off to bed.
Monday, November 1, 2010
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4 comments:
Sweet, name-checked in a Selina post! I haven't been napping much this semester since I'm not on such a weird evening class schedule, but I definitely should get naps back into my schedule.
I love naps...I just have trouble waking up after them...unless I nap for hours!!
Naps are glorious, and if done right a recharger. I don't understand all those people who say sleep is for the dead. People are so on the go go so much, if we don't slow down every-once in a while we'll be experiencing that eternal nap way too soon.
A 30-minute nap during the day is the best. If only they'd let me take one at work.
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