Why is it that kids and older folks can take a nap and everyone accepts it, but as soon as anyone else does s/he is lazy and ought to be doing something?
Okay, I know that’s not true of everyone, but seriously: When was the last time you indulged yourself by taking a short nap in the afternoon? I hope it was lately! My favorite is curling up on the loveseat in the living room or on the bed with Lucy and Dillon (our cats, who are great napping experts!) and a nice throw. Aren’t throws and afghans just the nicest, most comforting thing? I especially like my Winnie the Pooh and Friends throw or the crocheted afghan my Grandma Esther gave me several years before she passed on.
The problem that often stifles a nap is our modern, techno, multi-tasking daily lives. if we allow ourselves to get caught up in that. I remember when I was a child hearing the futurists tell us that computers and robots would save us so much time that we’d only have three-day work weeks. Instead, we’ve adopted 50-, 60-, 70- or more hour work schedules using computers and other devices to double our output.
Ever been to Spain? I have. Lovely, civilized nation (like most of Europe) where everyone shuts down at noon, has a meal together and then sacks out for a couple of hours. Now that’s a culture that knows what it’s doing. I’ve read that a ten-minute nap can make us more cheerful; twenty minutes and our senses are sharpened; nap for thirty minutes and it promotes well-being.
I hope you live with loving people like I do who value rest time and encourage napping. If not, it’s time you gave yourself permission for a short revitalization period, as in a nap. Turn off your mobile devices, close the door and enjoy the peace and quiet of resting. At work all day? Some people crawl under their desk. I know a woman takes refuge in the ladies room. You could go out to your car if you drive to work. Napping outside is also an option and you can connect with nature as well. Lean my back up against a tree overlooking the Susquehanna River here in Harrisburg? Heaven. I don’t even notice the traffic noise on Front Street. Well, not much anyway.
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