Take a Power Nap for Increased Performance
Do you ever get tired during the workday? If so, you know how hard it can be to stay at your desk and forge ahead. Instead of forcing yourself to do so, you may want to take a quick power nap. Even though you are taking time out of your day, once you return to the computer you will feel refreshed.
The main reason that many people don’t take a power nap during the workday is that they are afraid of staying asleep for too long. I like my naps to last approximately 20 to 30 minutes. This is just long enough to rest my mind and body, and to feel refreshed when I begin to work again. If you are worried about “staying under†for too long there is a simple solution: set an alarm. This is easy enough, right?
Another trick I have found to be helpful is sleeping on the couch in my office as opposed to heading for my bed. When I get into bed it feels like I should be there for a long period of time. But when I lay down on the couch I know that I am simply there for a quick nap. Not to mention the fact that I don’t have to walk far to get to my couch.
There is no point in working when you are dead tired. This can lead to health problems, as well as sub-par work. Both of which are issues that you want to avoid. Instead of forcing yourself to work, take a quick power nap. Once you realize the benefits of doing so you may consider adding this “task†to your daily to-do list!Â
March 25th, 2009 at 9:02 am
Great minds and all…
I actually touched on napping a bit today’s All Freelance Writing post. All I can add is this – yay for power naps!!!
March 25th, 2009 at 2:55 pm
Great post. I don’t like to take naps though. I’ll take a nap if I’m going to be up all night longer then expected. I’d rather sleep early and wake up earlier than take a nap.
March 25th, 2009 at 5:26 pm
I never napped until I had kids. Through observation you can see how good it is for them, makes sense that it would be good for adults too. I don’t do it every day, but once in awhile it is a nice way to recharge your batteries.
March 27th, 2009 at 10:19 am
Power napping has been a mainstain in corporate Japan for years. The trick, according to sleep researchers, is to not sleep beyond one hour, when RIM kicks in. Speaking as a middle-aged parent, napping is not just a competitive edge, but a necessity.
March 27th, 2009 at 11:50 am
Thanks for all the comments. It appears that “power napping” is common all over the world!
March 27th, 2009 at 9:57 pm
I would just like to offer my services to all of y’all who don’t have time to take a power nap. You can hire me and I’ll do it for ya. I’m a pro with many years of experience! I work 3rd shift (which should be illegal) so napping is pretty much a part of my every-day routine. Does sleepwalking count, too?