Napping is Not an Indication of Laziness — For Many, It’s Necessary

Remember those childhood days when adults encouraged you to nap while you had the chance? Now that we’re the grown-ups, we completely get it. As soon as we step into adulthood, naps are often viewed as a sign of laziness. Engaging in self-care and sneaking in a few extra hours of sleep seems taboo! This attitude clashes with the relentless hustle culture that many self-help advocates endorse.

I typically don’t indulge in short naps, but I once found myself utterly exhausted and accidentally dozed off in the early afternoon. Upon waking, I felt revitalized, clear-headed, and energized enough to tackle the rest of my day rather than just dragging through it. Since that experience, naps have become a regular part of my routine.

As someone who deals with insomnia and depression, I once thought naps were not for me. However, I discovered that they can actually offer significant benefits. Here’s a gentle reminder for anyone who might scoff at the idea: napping isn’t a sign of weakness. Recognizing and respecting your limits is a commendable skill. Applause, please!

Whether you struggle with mental health issues, chronic pain, or are simply seeking ways to reduce stress and boost your mood, a midday nap might be just what you need.

Maximizing the Benefits of Your Nap

Not all naps yield the same results. Are you feeling drained and desperately need a boost? Or are you looking for a moment to unwind and recharge? According to Psychology Today, you can choose between two ideal nap durations to help you finish your day on a high note: aim for either a quick 10- to 20-minute nap or a more extended 90-minute rest.

A brief nap of 10-20 minutes will prevent you from entering the REM stage of sleep. Think of this power nap as your ticket to getting through the rest of your day. If you desire a deeper level of rest, set your alarm for about 90 minutes, allowing your body to complete a full REM cycle and wake up feeling rejuvenated.

Be sure to nap before 3 p.m. to avoid disrupting your normal sleep patterns. Timing is crucial when it comes to napping; otherwise, you might find yourself waking up in a disoriented state, unsure of where you are or what time it is.

Rejecting Hustle Culture

Just like Gretchen Wieners’ attempts to make ‘fetch’ happen, society needs to abandon the idea that hustle culture is the norm. Regardless of what your favorite self-help expert says, there’s more to life than grinding endlessly. You won’t earn a gold star for being the most overworked person, and there’s no merit badge for burnout.

Yes, there are chores to attend to and meals to prepare. We understand that life doesn’t pause for a nap. However, you can’t pour from an empty cup. If you’re not getting the rest you need, those around you—kids, partners, anyone who depends on you—will feel the effects. Taking care of yourself is essential for taking care of them.

Napping represents just one of many self-care practices. Some find relaxation in bubble baths, while others prefer pedicures. Personally, I’d love to unwind in a bubble bath while getting a pedicure and taking a nap (though that scenario could get messy). Realistically, I need much more support for my mental, emotional, and physical well-being than just bubbles and polish. The reality of burnout has become increasingly evident over the past couple of years, especially amid the challenges posed by Covid-19. We’ve all faced heightened stress, making self-care more important than ever.

If napping isn’t your thing, that’s perfectly fine—I might not understand it, but I respect it. All I ask is that you extend the same courtesy to those who need extra rest to function effectively. Napping is far from lazy; I’d argue it’s vital, especially for those who navigate various mental and physical health challenges. So remember what your mom taught you: if you can’t say something nice, perhaps you should nap and wake up with a better perspective.

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In summary, naps are not a sign of laziness; they can be essential for mental and physical well-being. Understanding the value of rest is crucial for maintaining balance in our busy lives.

Keyphrase: Napping is essential for mental and physical well-being

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