Let's be honest here, napping is great. You get to escape from the world for however long you please, and then you wake up re-energized and ready to take on the world. Science says that napping is good for you–trust me.
But, I understand if you don't trust me, (I am a little biased toward sleeping, in fact, I just woke up from a nap right now) so maybe you'll trust the staff at the Mayo Clinic! They say that if you do it right, the benefits of napping include "relaxation, reduced fatigue, increased alertness, improved mood, and improved performance including quicker reaction time and better memory."
Sounds great to me.
Yes, there are drawbacks including not being able to sleep at night–but, if you nap for short periods of time or way before your scheduled "bedtime" you should be fine.
In college, people high-five you if you say you took a nap or are going to take a nap. It's normal and nothing to be embarrassed about. However, in other situations, people might be concerned or look at you funny if they find out you nap like a kindergartener. Well, news-flash people napping is not just for kindergarteners.
Here are 5 signs that it's DEFINITELY time for you to take a nap:
1. You are feeling a little grumpy
We all get the grumps sometimes, you aren't alone. Nevertheless, it's helpful to escape from whatever is putting you in that bad mood. Spilled your coffee? Walked into a glass door? Take a nap and when you wake up all will be forgotten (not really but at least you will feel better!!)
2. You've got something going on later
Business meeting? Big date? Class? Work? Anything else? Hit the hay and wake up feeling like superwoman (or man).
3. Headache/backache/any ache
These types of things most likely lead to feeling grumpy (see number 1). However, even if it doesn't put you in a bad mood, you can escape the pain for a little bit by getting some mid-day shut eye and cross your fingers that it feels better when you wake up.
4. You just feel like it... or you don't
Sometimes you are watching a movie, working on a homework, doing work on the couch, etc. and you just nod off. Hey, no one's judging you here–we understand! Embrace it!
5. You're TIRED (go figure, right?)
I just had to save the most obvious for last. It happens to the best of us. You're busy and always running around doing stuff, so you get tired. Listen to your body! If you feel like you need a quick cat nap–take a quick cat nap!! Again, no shame.
I hope you all get some much-needed rest this week. Nap on!!
