Do you ever hit that mid-day slump where you feel like you just want to crawl into bed, but you still have so much more to do? Ah yes, the perfect time to take a nap, but be wary, not all naps are created equal. Some are lengthy, and some are brief, but the process of napping is always the same. Here are the stages of napping:
1. Making the decision
Napping always involved a conscious decision. There are many factors to consider before laying down for some nap action. First, one must think about their other commitments and responsibilities later in the day. Do you need to study or do homework? Do you have a meeting to attend? After deciding that you have nothing, you then think about a reasonable time to wake up and set an alarm. After the alarm has been set, you've basically already solidified your decision to nap.
2. Settling down
With your alarm set, you begin the process of settling down. Whether this means changing into something more comfortable or simply crawling in bed with what you were wearing for the day, it still requires some time. In a way, you have to set the mood for a perfect nap. The room should be at a nice temperature, the lights should be dim or completely off, and the blinds should be pulled down if it's still sunny. You should feel comfortable and flexible in whatever you're wearing. After these conditions have been met, then you can crawl into your nice and inviting bed and finally settle down.
3. The nap dance
The next stage is what I like to call the "nap dance." It's that period of time where you close your eyes and try to sleep at the time of day where your brain is most active. The nap dance is always performed to the longest song imaginable. It seems like an eternity before you even fall asleep, and sometimes you might not even know if you're asleep or not. This dance is frustrating, and can often interfere with your nicely planned nap, but once it is over, you're in full Nap Land.
4. The rude awakening
The worst of all stages is the rude awakening. A nap never feels as long as planned, and one rarely feels satisfied after a nap. You can't help but keep snoozing your alarm. While it was still nice in the moment, it doesn't compare to a full night's sleep. It's a tease, simply because it leaves you wanting more! But you have responsibilities, and you cannot possibly sleep all day, so you unwillingly depart from your bed and prepare to face the real world for a few more hours.
Until next time, bed.
