Take an Afternoon Siesta (like Spaniards)
In Spain, it’s the norm to take an afternoon siesta. The first thing that Spanish builders do when working on a job, is check the best position for their hammock, ready for the afternoon nap! It helps when it’s sunny, but we can all benefit from learning to slow down and relax when tired.
Like Italy, Spanish shops tend to shut for a few hours at lunch for a proper meal and nap, then open later in the evening. A far healthier lifestyle than our ‘nine-to-five’ routine.
Intelligence without naps, is a bird without wings. Spanish artist Salvador Dalí
Studies show that brief naps of 30 to 90 minutes can help improve performance and alertness, without feeling groggy. They also may help lower blood pressure, and mental stress.
Having an early afternoon nap is far enough from bedtime, to not mean you need worry it will interfere with a good night’s sleep.
Some people even say that (as long as you are safe to drink caffeine – so not for pregnancy/nursing etc), drinking a cup of coffee just before a short 20-minute nap, means the caffeine will kick in as you wake up, if you have to go back to work.
It’s best to avoid napping more than 90 minutes during the day, as this can have negative health effects. If you find yourself napping throughout the day, this could be due to a medical condition, so see your GP.
Sleep more at night. If it’s allowed at work or home, take a nap in the afternoon. You’ll be amazed at how much better you’ll feel. Ben Stein
Let’s begin, by taking a smallish nap or two. Winnie the Pooh
