Ah, naps. Those little slices of bliss in the middle of your chaotic day. It’s truly a wonder how great these short breaks can be, and how much misconception the general populace has for it. If you’re one of the many who think that napping is a waste of precious time, prepare to have the record straightened out.
While there’s a stigma that napping is just an excuse for the lazy to procrastinate more, there are actually tons of benefits that you can get with a short snooze. Especially if done at the right time (typically 1pm to 3 pm for many, but you can also use this nap wheel to find out when your ultimate nap time should be) and in the right amount (10 to 20 minutes are great time durations for power naps at the office), you will surely find great effects such as the following:
1. Heighten alertness.
Naps, even power naps, can give you some rest, allowing your body to recuperate a little and freshen you up. This helps in achieving some level of alertness that can power you through the rest of your day.
2. Increased productivity.
When you’re stressed, it’s likely that you’re not performing at your best. So, why not take a break, nap a little, and give yourself some much needed rest in the midst of chaos. Wake up refreshed and more ready to take on the task at hand.
3. Reduce stress.
According to experts, a nap is the best solution for getting stressed, as it lowers the amount of stress hormones. It can also help you get better reigns of your emotions, allowing you to handle frustrating situations better. So, make sure to at least try to doze off the next time you’re starting to get stressed in the middle of the day.
4. Boost creativity.
Experts say that instead of stressing on and burning yourself out on a task, taking a step back and resting a little will help you gain some new perspective and ideas. This is why taking a nap is perfect right in the middle of a busy workday. Just make sure to set an alarm for 10 to 20 minutes later, so you won’t delay your team in finishing your project.
5. Improved memory.
One of the best things about sleeping is that it easily boosts your memory. During sleep, even if it’s just a short nap, information gets processed and absorbed, allowing better retention.
The key to a successful nap, especially if you’re at the office, is to do it correctly. Only nap during your breaktime and somewhere that you won’t disturb or disrupt your workplace’s flow. You should also make sure that your nap wouldn’t extend for so long and take up your actual work time. This way, even if you fall asleep on your desk, you won’t have any issues with your boss.
the official blog 