My entire life I've complained about being tired, worried, stressed. I've found no permanent solution to this problem, but I've found a temporary relief. I'm sure almost all of you have enjoyed this luxury, this sacred experience that temporarily rids you of life's greatest, most difficult encounters:
I know that may have sounded a bit dramatic to some of you, but to me, napping is the greatest gift with which life has blessed me. I can nap anywhere, any hour, any day. I can nap in a moving car, a plane, a room with the lights on, anywhere. My mom told me how I would nap at birthday parties with 50 plus people and a mariachi performing in the next room. (That may sound random, but most birthday parties had a mariachi band perform in Colombia.) It's something I'm pretty proud of.
Speaking earnestly, napping is so good for you! Studies show that power naps (20-30 minutes) can give you a boost of energy that will help keep you alert and focused. How awesome is that? A little shuteye for a couple of minutes could help wake you up. Not only does it boost your energy on any regular day you feel a bit tired, you can take a power nap after pulling an all-nighter. It helps, promise; take it from an English major who's pulled her fair share of all-nighters.
Naps are also awesome when you really can't deal with the crap life's throwing at you. It gets exhausting to sit and think and think and think. Overthinking solves nothing (again, take it from me) and sometimes distractions are the hardest to find. Napping is your answer. Sleep makes your problems go away temporarily, of course, but they go away. It also can get you stop thinking and come up with a fresh mind to an old problem.
Besides overthinking and all-nighters, crying and stress suck. Crying makes everyone tired, a nap right after a real long crying session really helps alleviate the pain in your eyes and chest. You just need a break sometimes and laying down for an hour or two help. You can curl up under a blanket, hug your teddy bear and sleep away the sadness. Once you wake up, you feel better and like the severity of the problem has reduced.
So from now on, nap more often! I know naps take up time and can be used the best procrastination tool, but they're good for you. Once in awhile, lay down and take a nap. Your body will thank you!
