Lifestyle
Napping: A Necessity, Not Laziness
by Jenna Mitchell
Updated: Aug. 11, 2021
Originally Published: Aug. 11, 2021
Remember when adults urged you to take naps while you could? Now that we’re the grown-ups, we can truly appreciate that advice. As we enter adulthood, naps are often labeled as signs of laziness. Engaging in self-care and sneaking in a few extra Zzz’s is frowned upon! It certainly doesn’t align with the relentless hustle culture that many self-help figures promote today.
I usually don’t take quick naps, but there was a day when I felt utterly drained and unintentionally dozed off in the early afternoon. When I woke up, I felt revitalized, clearer-headed, and ready to tackle the rest of my day instead of merely enduring it. Since then, I’ve incorporated naps into my routine.
As someone who grapples with insomnia and depression, I used to believe naps weren’t for me. However, I’ve discovered they can be quite beneficial. Here’s a gentle reminder for anyone who scoffs at the idea: Napping isn’t a sign of weakness. Recognizing your limits and respecting them is a commendable act. Cue the applause.
Whether you’re living with mental health challenges, chronic pain, or simply seeking some self-care to alleviate stress and boost your mood, an afternoon nap might be just what you need.
Optimizing Your Nap Experience
Not all naps yield the same benefits. Are you feeling exhausted and need an energy boost, or do you simply want a moment to unwind? According to Psychology Today, two different nap durations can help you recharge: aim for either a 10- to 20-minute power nap or a full 90-minute nap.
A brief 10- to 20-minute nap will prevent you from entering REM sleep, functioning more like a quick recharge for the remainder of your day. If you’re after a deeper rest, set your alarm for about 90 minutes to complete a full REM cycle and wake up refreshed.
Try to nap before 3 p.m.; otherwise, you risk disrupting your nighttime sleep routine. Timing is crucial for effective napping. We’ve all experienced the disorienting confusion that follows a long sleep, waking up with impressions on our faces, unsure of where we are or what time it is.
Rejecting Hustle Culture Norms
Just as Gretchen Wieners couldn’t make ‘fetch’ happen, society needs to stop promoting hustle culture as the standard. Regardless of what your favorite self-help guru says, life is about more than grinding non-stop. There’s no reward for being completely burnt out.
Yes, chores await you, from dirty dishes to laundry, and the world won’t pause for your nap. But remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup. If you’re not getting the sleep you need, those who depend on you will feel the effects. Caring for yourself is a way to care for them.
Napping is just one of many forms of self-care. Some prefer bubble baths, others enjoy pedicures. Personally, I’d love to indulge in a bubble bath while getting a pedicure and napping (though that may end in disaster). But realistically, my daily schedule doesn’t allow for such luxuries. I need a lot more support for my emotional, mental, and physical well-being than just pampering.
Burnout is a very real issue, especially over the past year and a half amid the challenges posed by COVID-19. We’ve all faced unprecedented levels of stress and frustration, making self-care even more important.
If napping isn’t your thing, that’s perfectly fine—I may not understand it, but I can respect it. Just as I ask for understanding, I urge you to extend that same courtesy to those who require extra rest to function. Napping isn’t laziness; it’s essential, particularly for those living with mental and physical health challenges. So, remember the wisdom of your parents: if you have nothing nice to say, maybe it’s time for a nap to wake up refreshed.
For more insights on self-care and rest, check out this related blog post.
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