How to Power Nap
A power nap gives you time to rest so you can finish all your day’s tasks. You can take a power nap any where. The important thing is to find a place where you’ll be able to relax without being distracted. Here are some ways to power nap.
Find a good place to nap. Several offices provide their employees with a place where they can rest. Make good use of the space. If you don’t have a place like this at work, you can always nap inside your car. When you’re on the road and you need to rest, pull off the road. Park somewhere safe and be sure to lock your doors. Make your space suitable for resting. Turn off your mobile phone. You can also listen to relaxing music to help you fall asleep faster. Turn the lights off. If you can’t do this, wear sunglasses or an eye mask to filter out some light.
Make yourself comfortable. Assuming a position that straightens your back would help you relax your body. If the space is enough for you to lie down, lie on your back, if not you can always nap sitting down. Put your hands on your tummy or on the sides to relax your arms and shoulders. Breathe deeply and release your breath slowly.
power nap
Don’t focus on any of your thoughts. It’s going to be hard for you to sleep when you’re thinking about a lot of things. Thinking about not thinking is still thinking. Let your thoughts pass. This is your mind’s way of unloading stress.
Use your alarm. Power naps shouldn’t be longer than half an hour. Sleeping for 20-25 minutes is enough to re-energize yourself for the rest of the day. Napping for longer than 30 minutes will make you feel more sleepy and tired when you wake up.
Wake yourself up. Take time when waking up from a nap. When your alarm rings, turn it off, open your eyes and just lie there for a while. Let your mind and body take in your surroundings first before getting up and resuming work.
Stretching and washing your face will help you get your blood flowing.
Do this regularly and you’ll see a big difference on your work performance, especially after you’ve taken your nap.
Power napping is a skill you have to learn how to do so you can beat stress at work. Take power naps everyday and have a balance day at work.