Power Naps Continued
A few days ago my ex-army buddy shared a tip to get through a zombie day. He later posted a comment with his detailed recipe. It worked (works) so damn well I thought I’d share it with you:
A power nap is a combination of deep breathing, relaxation and yoga.
This is my method:
Find a quiet place where you wont be disturbed for the next 15 minutes. Lay on your back with your feet raised, grab a cushion, box or chair for raising your feet. Now, with your eyes closed start concentrating on your breathing, put your hands on your chest so you can feel the inhale and exhale, deep long controlled breaths. As you do this slowly feel your entire body relax, from your toes to your neck and head. It isn’t important to fall asleep, you are simply giving your body a boost of energy. By laying on your back with your legs raised you are increasing the blood flow to the brain and vital organs which will energise you (putting it simply).
If you are at a computer table and can’t get away. Simply move the keyboard to one side, take off your shoes and undoe any tight clothing, get yourself a cushion or something soft to lay your head on and place your head on the table , make sure you are comfortable then follow the guidelines from above, minus the laying on your back and putting your hands on your chest! Enjoy!
Important note: 15 minutes is enough, come out of the relaxation slowly and don’t forget to stretch your arms, legs and neck. The slower you come out of the powernap and the more you stretch out, the better you’ll feel.
Always read the label and consult you doctor if symptons occur. Suitable for regular daily use. Do not exceed 24 sessions in one day (lazy sod)!
Works like a charm I tell you.
July 25th, 2005 at 4:35pm
Monday morning here, around 2:35 am. Have to get up [if I sleep] around 7:30 am and then come back at night around 9 pm. I’m gonna try this.
July 25th, 2005 at 5:09pm
Good luck man, I hope it works for you!
July 25th, 2005 at 8:09pm
i still think 20 minutes gives that extra little edge without leaving you groggy
July 25th, 2005 at 9:21pm
Great, then we have to versions, army style and Mandy style!
July 25th, 2005 at 10:05pm
Further to my version, i’d also like to add that a friend of mine staying over also suggests that 30minutes is (ciesta) good. Don’t forget though, my method is a relaxation technique, it helps in more ways than a simple nap
July 26th, 2005 at 12:11pm
It turns out that 15 minutes rest is a good deal. I think I have seen people going with 30 minutes and waking up as if they had been dumped by their date in the middle of something. The key [I think] is to give body a rest without shutting down the main functions. When you sleep, many body “elements” are at rest and not alert. 15 minutes or close to that ensures that your body keeps working and you take a rest also, as it slows down the body for a while, but doesn’t give it enough time to think that it’s about time to sleep.
When you reach 30 or so minutes, your body thinks it’s time to sleep for a long time, and starts going into sleeping mode. When you get up after 30 minutes with an alarm or some other alert, you feel “groggy” because your body and brain were expecting a full night’s sleep, but instead realized that it’s time to get up.
July 26th, 2005 at 12:37pm
Extremelee » Dude you’re abandoning your army grade training for the sake of some mamasita’s opinion? I’m sticking to your original tip man. You better too!
Bes » Thank you for adding to the detail. I had already been proving that naps were horrible (for 10 years) since I’d always taken 30min ~ 1hr naps. But Lee’s proven me wrong (although he’s backing out on me now) and you’re confirming the 15min cycle with your better educated description. That’s what I’m sticking with the rest of my life.
July 26th, 2005 at 5:29pm
Thanks for that tip. I feel like I could really use it later today!