Couple of days ago, I was at a dinner party with a group of parents. One of the mothers, whose daughter and mine practically live in each others’ homes, also happens to be something of a mind-reader — she’s very highly intuitive.We chatted over dessert (I shared my weight woes due to a sweet tooth; she listened patiently and advised me to accept my body and listen to it), and we then came to a natural lull in the conversation. Suddenly, she said, “So are you addicted to your afternoon naps yet?”
My eyes snapped open wide, I was blown away. “Just today I was thinking about this! Oh god, you’ve read my mind!” I exclaimed. “It’s such a HUGE guilty pleasure for me now that I am working from home. And I keep scolding myself for it — after all, I’ve worked at an office for years and never felt the need for an afternoon nap. And now I can’t live without it! It’s so delicious!”
She nodded sagely.
Well, it’s true. I confess: come afternoon, the kids are fed and tucked away in their own beds for their afternoon naps, and suddenly, my eyes go all heavy and I feel like I can’t stand for one more moment on my feet. Even after an hour’s nap or so, I linger on in bed, stretching in this direction and that, willing myself to wake. Finally, when I do, I have a nice cup of coffee and get back to work, all fresh and enthusiastic.
It would make me guilty initially, until I realised I was only healthier for it. My body feels more supple and relaxed; I’m not so stressed or irritable in the evenings; and I suspect it’s good for my heart. Then I got proof here that naps are good for us. They improve memory function, reduce burnout, heighten our creativity, reduce stress hormones and boost growth hormones, and cut the risk of heart attacks in the long run (do read the link; it’s got lots of details and tips).
Not that I need all those scientific reasons; I have my own. I have long believed that sleep is our spiritual battery recharge — we connect with Source in those hours of slumber. That’s why yogis who meditate for long hours can do without sleep — they are connected in waking hours as well. But since I’m hardly a yogi, I will make do with my siesta. (*Deep, contented sigh.)
God, here I come. Zzz.
100 Paths 
My partner always naps; she says it really refreshes her. If I do, then, I can work longer in the night which I sometimes need to do, because I have writing to do. Keep napping!
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🙂 It really works!
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