Yesterday was one of the most beautiful days New York City has seen in a while! The sun was shining, there was a light breeze in the air, it was between 75° and 80° for the majority of the day, everyone that I encountered was in such a positive mood–just beautiful! I woke up early and headed straight to the hospital for another follow-up appointment with my rheumatologist and a pulmonary functions exam. Thank God, things are beginning to come back normal (back to how they were prior to my hospitalization) and I’m able to do more and more each day! Following my doctor appointment, I had plans to visit an old co-teacher that I hadn’t spent time with in a while, but first, I had to run an errand with my mom. By the time I made it to the upper west side, I was bit tired! Ironically, when I got to my friend’s apartment, both of her kids were taking their naps…the life right?! This got me thinking…why don’t adults get to take naps during the day?! Especially people like me with Lupus. I’m sure napping during the day has its benefits…
According to author, Michael Hyatt, there are many benefits to taking a nap during the day. Here are a few:
Several Benefits to Napping
Naps Restore Alertness: Due to my Lupus symptom, my energy usually takes a huge dip around 11:00am-12:00pm. I begin to get very drowsy, I lose focus, and all I can think of is the remaining hours in the school day and when I can get home to jump into my bed! Apparently, many of us, even those without illnesses, feel the same way. A quick 30-60 minute nap can do the trick and bring you up to speed! The National Sleep Foundation recommends a short nap of twenty to thirty minutes “for improved alertness and performance without leaving you feeling groggy or interfering with nighttime sleep.” Drinking a cup of coffee immediately prior to resting can maximize its effect.
Naps Prevent Burnout: As I’ve been mentioning in my posts, management of Lupus symptoms, taking time for yourself, and learning when to say “no”, are all necessary when battling Lupus. When these aspects of daily living are not implemented into your lifestyle, your risk burning yourself out. Especially here in New York, we rarely know when to stop and take a minute to relax–we’re constantly on the go! In doing this, we open ourselves up to a life full of stress, frustration, and burnout. Taking a moment to rest your head daily can help relieve stress, lessen frustration, and eliminate the possibility of a burnout.
Naps Heighten Sensory Perception: Napping is known to open and relax the mind which promotes creativity. Personally, I find inspiration immediately after waking from a nap or a night’s rest! During this time, my mind is relaxed and clear, and I am more open to completing certain tasks than I would be if I was tired. According to author of Take a Nap, Change Your Life, Dr. Sara C. Mednick, napping can also restore the sensitivity of sight, hearing, and taste.
Naps Reduce the Risk of Heart Disease: According to a 2007 study from the Archives of Internal Medicine, those who nap at least three times a week are 37% less likely to die of heart disease…working men are 64% less likely!
Napping Promotes Productivity: According to Michael Hyatt, “The secret to becoming more productive is not managing your time; it’s managing your energy.” This makes perfect sense when you really think about it! We can’t change the number of hours that we are given in a day, but we can change the amount of energy that we spend and conserve in a day! It is only natural that we become less productive as the work day progresses. Napping, for even 30 minutes, can rejuvenate the mind and body, in addition to restoring productivity.
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Copyright ©2017 Joezette Joseph. All Rights Reserved.
Joezette's Journey: My Everyday Walk With Lupus 
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