Did you know naps are more effective than caffeine? Napping refreshes the mind, improves creativity and alertness, boosts intelligence, makes all-day learning possible, and increases brain capacity and memory.
Naps are so effective even Google and Apple are allowing employees to have a quick snooze. What’s more, it even helps you live a better life by reducing stress and its related illnesses. So cut out the guilt, grab a pillow and have a snooze. Here’s how:
- The best naps are short ones. Keep it in the first two stages of sleep — any longer and you’ll wake up groggy. Set the clock for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Find a quiet, dark spot. If this isn’t possible, try ear plugs and an eye mask.
- Get horizontal. It takes 50% longer to catch a snooze if you’re sitting upright.
- Get your mind ready. To fall asleep quickly shut out the nagging voice telling you to get things done. Concentrate on your breath, relax your muscles and visualise somewhere calming.
- Caffeine reboot. Caffeine takes 20 to 30 minutes to take effect, so a cup before you snooze will kick in just as you’re waking up.
- Always set an alarm. It reassures you that you won’t over-sleep and helps prevent drift into later sleep cycles that will leave you groggy.
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