As my belly continues to grow, so does my need for a nap. Long one, short one, it doesn’t really matter because every once in awhile a snooze is all that will do. New to this whole napping thing, I’ve come to learn the benefits of 15 minute snooze to stay refreshed and alert. I can’t believe it took me this long to get on board! In fact, my napping ventures have become a hobby– namely making sure we have lots of fluffy pillows and a quiet space ready for when fatigue strikes.
First, some benefits of and tips on napping (as if you needed swaying):
+ 20-30 minutes of napping is optimal if you need a jolt of energy.
+ Napping as been scientifically proven, by a little ol’ company named NASA, to improve performance.
+ Naps are best taken in the middle of the day so you can still fall asleep later.
+ Your mental and physical energy can be boosted by a nap as short as 10 minutes.
The question I have is this: why not swap coffee breaks for a napping one? If only that was acceptable office behavior!
If you’re really serious about getting your nap on, there are plenty of ways to convert a corner of your house to the act. I’ve found sunny spaces keep me from sleeping for too long, which negates all the benefits from a shorter snooze.
That is why napping somewhere other than your bed is always a good idea. A cot or pretty daybed is a great piece of furniture for naps and for entertaining guests.
If you have the space in your backyard or basement, please do yourself a favor and get a comfy outdoor chair or hammock. Add some slippers and some tea and you’re set.
And, if you’re not able to secure a designated napping space, stock up on huge pillows and gauzy blankets for the couch or bed. A lightweight duvet will envelop you in cotton-y goodness and you won’t be tempted to slip under the heavy duvet. This is a hard place to leave after only 10-20 minutes!
Apply these tips to any other space you wish to relax in and you’ll be in utter bliss.
SHOP THE STORY
Fur Pom-Pom Slipper w/ Pouch, Kite Blue • $45
Kate Spade New York Raise a Glass Melamine Coaster Set • Kate Spade • $25
Vintage Ruby + George Mid-Century Modern Magazine Stand • $175
Quilted Linen Bedspread in Pink • $450–575
Coda Industries Fontaine Tufted Daybed, Cloud Gray • $1,999
H&M – Velvet Cushion Cover – Teal • H&M • $9.99
Gift Boutique Hot Stuff Stackable Mug • $12
Wildfox Snooze Sleep Mask • Wildfox Couture • $28
Burberry Mega Check Cashmere Blanket • Burberry • $1,795
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Top image: Wit & Delight
Image Sources: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11 / 12
BY Kate Arends - April 18, 2016
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Thank you for being here. For being open to enjoying life’s simple pleasures and looking inward to understand yourself, your neighbors, and your fellow humans! I’m looking forward to chatting with you.
Love this Kate. Remembering the siesta in Rome from the ISU study abroad. Did you study there for a semester too?
Hi Lindsey! I actually took an internship in London instead of the semester abroad. Wish I would have done it, though!
Fell asleep in the middle of my baby shower! I’m so excited for your family!
that is hilarious, Gretchen!!
some of these hammock ideas and DIY bedroom decor are really inspiring. At it is really nice that someone online wrote about this by still being classy with their blog and not making it boring. 😀
Thanks for sharing these napping benefits with us.
Love that first one of Winnie! ?
She knows how to CHILL!
Oh man, all these spaces are so snooze inviting!
This is so fantastic! The netted thing (napping cot?) from the ceiling is super cool (6th picture). One thing I tell myself is that sleeping is productivity. Being well-rested helps with your efficiency, and it’s a much better way to use your time than aimlessly browsing the Internet 😛 -Audrey | Brunch at Audrey’s
I am completely in love with everything about this article. My ENO hammock is definitely one of my favorite nap spots. College has come to teach me that every single thing you said about napping is 110% true.
You’ll be a napping pro when bub arrives – I have a 3 month old and all I did the first few weeks was take 1 hour naps!
I do not even know the way I finished up here, however I assumed this post
Oh Winnie……..