Let’s admit it: Life can be tough.
We put a lot of effort into making our day a success. Whether you’re working hard at work, looking after a family, staying healthy, whatever—you need to be alert and on form for most of your waking hours.
But we all need to take time out. To relax and unwind. And no, you don’t need to wait for the weekend for that.
Gentlemen, it’s time to master the art of the perfect afternoon nap.
Power Naps Give You More Energy
Forget about that connotation of naps and laziness. This could not be more wrong.
In this culture where we’re driven to always work our hardest, taking time out for a nap is seen as a big no-no. But you want to change that.
There are many reports that a good power nap can boost your energy levels when you do it properly. Not only does it give you an energy boost, but it also has health and cognitive benefits.
Especially seeing as many of us don’t get enough sleep at night, being kept up by phones, stress, and more.
Get into the Mood
The perfect afternoon nap starts with choosing the right time and place. Find a moment to relax and unwind when you won’t be disturbed.
Put the phone down and switch it to silent—you don’t want to be disturbed by that “urgent” email or phone call.
Choose the perfect place for your nap. That ideally means your bed or a comfy sofa. It’s all about getting comfortable quickly. Put on some calming music if that works for you, open the window to let a gentle breeze wash over you.
Use an eye mask if you can’t get the room dark enough, and have some earplugs on hand to really shut out the world.
Get Some Assistance
Consider taking a soothing cup of tea. Unplug is our relaxing tea blend that will help here. It’s packed with natural ingredients that have been shown to help you relax and unwind like chamomile, hibiscus, passionflower, and honeybush.
It’s also caffeine-free, making it a perfect calming tea for stress, helping you wind down and get some shut-eye.
Or Try a Nappuccino
However, here’s another idea that you might want to try. Ever heard of a nappuccino? This is where you drink something with caffeine (like our PM Charger energy tea) before you nap.
This is a tea that gives you energy, and the idea is because the caffeine takes about 20 minutes to have an effect, you’re waking up just as the caffeine kicks in, making you feel more alert.
Try both options and see which works best for you!
Set Your Alarm
If you have to get back to work at a certain time, or you have something else to do, set your alarm. You don’t want to spend the whole afternoon sleeping.
If you sleep too long, this could make it harder to get to sleep at night and might affect your sleeping pattern. A nap of between 10 and 20 minutes is usually the best.
Any Rest Will Help
If you don’t manage to actually fall asleep, don’t worry. A short period of downtime can do wonders for your energy levels. Then you can get back to the day revitalized, full of energy, and ready to tackle any challenges that arise.