I’m trying something new here with my first ever Substack thread 🧵 This is YOUR invitation to share your thoughts and comments on the subject of… naps! 😴
Why? Well, we’re still in Stress Awareness Month and research suggests that a daytime nap can reduce stress, as well as boost mood, memory and alertness. (With the ideal nap lasting 20-30 minutes max.) While this recent study from UCL found that habitual daytime naps may help to preserve brain health.
I sometimes joke that restorative yoga can look a bit like adult nap time and I’m personally a fan of the 20 minute savasana which I wrote all about here and in my savasana series here on Substack.
With this in mind I would love to know:
What are your thoughts on napping?
Are you a fan - yay or nay?
If you do nap how do you incorporate naps into your routine?
If you’d love to nap but can’t, what barriers are you facing?
Let’s have a conversation, share tips and learn more together 🤓
How I could wax lyrical on this subject, Paula! Thanks for the question. I'm not just a fan of daytime naps, I *need* them. Not every day, but some days I wouldn't be able to function without.
You might be proud of me for Friday. As I was about to arrive at a group gathering a friends ahead of a wedding the next day, I actually messaged the group to say I'd be going upstairs for a nap immediately upon arrival. I was drained from travelling and in my shell-like state I was not ready for the intense socialising. I did get a couple of 😂 emojis in return, but other than that no one batted an eyelid. I arrived, said I quick hi and went straight up for my nap. (I often listen to the Nap Meditations podcast to help) and then was restored and ready for hours of non-stop chatting. I'm very lucky to have friends that support my need for naps!
It's all about the 20 min Savasana I know you're a firm fan off! I often quote Judith Lasater's recommendation of everyone doing 1 Restorative posture for 20 mins everyday to keep that nervous system balanced🙏🏾
I LOVE to take a Restorative posture in between classes or post class depending on schedule, 20 mins more likely 30 mins is a perfect reset to my day, feeling refreshed rested and offering. clarity.
I need to read your gem of a book again as so much resonates, hearing you mention growing up with rest not encouraged or seen as lazy reminds me of growing up in Caribbean households where "you had to find something to do" and rest was not it! :)
So a massive YES to naps/Restorative postures, thanks for asking & loving Thread! 💜
I find it difficult to nap unless I am ill or jet lagged, but I’ve learned the importance of rest generally from you and Tricia Hersey (the Nap Ministry). Rest as resistance: the body as a site of liberation ✊🏾
Naps have been one of the most healing things for me, I think it’s the act of allowing yourself to rest when typically we’re not told to/ it’s not encouraged. I’ve let the practice slip a bit and I’d like to get back into it, so I’m seeing this as my sign to nap more 😌
Hi Paula! While I support napping for others, it doesn't work for me. I find it nearly impossible to relax during the day...and often struggle with sleeping through the night so like being tuckered out by then. Even when my body is tired, my mind has a mind of its own!
I love napping. I've done it most of my life. I can remember getting home from Uni and having a nap before heading out again. Catching a few zzz's when my babies slept (first one didn't sleep much so it was vital to nap for my survival). If I know I'm going to have a late night I'll often have a nap beforehand so I don't nee to go home to bed at 10pm. Twenty minutes is great. Sometimes I'll even do a nap meditation on my favourite app, Balance. Hooray for naps!
How I could wax lyrical on this subject, Paula! Thanks for the question. I'm not just a fan of daytime naps, I *need* them. Not every day, but some days I wouldn't be able to function without.
You might be proud of me for Friday. As I was about to arrive at a group gathering a friends ahead of a wedding the next day, I actually messaged the group to say I'd be going upstairs for a nap immediately upon arrival. I was drained from travelling and in my shell-like state I was not ready for the intense socialising. I did get a couple of 😂 emojis in return, but other than that no one batted an eyelid. I arrived, said I quick hi and went straight up for my nap. (I often listen to the Nap Meditations podcast to help) and then was restored and ready for hours of non-stop chatting. I'm very lucky to have friends that support my need for naps!
Great question Paula!!
It's all about the 20 min Savasana I know you're a firm fan off! I often quote Judith Lasater's recommendation of everyone doing 1 Restorative posture for 20 mins everyday to keep that nervous system balanced🙏🏾
I LOVE to take a Restorative posture in between classes or post class depending on schedule, 20 mins more likely 30 mins is a perfect reset to my day, feeling refreshed rested and offering. clarity.
I need to read your gem of a book again as so much resonates, hearing you mention growing up with rest not encouraged or seen as lazy reminds me of growing up in Caribbean households where "you had to find something to do" and rest was not it! :)
So a massive YES to naps/Restorative postures, thanks for asking & loving Thread! 💜
I find it difficult to nap unless I am ill or jet lagged, but I’ve learned the importance of rest generally from you and Tricia Hersey (the Nap Ministry). Rest as resistance: the body as a site of liberation ✊🏾
Naps have been one of the most healing things for me, I think it’s the act of allowing yourself to rest when typically we’re not told to/ it’s not encouraged. I’ve let the practice slip a bit and I’d like to get back into it, so I’m seeing this as my sign to nap more 😌
I adore naps, but don't do them as often as I'd like! As far as routine goes, they're normally spontaneous! 😊
Hi Paula! While I support napping for others, it doesn't work for me. I find it nearly impossible to relax during the day...and often struggle with sleeping through the night so like being tuckered out by then. Even when my body is tired, my mind has a mind of its own!
I do like a nana nap sometimes
I love napping. I've done it most of my life. I can remember getting home from Uni and having a nap before heading out again. Catching a few zzz's when my babies slept (first one didn't sleep much so it was vital to nap for my survival). If I know I'm going to have a late night I'll often have a nap beforehand so I don't nee to go home to bed at 10pm. Twenty minutes is great. Sometimes I'll even do a nap meditation on my favourite app, Balance. Hooray for naps!
I have been known to nap. But, my 6 dogs spend most of their time napping. Mind you it's about 38 deg today.