Power up with a power nap! Check out this guide to boosting your energy and productivity!

Friday: Mindfulness by Miles FROM THE DESK OF MILES EVERSON: Happy Friday! Welcome to “Mindfulness by Miles.” I’m excited to share with you another insightful topic. In these articles, I talk about various health and mindfulness tips. My hope is that these topics will encourage you to enhance your overall well-being. Today, allow me to share a useful trick that could help you get through a long and busy work day. Continue reading to know how you can boost your energy and productivity in just a short amount of time. CEO, MBO Partners Chairman of the Advisory Board, The I Institute

Power up with a power nap! Check out this guide to boosting your energy and productivity! Do you often find yourself yawning and struggling to stay focused during the day? If your answer is yes, we have good news for you. The solution to your dilemma might be simpler than you think: A power nap! In this fast-paced world, taking a quick snooze can be a game-changer for your energy, mood, and overall productivity. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the wonderful world of power napping and discover how this short burst of rest can lead to remarkable benefits. Power Napping: Why It Matters I’ve been there—that mid-afternoon slump when the desk seems comfier than the office chair, and my eyes start to droop like a sleepy puppy. Have you been in this situation in the past too? Chances are many of you have. While this may seem concerning especially if you’ve been experiencing this slump frequently, there’s actually nothing for you to worry about because science has your back. Enter the power nap, a mini siesta that’s designed to invigorate your mind and body without leaving you in a groggy daze. So, why is a power nap important? First, let’s talk about that productivity slump. As the day—and your energy—wears on, your focus dwindles, creativity takes a vacation, and even the simplest tasks seem Herculean. This is where the power nap comes in to save the day. Just a brief nap, around 10 to 20 minutes, can help restore your alertness, rejuvenate your cognitive functions, and help you get back on track. Power napping is typically taken during the day to help boost alertness, productivity, and overall cognitive function. Unlike longer naps, which can lead to grogginess and interfere with nighttime sleep, power naps are designed to be brief. The goal of a power nap is to provide a quick period of rest that allows your brain to recharge without entering into the deeper stages of sleep. This is especially popular among individuals who need a quick energy boost during the day, such as those who are working long hours, preparing for exams, or experiencing a midday slump. What are some of the benefits of power napping? Boosted Alertness: Have you ever felt like you’re running on empty, especially after lunch? I have. That’s why I can attest to this benefit of power napping. Basically, a power nap can recharge your mental batteries, making you more alert and attentive. This is crucial for tackling your daily to-do list. Sharper Memory: Say goodbye to those moments of forgetfulness! Power naps have been shown to enhance memory consolidation, helping you retain the information you’ve soaked up throughout the day. Unleashed Creativity: Have you experienced staring at a blank screen for over 5 minutes, desperately seeking inspiration? A power nap might just be your muse! In fact, it’s been linked to improved problem-solving skills and bursts of creative thinking. Better Mood: When stress knocks on your door, a power nap can be your shield. It’s known to alleviate stress and improve your overall mood, turning your frown upside down. Physical Rejuvenation: It’s not just your brain that benefits from power napping. According to studies, a power nap can also provide a brief escape for your muscles, releasing tension and helping you feel physically refreshed. Now that you know some of the benefits of this short burst of rest, allow me to share with you a few tips on how you can make the most out of these snoozes: Find the best timing: The sweet spot for a power nap is usually in the early afternoon, around 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., when that post-lunch slump hits you hard. Keep your naps short and sweet: Aim for just 10 to 20 minutes to avoid grogginess. This will help you stay in the lighter stages of sleep and reap the benefits without the post-nap haze. Set the scene: Find a quiet, comfortable spot where you won’t be disturbed. Dim the lights and create a serene atmosphere that encourages relaxation. Alarms are your allies: Avoid turning your power nap into an unplanned siesta. Set an alarm to wake you up when your time is up. Experiment and adjust: Everyone’s power nap preferences are different. Some might find 15 minutes ideal, while others swear by 20. Experiment with different durations until you find the time frame that fits you best. There you have it—the benefits of and tips for effective power napping! I’m sharing these insights with you because I also personally experienced the pros of this activity. Hopefully, you’re encouraged to take my advice too if you haven’t yet. Boost your productivity, sharpen your mind, and conquer your day-to-day challenges with the help of a short, revitalizing power nap! You’ll see, once you’ve gotten the hang of this practice and fully incorporated it into your daily routine, your body and brain will thank you for it. I hope you enjoyed reading today’s topic!