National Napping Day & Creating a Comfortable Space

Courtesy Photo by iam_os on Unsplash

Often taking naps in the afternoon after a heavy meal, after long morning work hours, or due to tiredness can be beneficial for your health. Every year on March 9th is National Napping Day. You can take a nap for twenty to thirty minutes as long as it is not near your bedtime. Nonetheless, napping can help you improve your mood, feel less tired, and help you be alert. It is best to keep naps short, so it does not interfere with your regular sleep schedule. 

Create a comfortable area to take a nap. Ensure that you have a distraction-free area and a comfortable sofa or a recliner to take a nap. Also, avoid getting a sore neck or a stiff shoulder after taking a nap. Use cushions, pillows, and a throw blanket. Avoid allergy triggers especially if you are allergic to certain flowers on your living room side tables. 

Make sure the area where you are going to take a nap is dust-free. Keep in mind the lighting, furniture, fabrics, textures, and the temperature of the room. If the furniture textures and fabrics are too rough, you might want to move your furniture or purchase a softer recliner or sofa before taking a nap. As well as making sure the room is quiet and you have privacy for taking a nap. Be aware of the temperature in the room before taking a nap. 

Be cautious in choosing hanging plants, framed posters, or big framed art especially if it is next to your sofa or your recliner. Often moving framed art in a different area and to prevent the items from falling in case of an earthquake. Also, make sure you like the paintings or the theme of the wall art. Sometimes, you might have trouble taking a nap especially when your wall art makes you feel frightened or it reminds you of an uncomfortable experience. Otherwise, select artworks that make you feel inner peace and make you feel optimistic. 

Additionally, you can have a theme to decorate your napping area or have mismatched furniture depending on your decor preferences. Make sure you have no objects on your sofa or on your recliner before taking nap. For example, if you have pens, notebooks, hand lotions, or other items before taking a nap; Place them on a side table so it does not cause injury or discomfort while taking a nap. Use a timer to help you take short naps and keep your cell phone on silent mode while taking a nap. Avoid interruptions, distractions, or any background noise that could disturb your nap. 

If you are at home, you can take a nap in the nude for twenty or thirty minutes especially if it makes you feel comfortable. However, you can sleep with socks or with less clothing depending on your comfort level before taking a nap at home. Also, be cautious when wearing bracelets or other jewelry before taking a nap. Sometimes, sleeping with tight earrings can cause bruising or your bracelets might leave black or green skin marks. Nonetheless here are resources for taking a nap. 

The Science Behind Napping: Boost Brain Power with Short Naps-Nap Wisdom:

The Science Behind Napping: Boost Brain Power with Short Naps - Nap Wisdom

Napping: Benefits and Tips:

Napping: Benefits and Tips

The Best Way to Take a Nap, According to Experts:

The Best Way To Take a Nap, According to Experts

Ideas for Creating a Cozy Nap Space at Home:

Ideas for Creating a Cozy Nap Space at Home

*Courtesy Photo by iam_os on Unsplash