Sleep is not a luxury people! Sleep is a necessity. Ideally, you’re tucked in and dreaming peacefully for 7 to 9 hours every night. Sometimes this just isn’t possible. Maybe you picked up a late-night shift and have an early class the next morning. Maybe you were cramming for a test. Maybe your thoughts kept you awake. Whatever your reason is, a nap might be the perfect solution for you.
It’s not always easy allowing ourselves to drift for a few minutes during the middle of the day. When our schedules are hectic, our racing thoughts manage to keep our eyes wide open, no matter how sleepy we feel. I’ve had multiple times where all I wanted to do was snuggle in my blankets only to toss and turn for 45 minutes wondering how I’m supposed to function for the remainder of the day on so little rest.
Being the professional napper that I am, I’ve learned a few tips and tricks that I’d love to share with you so you can spring out of bed with a smile on your face! Grab your favorite blanket and get comfy to brace yourself for the best naps of your life. Whether you stay under the covers for 20 minutes or two hours, the tips below are a total game-changer.
Change into comfy clothes
Get your mind in the mood for sleep! Changing into comfy clothes signals to your brain that you’re shifting gears. Try to wear looser clothing like sweatpants and a t-shirt. Slipping into something comfy and fresh will encourage your body to relax.
Find a quiet space
This one sounds obvious, but not being disturbed is key to drifting off. You want your time to be as serene as possible and silence is a wonderful way to achieve that. Be sure your phone is off as well!
Fill your room with a calming scent
My essential oil diffuser is my best friend. When I nap, my go-to blend of oils is 5 drops of lavender and 3 drops of eucalyptus. Lavender is calming and eucalyptus is rejuvenating. If essential oils aren’t your thing, light your favorite candle or massage yourself with a nice lotion.
Keep the lights low
When it’s dark out, your body naturally produces melatonin, which is a sleep hormone. If the sun is beaming through your window when you try to take a nap, your body isn’t going to respond the way you want. Close your curtains and grab a sleep mask. I love using this weighted eye pillow. Even better, it has a lavender scent!
Stay cozy
My room gets a bit chilly and my covers feel like sheets of ice when I first hop in bed. Shivering and relaxing don’t go hand in hand, so I use a microwavable heating pad and place it over my feet. I get comfy and toasty really quick.
Taking a 20-minute nap? Consider drinking caffeine
Coffee naps are a glorious way to reenergize. Caffeine takes about 15-20 minutes to kick in. When we drink it right before taking a quick nap, we allow our bodies to rest and wake up with a caffeine boost!
Make your naps intentional
You may or may not want to do this, but I love making my naps as intentional as possible. The number one way I do this is with healing crystals. I think about what energy I need to help me get through the rest of the day and place specific crystals on various chakra points or under my pillow. For example, if I have a stress headache, I grab amethyst. If I’m in a funk, I grab my smokey quartz. Another great way to make your nap intentional is to set a goal for how you want to feel when you wake up. My most common goals are to have a clear head, wake up with a fresh perspective and heal my mind and body.
Focus on deep breathing
Promise me you’ll do this! It seems like an easy step to overlook, but I promise it helps so much. In the middle of a busy day, the last thing our mind wants to do is quiet down. When you practice deep breathing, you give your mind something to focus on and deep breathing is calming. Take a big inhale and exhale. I love to imagine with each exhale that I’m sinking into my bed. It’s a wonderful visualization to complement the deep breathing and lead to ultimate relaxation.
Sleep well, friends!
Love,
Camryn