This blog is an attempt to post some nuggets I might share with those who come to my office for my private practice in therapy and counseling. Many of us are influenced by a culture which places a high value on productivity. In this life, it’s important realize the differences in time and place, and above all practice a life of balance. How are we to keep pace with high productivity unless we give due space for rest?
I come to the peace of wild things who do not tax their lives with forethought of grief… For a time I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.
Wendell Berry
If one looks at the Google logo which often changes to signify days with themes, it can be fun and enlightening. I guess there is a day for just about everything now. I was disappointed to realize I’d missed, of all things, Napping Day! Who knew? I would have intentionally worked in a nap as our culture does not often reward time spent doing nothing. We are encouraged to nap as children while our young bodies are growing. As older adults, many experience reduced energy and short naps are sometimes a natural part of the day.
Today, I came home from work and intentionally took a short nap – not more than 30 minutes to avoid deep sleep – and felt refreshed and nourished when I got up. I forgot how nice it is to take a few minutes for ourselves to reset, recharge, and restore our energy. I wasn’t groggy because I didn’t allow myself to get into a deep sleep.
In his later years, my father used to come home for lunch, then sit in his recliner, and take a 20 minute nap before returning to his office for the afternoon. Some places in the world still take a longer lunch hour to have time for a siesta, or some relaxation in the middle of the day. It’s amazing how a small nap can restore our energy. I woke up from my short nap and wrote this blog!
When we stop and take small steps to care for ourselves, we not only increase our own energy, it can impact the world around us. When we take care of ourselves, we think better, we tend to interact better with others, and we can appreciate that we bring our best self forward.