How a Cat Nap can help you to be more productive
A short nap during the day was in the past common for the people.
Even today in hot countries people have an afternoon rest or siesta, to be able
to do their work in the evening when it cools down. In the busy schedule of our time,
we forgot and even frowned on having a cat nap.
But even research shows that it is good for us.
Ernest Hemingway
Many people get tired in the afternoon and can not focus. What was usual in the past is to make a nap we do not allow ourselves anymore. But this is not good, people would be more productive and focused after a short nap.
Read about the experience of 130 Bloggers in Huffington Post aĀ Super Roundup Post of our friend Philip Verghese Ariel
Behind-The-Scenes: 130+ Experts Spill Their Productivity Secrets
Read also an article by Dr. Jose Sandoval, he is a licensed clinical psychologist, ISSA certified fitness trainer and Integrative Nutrition Holistic Health Coach >Ā How napping can renew youā¦
Famous people like Albert Einstein, Edison, Winston Churchill, and many other of the worldās most influential people took short naps and had their best Ideas coming after a cat nap.
Thomas Edison is known for taking a cat nap to find his best ideas.
No coffee can replace a nap, it is really powerful and it
would help many to be more productive.
Studies and Research
There are a lot of studies and research on how long and how to do a nap, some say 15 min is
enough, some say 30 min. I think everybody is different and it may depend on the time in life
as well.
For me, the natural way is always the best.
Edison, for example, used to hold something in his hand and did sit in a comfortable chair when
he took his nap. By the time when he was totally relaxed his hand opened and the stone or whatever
he was holding, fell down and this woke him up.
It is said that this increases the adrenaline level and one becomes as clear and alert, as after an 8-hour sleep.
I can tell yes this works and I did this often. In the past, I did experience that when I was tired and sleepy and wanted to finish something, I had to do it again the next day because it was not how it should be.
I am sure many people who work until late face the same issue.
So why, not take a short cat nap in the afternoon, to be alert, productive, and focused.
It is less stressful and the work results are better.
The Cat Nap during the day
Studies have shown that the effect of short sleep in the afternoon promotes concentration.
The short nap during the day, this so-called catnap has only advantages. because at noon, most people fight fatigue and lack of concentration.
This is anchored in the human biorhythms and we cannot explain it by a lack of sleep at night. Also, we cannot avoid it with coffee or tea.
Whoever suffers from afternoon fatigue or does not get enough sleep in the night, a short nap during the day will help to increase attention by 100% as a study by NASA demonstrated.
The cat nap has been investigated in numerous studies and to read them all can be confusing.
This is what they say in short.
It has a positive effect on short-term memory.
Increases performance.
It reduces weight: Tired people have a greater appetite for fat and sweet foods.
Also, t protects against heart disease: a noon sleep half an hour a week 3 times, can reduce the risk of a heart attack by 37 %.
It makes a good mood: someone who has not slept enough is quickly irritated. A nap increases the levels of serotonin in
the blood, a hormone that lifts the mood.
It prevents fatigue.
See also>8 Steps To Make Catnapping At Work Boost Productivity And Career Advancement
How to do a Cat Nap
Who is at home, or even in the office, can integrate the catnap in the lunch break: Sit in a comfortable chair or couch put your feet up. Close your eyes and relax.
You should support the head or put the head on the desk. It is not necessary to sleep lying down.
The catnap should not take more than 20 and 30 minutes. If one falls asleep for more than an hour he will feel irritated, confused, and tired, and exhausted afterward.
The optimal time for a cat nap is 13 to 14 minutes. and best after eating because the body can then focus all its energy on digestion.
So why not do a cat nap if necessary, when it is that healthy and good for us?
What do you think, are you catnapping sometimes?
If you never thought of a catnap, after reading about the benefits, do you consider doing it?
Please, let us know.
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Awesome post, Ma’am.
Loved reading this.
Let’s grow productive š
Thanks for sharing!
Muhammad Ahmad recently posted…[Secret Video Guide] Brian Shares How to Get More Organic Traffic
Hi Muhammad ,
nice to see you here again š
Good you loved reading and remember
to make cat naps if needed :)to stay
productive.
Thank you
Erika
Hi Erika,
I enjoyed reading this because hey, I’m a catnap-er š I *can’t* imagine life without catnaps. I know lots of people who don’t do it even though they seem to get along pretty well … I find it kinda mind-boggling, actually (I’m biased, I know).
I’ve read that the shortest catnap we can do is six minutes, and it can make the difference. (Isn’t that amazing?)
I can relate to the benefits you stated here. My energy’s back after a nap … my focus, my mood. Catnaps are great for me … although usually I’d look for a bench, or any structure, where I can lie my whole body down–as if in a bed.
I’d definitely recommend doing catnaps. I even think there’s no excuse to not do it š
Thanks for putting this up, great post!
Ethan Bridges recently posted…How to Respect Yourself Even When Nobody Else Seems To
Hi Ethan,
Great you are a cat napper š
This makes you so productive š
,Yes ,you are right it is really amazing that
6 minutes can make a difference, this is how beautifully
and precise our body is created.
Cat naps can be done by laying down as well,
why not ,if one is used to it ,he will wake up to the right
time ,the body clock works š
I think many people do not take enough time for themselves
or have, like I had from childhood,a paradigm , in Germany
it was considered laziness to take a nap when I grew up there š
Thank you for your comment ,Keep doing your naps to
continue ,you good work . I visited your blog ,you are doing
great inspiring work.
Erika
w
Hi, Erika
I am big supporter of cat nap. In fact, cat nap is very essential to me. I wake up automatically around 1:30 am (I wish I could continue to sleep longer). I am very tired around noon time. If I don’t take the cat nap, I will have no energy.
I experience some of benefits that you mentioned here. I believe cat nap can help people to have longer life.
will share!
Stella Chiu
Hi Stella ,
Good to hear that cat naps are helping you.
It is true ,it has benefits and we should
not be afraid to admit we do . I think it
is a natural solution against stress as well.
Thank you for your nap story š
Erika
Hello Madam Erika,
I’m a lover of taking cat nap and it’s good to know that it has lots of benefits. I guess I really need to take it seriously now.
Thanks.
Hi Emmanuel,
Good to hear you are taking cat naps ,
you can take it seriously because it
really keeps you alert and productive.
Now that you know this ,use them whenever
you need it .
Thanks for your comment
Erika
Hi Erika,
Taking power naps in between the work is really good. It gives a boost to work little more. And you have written an amazing post.
thanks for sharing.
Robin Khokhar recently posted…How Many AdSense Ad Units are Allowed Per Page?
Hi Robin ,
Good, you know about the power of cat naps .
This helps a lot ,especially bloggers who have
to work till late often . Use them and keep doing
the good work .
Thank you
Erika
Hello Erika,
Nice post. I live in New Delhi and Most of the people who stay at home sleep in the afternoon to relax and then they wake up in the evening time to do their work. I think it helps restore the stamina that they loose while working.
I don’t have the hobby of sleeping in day time but I do go to bed to just lay down and rest for few minutes when I am tired of sitting in front of computer.
Atish Ranjan recently posted…Wondershare MobileGo ā All-in-One Android Manager
Hi Atish,
Yes ,I can imagine that in the heat of Delhi people need
to sleep during the day to be able to work in the evening.
I learned to nap,when I was living in Iran,where the weather
is similar to India . I had the rhythm of Germany,napping over
there was considered laziness š But with my high speed(some friends
called me Speedy), I got really sick there and had to slow down and
adapt to the life there.This is how I realized the power of cat naps.
What you do ,laying down is near the same ,maybe if you do it in the
awareness of the power of cat naps ,it will be even more effective.
Thank you for your comment
Erika
Hi Erika
Cat naps have so much benefit as you have shared. Although, most companies do not encourage naps, I agree that taking naps helps to improve productivity and focus. Thank you for sharing this lovely post. Take Care
ikechi recently posted…Why You Shouldnāt Throw Any of Yourself Away
Hi Ikechi ,
You are right ,it would help companies to keep their personal more productive.
I saw some encouraging it lately ,like Huffington Post ,Google and others.
Maybe it will be more popular in the future.
Use them to stay in good energy .
Thank you
Erika
Naps are, indeed, essential for productivity!
Meditating or practicing self-hypnosis will often lead to the same effect: a relaxed and more productive YOU.
I had a relaxation tape once (yes, I am that old) and it taught me how to enter a total state of relaxation.
First you look up and pick a spot above you so that your eyes are rolled back a bit. Then you stare at it until your eyes become moist and warm.
You imagine yourself in your “happy place” and tell yourself all the negative energy s leaving your body.
Eventually, your eyes will get heavy and they will close.
When you awaken, you feel very alert.
Try this and let me know how it goes!
One other thing you can do to fall asleep is count backwards from 100. This works, too.
Lorraine Reguly recently posted…Give Me YOUR FEEDBACK + Join the Mailing List!
Hi Lorraine ,
Thank you ,this is a very good practice you share here.
I am sure it helps and I do similar to this . I love imagination
and always keep negative energy out as much as possible or get rid
if I get aware of it. I myself have no problems with sleep at all,
but I know many have and it is often caused by stress and not taking
time for relaxation or meditation.
Thank you for you helpful comment
Erika
Great post! Two things I can say about this. Firstly I learned a technique a few years ago for energising naps. It takes about 15 minutes and I wake feeling fantastic. Secondly, I took my ships mates certificate some years ago and we had to work 4 hours on, 4 hours off for the whole weekend. It was a really good system and I didn’t feel tired at all all weekend.
Enjoy the journey!
Mandy Allen recently posted…O Is For Opportunity
Hi Mandy,
Great, you know about the power and benefits of
naps. Interesting the way a ship mate works ,it
shows that taking rest in between is beneficial.
Thank you for sharing this
Erika
Hi Erika,
I do try to cat nap, but when I do it lasts for a few hours. My husband can do it. I’ve seen him sleep for ten minutes and wake up refreshed. He often asks me if he slept for hours.
I do know the benefits of it, but have to set a timer because when I sleep, it is so difficult to wake up. But I’m working on it. Instead of having a cup of coffee, I will go into an empty room during the day and try. Even if I don’t fall asleep, I do feel refreshed after 15 minutes of turning my brain off. lol
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted…Run Your Blog Like You Would Run A Store
Hi Donna,
Your husband seems to be good at taking cat naps.
He is used to waking up at the right time. It needs
practice. I do not nap regularly ,only if I feel I
need it and I too have the feeling it was hours ,but
looking at the clock ,I see it was only 10-15 minutes.
You can practise to finding the right time ,like Einstein
or Edison, they did hold something in the hand and when it
fell down it was waking them up ,this is the right natural time.
And you can even drink your coffee if you like, it works anyways.
If you do it with awareness you will find your right nap time.
Thank you for your comment
Erika
Benefits of power nap or cat nap is well known all over the world and now corporote world is also realizing its importance. This is the reason, in many parts of the world, companies are allowing their employers to take a power nap for their relaxation and most importantly for increasing their productivity. Some companies even arrange seperate rooms, mats etc. for the nap so that their employes can enjoy a peaceful nap. I take nap almost every day. I tried Edison’s method but it didn’t work out for me as I find it comfortable to take a nap on bed or sofa but not on the chair. Basically, I set up an alarm of 20-30 minutes and it’s enough for me.
Hi Bharat,
you are right ,the corporate world started to give the employees time for a nap .
It seems that the old way of living is better for the productivity than today’s stress.
Good you found the right way to do your nap ,the Edison method was meant as a suggestion
to begin with and find the right time,but it works for some people in a chair as well.
Thank you for your comment
Erika
Hi Erika š
Awwwww to be able to take a cat nap lol Thanks for the great way to do say if you need to rejuvenate yourself during the day š Thanks for sharing how important it is to get in a catnap if you need it š Great post!
Joan M Harrington recently posted…The Step By Step Method To Become Anything You Want To Be
Hi Joan,
Yes ,with a cat nap we can get more productive,better to work
rested than tired. Often we continue to work even when tired,
usually, this will not bring good results,better to have a nap. š
Thank you for your comment
Erika
Hi Erika Mohssen-Beyk, Great tips on cat nap. Yes i have seen in our family and relatives they sleep afternoon for one hour and in china in offices people take power nap only for 5 minutes and again they start work. Thanks for sharing these useful tips which is useful to all.
Hi Sazia ,
yes you are right ,in China, people take naps and recently
here I heard big companies offer a nap room as well ,to have
the people more productive. I am glad you found the tips
useful.
Thank you for your comment
Erika
Hi Erika mam
Great post!
Power naps in between the work are really important. They make us feel refreshed and energised again.
Enjoyed reading the post. Thanks fro sharing!
Hi Sonal ,
I am glad you know about these naps ,
I am sure in India it is very much needed.
When in summer the weather is hot ,people can
take a nap ,to be refreshed in the evening.
Thank you for your comment
Erika
HI Erika,
I think cat naps are a great help, didn’t know that what they call them,
but I do use them when I feel that I need to.
And it so true you don’t need much, 10-15 minutes are plenty to get you going again.
Thank you for sharing!
Hi Emi,
I too did not know the name cat nap,
I learned it by reading about Einstein and Edison
and Hemingway used to do it too.
But from the past I knew ,my grandpa used to do
what is called “Nickerchen”, in German, and he was
very productive. Good to do it no matter what the name is.:)
Thanks for your comment
Erika
Hi Erika,
Joy to be here again after a bit gap, as you know i was working on the next roundup and its getting almost at the final stage, what a coincide that too is about our sleep and productivity! What a coincidence, yes, lack of sleep will badly effect our productivity out of 120+ experts shared already have the same opinion. and am sure this so called Cat nap will surely compensate our required sleep. You did presented it well this post.
Keep sharing
May you have a great week ahead
Thanks for dropping by
Best
~ Phil
Hi Philip ,
it was your coming roundup post which inspired me
to write this ,because it is really a help for many
who have difficulty with not enough sleep and productivity.
As you see it helped even big minds to have ideas and
be more productive. It is said,that it is not the lack of
sleep which slows us down ,it is taking the time to do a
nap in between. Many continue to work tired and this will
not be very productive,often it has to be done again ,which
takes longer than a cat nap.
Thank you for your comment,
all the best for your roundup
Erika
Hi Erika,
I do feel the need of nap at noon time. The after meal time is surely good for that. However, mine is surely not a cat nap š Though I have always seen my father & hubby to take a cat nap in every possible time (when they are at home). Even 10 minutes are enough.
But I could never sleep for that short duration – either it’s more than a hour (when I am fully tired) or no nap at all. But from your article and the comments I got the point that, it can be learnt if practised properly. Hope to try for the next whole week. Thank for sharing the facts. Take care and have a lovely weekend š
Manidipa B recently posted…How to Change Nameservers on Godaddy
Hi Manidipa ,
nice to see you here.
I think everybody is different and maybe you need longer naps ,
if you do not feel more tired after and feel good and can work
better,why not longer? but if you feel more tired after your nap ,then
it may be better to practice the short ones.
All the best
Thank you for your comment š
Erika
Awesome post, Maāam.
Loved reading this.
Hi Ratandeep,
I am glad you loved reading the post .
thank you for your visit and comment
Erika
Hi Erika,
What a joy to be here again!
Oh my I just received the notification in my WP dashboard about the kind mention about our post on my page as well as on HuffPo page
Thank you very much for the wonderful note,
Keep sharing
PS:
I will be adding this shortly on my Mentions and featured post.
May you have a great and blessed weekend
Best
~ Phil
Philip Verghese Ariel recently posted…Why Should You Secure Your Home Loan With Term Insurance?
Hi Philip ,
you are welcome ,you did a fantastic post ,it has to be mentioned š
I too wish you a beautiful weekend š
Thank you
Erika
Hey Erika,
It is my first comment here, really liked your blog and the natural way you write.
I believe that everyone needs the cat nap to feel better during the long and hot days, and this is why we see the slight change in the working hours distribution in the hot countries.
Thanks for sharing!
Have a nice weekend.
Regards
Hussain
Hussain recently posted…Copyscape Alternatives: 12 Most Used Plagiarism Checkers in 2016
Hi Hussain ,
I am glad you like my blog and writing.
I know it needs a rest in long hot days and after a good nap ,
people are able to work in the cooler evening time. I remember the
time when I lived in a hot country. But a cat nap is good here as well.
In the past, it was common to have a rest in the afternoon .
Good that some of the companies come back to this practice and
let the people rest to become more productive.
Thank you for your comment and hope see you again here š
Thank you ,have a great weekend
Erika
Hello Erika Madam !
Awesome article ! In my childhood I was seen formers using cat nap trick during their work. In midday they went to lunch and after that they take nap under the trees. Then next hold day work hard. I think this essential more for us. Thanks sharing different kind of article l!
Hi Suresha,
just found your comment in the spam folder.not sure why.
Right, Suresha, it was common to take naps in the afternoon and I think good to do it again.
Many companies start to provide a room for their employees to take a rest and it seems they are
more productive.
Thank you for your comment.
Erika
CatNap usefulness also depends on one more thing and that is early wake up in the morning. Suppose, one wakes up 10 ‘o clock and goes to catnap in lunch break, he will automatically become a lazy person.
However, 13-14 minutes’ catnap is great calculated time and one must try to oversleeping during day.
A Catnap is needed when one feels tired and unproductive. With a short Nap, this problem can be solved.
A lazy person is anyways not productive.
Thanks for your comment,
[…] and love what they do forget the time. Why not? If it is getting late you can have a “Catnap” the next day. But if a to-do list rules your day, it is even not a bit worked off. On the contrary […]