Because you’re a busy mama, you need to know how to take a power nap.
By Amy Ruddick
Power naps are the bomb diggity.
Not only to get through your daily to-do list, but because you deserve to feel good and enjoy the health and wellbeing that comes with getting some shut-eye, especially if you are up during the night with little ones.
As cortisol levels rise when we are sleep deprived, our patience levels shrink.
If you are finding it hard to switch off during the day to recharge – there are usually three reasons why:
Mind – Constant mind chatter, racing thoughts and guilt
Body – Aches and pains, indigestion, alcohol or sugar stimulation
Environment – Music and sounds, lights or extreme temperatures
How to make the most of the time you do get to close ‘dem peepers, power nap style…
MIND
To calm the mind, try these three steps.
1. Create a sleep routine
Take the time to do something mindful and calming to prepare your body for a rest. Read, have a cup of herbal tea, take a bath or shower, enjoy some foam rolling, light a candle etc. Swap the TV/your phone for some peace, and revel in your own awesome company.
2. Dump your thoughts
If your head is spinning with your ‘to-do’ list as you sit down, dump it! Grab a note book, paper pad or journal and throw all your ideas and lists into it, knowing that it will still be there when you wake up. Utilise apps like Things or Reminders. As long as you have peace of mind, you will rest easier (and you won’t forget baby yoga next week).
3. Create a mindfulness practice
All you need is five minutes. Taking deep breaths stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system and will calm you. Try apps like Smiling Mind, Headspace, Buddify, Stop Breathe and Think and Insight Timer. The benefits of a clearer mind and calmer outlook knock on to all those around you. Taking the time to nurture yourself is not selfish. It creates a better version of you, so you can give more to those in your life.
BODY
To ease the body, try:
1. Consider your meals carefully
Try eliminating foods which cause indigestion, bloating or discomfort. Also try to consume the majority of your water intake much earlier than your nap to avoid the need for a toilet wake-up.
2. Avoid alcohol and sugar
Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant and will supress REM sleep (the most restful sleep). It’s also a diuretic and can dehydrate you, so avoid that glass of wine with lunch. It will make you feel sluggish. Reducing spikes in your blood sugar will also help you relax.
3. Limit stimulants
Caffeine can cause ‘body noise’ up to 12 hours post consumption. A good rule if you need your morning coffee (we ALL do!) is to limit your intake pre-nap time.
4. Create a morning routine
Doing things like exercise, showering, getting outside in the sunlight and consuming a nutritious breakfast can boost your metabolism and wake your body up for the day, creating an awesome quality nap in the afternoon.
ENVIRONMENT
To prime your power nap environment, think about:
1. Sleep hygiene
Yep that means picking everything up off the floor, and having only a bed and a side table in your bedroom. Fresh sheets and quality linen will also help to create the best setting for good sleep.
2. Climate control
It may be a luxury to have air-con and heating, but they can help when you are needing to sleep well. Air should also be circulated and a window cracked during the day.
3. Lights and sounds
Pitch black is optimal. Dark curtains/blinds and eye masks are great.
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