Getting an ample amount of sleep is important, it’s a widely known fact. But let’s be honest, who’s actually getting to bed on time? It’s imperative to get at least 8 hours of sleep each night but some of us are simply too busy to find the time. Although it’s not the same, there are ways to offset the lack of nighttime sleep by finding time during the day to catch up on some much-needed rest.
Check out these 6 clever ways to sneak a nap during a hectic workweek:
1. Park Your Car
Off to an out of office meeting? Leave an extra 30 minutes early, drive to the nearest park and get some quick shuteye. Park your car, push back the seat, set your alarm for 20 minutes and zone off. It may sound odd but it’s actually quite simple and you’ll be glad you did it once you feel more alert.
2. Personal Office
Got an office to yourself? Let everyone know you have an important call during lunch and you’llhave to close your door. Lock it, set your alarm for 40 minutes, then sleep away!
3. Skip Group Lunch
Tell everyone you’re on a budget this week. Head to your car or the wellness room. Kick back and relax until your hour is up.
4. On the Commute
Beware, this one isn’t always safe but for those of us without cars and living in the city, it’s all we’ve got. Grab a seat closest to either end of the train car (never in the middle), put on your headphones (so no one can try to talk to you), wrap your arm around your bag or purse twice (so no one steals it), then get some shuteye. We all know you can never get any real sleep while commuting, but having the chance to close your eyes for a second will make a world of difference!
5. Yoga Class
We all have those days that seem to never end. Perhaps you still have a dinner meeting later tonight. Save yourself some time from going home just to go back to the city by swinging by a nearby yoga class. Many allow you to do as much or as little as you like and have available showers. This means that class attendees can use their time to either sit or lay to meditate or simply flow with the instructor. Get comfy and cozy then simply lay there to get some quick zzz’s. You can shower after and head to your dinner meeting!
6. The Spa
Hey, if you’re this busy, then you’re that much more stressed. Leave a little bit early today and tell everyone you’ll be working from home for the rest of the day. Swing by your favorite spa and take a quick hour to yourself. Get some zzz’s during a massage or in the sauna, the choice is yours, you just have to make it work!
Tia Muhammad, BS, is an award-winning freelance content & media creative, copywriter, blogger, digital designer, and marketing consultant. She owns the boutique content and digital media company, jackieGLDN|studio.