Grab a Cat Nap and Say Goodbye to Stress!

Sleep deprivation is one of the biggest causes of stress in our lives, and when we’re stressed, the problem exacerbates itself because stress causes insomnia. If you feel unusually fatigued during the day, you might not be getting the kind of sleep that affords you good health.

There is a way to give yourself a counter-balance to a less than restful nights sleep.... a cat nap!

Cat naps re-energize you so that you feel alert, you think better, perform better, and you can handle stress better. Companies like Nike are now embracing the idea of a cat nap, also named a power nap.

When you don’t get a cat nap during the day, your judgment is impaired. Not only for driving, but for your reactions with situations where you’re dealing with too much stress, such as a debate with a co-worker or a disagreement with your spouse.

Your motivation and patience is compromised, as well. A tired person doesn’t feel like making any extra effort, so when something else is piled onto their task list, the stress it causes is immense compared to someone who is rested, alert, and able to handle the additional workload.

All it takes is 20 minutes to reduce aggression and moodiness. Don’t think you can just tack on 20 more minutes to your nightly sleep schedule, either – it doesn’t benefit you as much as a mid-day power nap that helps you recover from the 8 hours of work you’ve just completed.

If you are not able to grab a quick cat nap, try to practice some stress management exercises or some yoga stretches to re-energize.

Don't let stress drive you to say or do something that you could regret when it is easy to manage in little ways! Check out our stress management resources!

Until next time,
Take care and be safe!