Nap

 In my post about the Tractor Shed, I mentioned my grandfather, PopDaddy, going up the hill from the store to the house for his nap.  Every day, at about 1pm, he went home for a nap. He stayed about an hour and that hour was sacred!  We grandchildren learned at an early age not to disturb PopDaddy at nap time or there would be dire consequences! Unless someone had died or the store was on fire, you didn’t bother him during his nap!  

As a child, I thought it was strange that a grown man took a nap every day. I fought naps like a tiger!  I did not want to go to sleep in the middle of the day!  It just didn’t make sense. I had things to do and a nap interfered with them!  

As a younger adult, I still thought it strange.  You took an hour out of a productive day just to get a nap. I remember in the 1980’s and 1990’s the “Power Nap” fad.  I never went in for it because I usually had too much to do.  

But, as an older adult, around the same age I remember my grandfather being, I see the value of the nap. It’s not just the sleep or the rest.  It’s a break.  It gives you some quiet time to think about things.  It recharges you and helps you to have a good and productive afternoon and evening.  

I’m fortunate that I am retired and can take a nap every day if I choose. But even if you are still working, a short break in the middle of the day can help. Even 10 minutes of quiet can make a huge difference. No phone, no talk, just quiet.  Try it.  I’m headed there now myself!  


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