~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Siesta Time!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This week, The Weekly Beet reports from the sandy beaches of South Carolina. Mary Kent hits the hammock, revealing why we could all benefit from a 20-minute siesta.
 With over 47 million Americans sleep deprived, it seems as if we're sleep walking our way from 9 to 5. Luckily, throughout history, we have famous napping examples to learn from such as Einstein, Da Vinci, Reagan, and even Churchill, who very intelligently got through the day with an afternoon nap. Mostly considered an example of laziness, naps have long been frowned upon by members of the American rat race. But, for centuries, the siesta of Spain, Portugal, and Latin America has been an integral part of everyday life. A civilized, sit down lunch followed by an afternoon nap can be just what the doctor ordered! No work - just friends, family, and a bit of quiet time for a few hours. Can you imagine such a thing on Wall Street? Siesta, one of the most commonly known words in the Spanish language, translates in Latin as the sixth hour from dawn, and means midday rest. Unfortunately, today, in most of these countries, it seems that modern day work pressures are fast putting the traditional siesta to sleep! Just as science is revealing how beneficial a power nap can be, governments in countries like Mexico have passed laws shortening thesiesta. Today less than 25% of people in Latin American countries are taking siesta time. But, in China, where the siesta is called xiuxi or wushui, it is considered a constitutional right to take a rest. Now that's what we call unBEETable.
We did a bit of research and found a New York company that's cashing in on the health benefits of nap time. MetroNaps provides midday resting facilities in the shape of pod like recliners. The pods feature Bose headphones and allow a napper the perfect space to doze. Offices, gyms, and universities are now popping pods all over the place to enhance mental performance! It's a fabulous idea and we're most impressed with the concept.
Since studies have proven that a 20-minute catnap can benefit the body, here's why we can't say no:
Increases and restores alertness.
Enhances mood and mental performance.
 Improves memory and clears the brain.
Restores energy.
Relieves stress.
Increases immunity.
Enhances productivity and creativity.
Ready to give it a shot? Here are a few easy nap time tips to remember:
- Don't feel guilty. Taking a time out to rejuvenate your body is a gift to yourself!
- 15 to 30 minutes is all you need for a power nap. An hour would be miraculous, but many of us just don't have that much time!
- Avoid drinking caffeine on nap time days. It will interfere with your body's ability to relax.
- Always set an alarm!
- If you don't have time to nap, ten minute meditations are extremely effective.
All work and no nap can lead to moodiness, aggressive behavior, impatience, poor performance, and burn out.
It's important to rest up. Take a siesta! Don't miss a Beet. Stay tuned for next week.
Love,
Mary Kent
PS. Mary Kent is wearing top from Calypso. She is napping in an Original Pawley's Island hammock.
PPS. Check out Stephanie Allen, Co-founder of Dream Dinners, on Ladies Who Launch
|
