The Work Nap

If you are fortunate enough to have a workplace that has an area for naps and your workload can wait, take advantage of that benefit – shoot for a 20-30 minute nap to take the edge off your exhaustion. A shorter nap will keep you in higher levels of sleep, which prevent you from waking up groggy. In order to accomplish this feat, set an alarm on your cell phone or ask a coworker to wake you.

The Work at Home Nap

If you work at home, being sleepy on the job is not as much of a problem, or is it? The real problem is keeping it from becoming a habit. And actually the habit is only a problem if it interferes with your productivity, clients, or your family. If you successfully incorporate napping into your schedule, then go for it. But if it becomes something that cuts into your work, try to do this only if you are super-tired so that you can get the most work done.

The Work at Home Nap with Kids

This is similar to situation above, but because your “boss” is your kids. If the kids are young enough, try to get them to nap with you or nap when they nap. Of course don’t leave young children unattended. If you’re afraid you can’t stay awake, call a friend, family member, or babysitter to come over and help you out. Lastly, you can always try The Meditation Nap if you need to stay awake, but also need to get some rejuvenation.

The Meditation Nap

This is not a sleeping nap, but it will give you the similar feeling of renewal that you get after a short nap. In a nutshell a meditation nap is conscious quiet rest time. Here’s how you do it.

• Allot approximately 10-20 minutes.
• Start by doing a couple stretches, whatever feels good.
• Next take 10 deep breaths with eyes closed and sitting upright.
• Take the rest of the time to empty your mind of everything. A good way to do this is to mentally repeat a mantra, which is one word or phrase such as “empty the mind” or “peace” or “om” or whatever works for you. As thoughts come into your mind, notice them like clouds going by in the sky, but don’t grab hold. Just keep coming back to your mantra.

At the end of your allotted time open your eyes, take another couple deep breaths and stretches. If you suffer from eye-strain, lightly place your hands over your eyes during part of the time. This helps eye strain tremendously. You can also try giving yourself a face and head massage.

Need more advice? Here is a complete website on how to stay alert.