12 Days of Valentine’s: The importance of powernaps

Welcome to day 1 of the 12 Days of Valentine’s – Love Yourself! I’m really excited about implementing each of the challenges I am going to talk about over the next 12 days into my own life. They are all small actionable steps that when added together will bring about change. Just writing the different posts in this series have made me realize what I need to do to feel more focused and specifically how to get more out of each day for myself. As a mother, my tendency is to make sure every one else is thriving while putting my needs second. Problem is I never get around to my needs. 

Today’s challenge is a simple one. Grab yourself a 20 minute powernap when baby is sleeping. It sounds easier than it is. I know I am not the only mother than was told when baby was born “Sleep when baby sleeps” but didn’t heed the advice and instead cleans, showers, cooks, blogs and does whatever else they can’t do when baby is awake. With Monkey #1 I tried to follow the E.A.S.Y method, which stands for Eat Activity Sleep You-time. If refers to feeding your baby (eat), letting them have a little kick around (activity), then in theory they should be ready for Sleep. At this point you get your “You time”. What I like about the E.A.S.Y method is that the author behind it was realistic about the fact that most mothers don’t want to sleep when baby is sleeping. Or sometimes we can’t sleep when baby is asleep because we still have other children in the family to care for. But, what she does advocate for is rest. Leave the dishes, leave the dirty laundry for at least 20 minutes – your body will love you.

Studies show that a 20 minute powernap in the afternoon is even more effective than sleeping in an extra 20 minutes in the morning. Set an alarm and give yourself up to 30 minutes to reap the benefits of better clarity and patience, something we all need as mothers.

So go on, take a nap today. You deserve it and the people around you will appreciate your improved mood.

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This post is part of the 12 days of Valentine’s – Love yourself series written by me. I have no medical credentials but I do have a hard earned PhD in motherhood. This series is written to lighten up general ‘blahs’ and feelings of being in a rut that many mothers have. This is not meant to act as medical advice. If you think you are severely depressed then you need to seek out appropriate professional help. Reach out and get help from your doctor or with Postpartum Support International. 

– Image courtesy of © Phartisan