Sunday Thoughts (nap like the Army?)
When Sunday rolls around, I try not to have much of a plan.
It’s a day of catchup, cleanup or rest up.
Cooking, or reading or watching football.
And sometimes I like to sneak in a nap. Especially if I’m coming off a particularly hard week.
Taking a nap used to be associated with weakness, or laziness. Or a luxury indulgence, only for those with “extra time.”
But maybe the Army will change a few minds on that.
Because I took a walk through their latest health & fitness manual, and what do you know – they’re now fans of what some have called “strategic and aggressive napping.”
It stands to reason that active duty military need to be ready and alert. So fatigue is something they need to combat, before they combat any foe.
Their new manual says this:
“When regular nighttime sleep is not possible due to mission requirements, soldiers can use short, infrequent naps to restore wakefulness and promote performance. When routinely available sleep time is difficult to predict, soldiers might take the longest nap possible as frequently as time is available.”
Interesting advice. And keeping up with the times, as it turns out.
Because naps get a bad rap.
And as the military now recognizes, “the afternoon provides an opportunity to help pay down any existing sleep debt.”
This is especially important when our alertness starts to fade mid-day.
So if you find you want to rest your eyes this afternoon, don’t feel guilty about it. It’s not a luxury – it’s a tool for mental and physical performance.
My dog Ellie has known this for years. I’m glad the Army gives me another reason to join her in an afternoon siesta.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend. And stay safe.
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