First published 26 September 2024

A Toddler’s Guide to Wellness

How often have we been told that having a nap is a sign of laziness or inefficiency?  

Well, as I have a habit of doing, I am going to challenge that thought process because the simple act of taking a nap can have profound benefits for our physical and mental health.

Let’s take a page from the wisdom of toddlers and explore the healing and magical powers of a nap. 
Toddlers and babies have an innate understanding of the power of naps. 
They don’t hesitate to doze off whenever they need to – no feelings of guilt or sense of unproductivity. 

So, can we embrace our inner toddler?

Let’s start with the why…?

The Science of a Nap:

• Improved Cognitive Function:  naps can enhance memory, focus, and problem-solving abilities
• Reduce Stress: Resting helps lower cortisol levels, which in turn reduces stress and promotes relaxation.
• Increased Energy: naps can provide a quick energy boost, making you more productive & alert.
• Better mood: Adequate rest can improve mood and reduce irritability (think of the Snickers advert ‘you’re not you when you are hungry’, the same can be said when you are tired!)

The Stigma

Coming back to the toddler – they aren’t judged for having a nap.  We don’t call them lazy or unproductive.  I seem to remember my friends complaining when their toddlers didn’t nap anymore!  So why is there such a stigma?  It what point did having a nap become taboo and ‘bad’?

If we switch the focus to looking at a nap as a natural way to recharge and optimise our well-being – most likely more effectively than coffee (that’s not to say you can’t have coffee too – I read something this week about having a coffee and then immediately having a 15 min nap so that you wake just as the caffeine is kicking in…!)

Just like toddlers, we need rest to function at our best.

Tips for Effective Napping

If you need permission or a prescription, then here it is (and it’s been a while since I did a ‘top tips’ section 😉 so here’s one of those too!)

• Find a quiet, comfortable space
• Set a timer for a power nap (15-20 minutes)
• Listen to your body and nap when you feel tired.

It’s as simple as that! 

So, the next time you are feeling tired, overwhelmed or are flagging, take a pause and have a nap!  Embrace the wisdom of toddlers in prioritising rest and rejuvenation.  When we are well-rested we are better equipped to handle life’s challenges.

If you are already a napper, please do share your experiences and tips, and if you are still reluctant or unsure, schedule a session to explore relaxation techniques and stress management strategies as a gateway to the almighty nap 😉.

Maybe we can start a movement where we all utilise napping to optimise our health and well-being (if it helps, afternoon nap was the inspiration for writing this 😴)