I’m not a cat person. Well, I wasn’t before a shiny, sleek cat ran up our stairs, through our open door and climbed up onto our bed.
With a little investigation, we found out Kibo lived a 1/2 mile away and for over a year he trotted up the drive and meowed to come in, until both families agreed we would adopt him.
After living full-time with us, he developed an odd behavior. When I arrived home from a busy workday or from a trip teaching or giving a workshop, Kibo literally herded me into the bedroom, nudged me onto the bed and laid on my chest.
Initially I found it endearing, but then when I ignored him, he bit me. Not in play or lovingly, but aggressively. I wondered if he was pissed at me (anthropomorphizing?) because I wasn’t giving him my attention. After a month of observing him, though, I realized I needed my own attention.
I was tired, but wasn’t putting the brakes on.
The Benefit of Cat Naps
You may be aware of the research on the benefits of naps for kindergarteners, but did you know that research also supports the benefits of napping for adults? Some hospitals are even setting up “nap rooms” for staff.
Genevieve M. Clavreul, RN, PhD describes how she changed her mind about nurses taking naps at work. She now believes it’s something all healthcare institutions should consider. In her article in Working Nurse, she shares the evidence that those who take power naps have more energy, are more alert and make less mistakes.
Clavreul also shares tips on how you can advocate for a “nap room” at your workplace. Where I work we are conceptualizing a “Zen Room” where staff can go for a nap, quiet or just some space during their breaks.
What tells you you are low in energy and need to restore yourself?
It may seem like a no brainer: your feet drag, your brain is foggy, you have less patience. But most often, like I did, we ignore the signs of fatigue and just keep pushing through. At best, we turn to a quick fix like caffeine and sugar.
There isn’t just one cause of fatigue, either. It’s hard not to be affected by the many event’s and worries outside of the work. I know I am. (And there are days that I think, a cat nap? I need a Rip Van Winkle sleep!)
.
This is why I come back to caring for yourself is as an essential primer. Like learning your ABC’s is to write words, build sentences, and create paragraphs, everything you do for yourself, expands more effortlessly outward.
While most of us don’t have a place or time for nap (yet!), there are many things you can do that will naturally power you up.
Consider using one of these options:
- Drink. Drink. Drink. Water. Lots of water. Add lemon and mint for an added burst of refreshment.
- Take a walk at a fast pace off your unit, maybe take the stairs or get outside for some fresh air.
- If you do yoga, do a power posture or whole-body stretching.
- Meditate. A few minutes of focused breathing can be remarkably restorative.
Here are even more simple tips to care for yourself on and off your shift. Download this free PDF: 12 Tips to Stay Healthy and Energized at Work.
I actually post this tip sheet at my desk at the hospital and on my refrigerator at home, because just looking at it reminds me of the different ways I can restore and sustain my health and energy.
As for cat naps, the next time I returned from a weekend of teaching, there was Kibo ready to make sure I rested. I complied. Went to bed, put my feet up and stayed there until he released me. I admit, I felt more energized.
What are the strategies you use to sustain and restore your energy? Please share in the comments below so we can grow our list, together!
To your health and wellbeing!
Love,
Jackie
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