Vimbly
Q: What should you most miss about not being a kid anymore?
- Eating junk food (and still having limbs like twigs)?
- Never having to go to work or worry about bills?
- Saturday morning cartoons, enjoyed while wearing PJs?
A. None of the above. What I’m talking about is much better than any of those indisputable delights. In fact, what I’m talking about is the key to everything you’ve ever dreamt about. Literally.
That’s right – you guessed it – I’m talking about naptime. Let’s be honest, adults these days don’t nap as much as they should (which is every day, religiously). There’s always too much to be done in too little time, ladders to climb and cumbersome weights to lift with a grunt. Sweet, delicious naps end up taking a backseat to more “important” things like jobs, personal hygiene, and socializing. But what pleasures do those petty things get you? In the time you took to manage the team, give yourself a manicure, or order and drink those margaritas, you could have taken a trip to dreamland. In the daytime, when it’s sweetest.
I can see you’re skeptical. Don’t take my word for it. Studies – actual, scientific studies – have shown that naps increase overall relaxation, performance, and alertness. Paradoxically, stopping gets you there faster, with less stress and fewer mistakes. And this measurably happens even if you nap for only 20-30 minutes! In fact, any longer, and you might be groggy. Really, why can’t you take those 20 minutes that add so much, not only to your well-being but your productivity? Why must you be so obstinately wakeful?
Good. I see some eyelids closing. For those of you who are ready to succumb to the pleasures of daytime slumber, New York City is the place. Yes, the city that never sleeps DOES, in fact, help you sleep. Any old time you want to. Because amidst the hustle and bustle of our manic metropolis, there are great napping hotspots.
If you’re the type who likes your naps to be ultra-luxe, places like Yelo Spa are the cushy choice. Napping is only one of their spa treatments, and they pull out all the stops to take you to dreamland. Your journey to the land of nod begins in a private room, in a special seat that is restful and ergonomic. There ensconced, music is yours to customize, surrounding you with ambience and comfort for as long as you need. You sleep for the prepaid amount of time, and then… oh, so kindly… you are awakened by an effect akin to a slowly rising sun.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a free nap, any of the big department stores are ideal. Bustling stores like Macy’s, Bloomingdales, and Saks Fifth Avenue have dreamy nooks and corners waiting to be claimed. After all, bored and tired partners who have virtuously accompanied the shopper must be served. So check out those areas with comfortable couches and chairs; they’re perfect for a quick mental checkout. As long as you act like you’re with someone who’s shopping, no salesperson will rouse you.
But perhaps you’re shy. Maybe the prospect of getting caught napping alone in a fancy store makes you wary (or you don’t find mannequins and shopping music relaxing, but creepy). If that’s the problem, head outdoors on a nice day. Buy a newspaper (the perfect blanket on the go!) and amble over to your nearest park. There are benches galore, or you could even just nap on the grass – just be sure to watch out for doggie gifts, PDA couples, or the occasional rabid squirrel.
If you don’t like any of these options then I think you’re just a little cranky. Why don’t you go take a nap, recharge, then read this blog post again. You’ll be surprised how much a nap can turn even the most tired grown-up into a fresh-faced kid, ready to take on the world and its wonders.