What are Meditation Naps?

A meditation nap is a period of relaxation which is designed to relax the muscles while calming and clearing the mind. While this is not a nap in the traditional sense of falling into unconsciousness, the meditation nap can be extremely beneficial and refreshing, especially for people who endure a lot of stress. The length of meditation naps can be adjusted to suit a wide variety of schedules, as well, making it an excellent way to stay calm, focused, and productive at work, school, and home. The brief retreat into calmness provided by meditation naps can totally change the feel of a day.

During a meditation nap, people are encouraged to relax all their muscles as much as possible while clearing their minds, and ignoring sounds. They also close their eyes, sinking into a rhythm of deep breathing. After five to 20 minutes, the “napper” comes out of his or her relaxed state and resumes the day. This brief period of relaxation can help someone get through a tough day by clearing the mind for a few minutes to reduce stress.

Meditation has been practiced by people all over the world for centuries, and many studies have been conducted on people who meditate frequently to determine what the physiological and psychological effects of meditation might be. The effects vary, depending on the type of meditation, the frequency of practice, and the length of sessions, but in general, people who meditate seem to be calmer, more relaxed, and better able to focus.

Meditation naps allow people to tap into these traits. One need not observe a particular religious practice or routine while engaging in meditation naps; the goal is simply to cleanse the mind by ignoring stimuli for a brief period of time. Even a brief period of relaxation can make a big difference for everyone from the stressed parents of young children to high powered executives.

Meditation naps can even be undertaken at work, depending on the type of job you have. Most countries mandate break periods during the workday, and you can take advantage of one of these breaks to go to a reasonably quiet place for five to 10 minutes and take a brief meditation nap. You may find that by doing this regularly, you reduce the amount of stress associated with work, and the increased mental clarity could allow you to focus more, potentially facilitating great ideas about your workplace and your life.