Most days, around 2 p.m., I feel tired. It’s not blatantly sleepy. I feel overwhelmed, and like there is no way I can get my work done.
When the feeling is most acute, minor tasks, like taking the trash to the end of the driveway, feel as monumental as carving Mount Rushmore.
It’s humbling that it took me YEARS to realize this was a sign of feeling tired.
When I was in college, a professor told us, “Sometimes the best thing you can do is take a nap.”
He offered this practical suggestion. “Sit in your chair with your head back. Hold a set of keys in your hand. Slowly focus on each part of your body, relaxing your head, shoulders, chest, arms, torso, hips, legs, feet, and toes. You will slowly start to doze off. When you relax, your hand will open, and the keys will fall, waking you up.”
I was nineteen years old then, so this sounded bonkers to me. But it turns out he was right. It’s invigorating.
When I feel tired and follow his practice, how much better I feel is AMAZING. And how taking the garbage to the curb now feels like nothing at all.
Capturing a moment of rest during my routine is rocket fuel for the rest of the day.
So, the next time you feel tired and overwhelmed, grab some keys and take a brief ten-minute nap.