Whether you take frequent business trips or you just like to travel, there’s no doubt that spending so much time on the road can end up making you feel sleepy.
When you’re overtired, you’re undoubtedly going to feel cranky, groggy, and less energetic. In other words, if you aren’t getting enough sleep while you’re traveling, our trip isn’t going to be as productive or enjoyable as you would like it to be.
If your travel schedule is cutting into your nighttime sleep or if you are just feeling worn out from constantly being on the go, squeezing in a nap is definitely a good idea. Napping can help to take the edge off, make you feel more alert, and just put you in a better mood. The only problem is, when you’re on the road, you can’t seem to find the time to fit a nap into your schedule.
Here are some tips that can help you squeeze a few extra winks while you’re traveling.
Make Use of Travel Time
Travel time is the perfect time to fit in some much-needed Zs. Whether you’re on a plan, a train, or a passenger in a car, try to take advantage of that “downtime” and get some sleep. Instead of taking notes or working, lean back, close your eyes, and drift off into dreamland. Even if it’s only for 30 minutes, you’ll feel refreshed and rejuvenated.
Fit a Nap into Your Schedule
If it’s possible, clear some room in your schedule to take a nap. Instead of going out for drinks with your co-workers after a meeting or trying to fit in one more sightseeing tour, take a nap! Though it might seem like a waste of time, a nap is actually very wise way to spend your time.
If you need to, set an alarm on your phone for a time when you know that you’re going to be free for a bit. When it goes off, retire to your hotel room, draw the curtains, and curl up for a cat nap.
Get in the Nap Zone
If you only have a short amount of time to spare and you want to get the most out of a nap, it’s important to prepare yourself for taking a nap. You might find it hard to shut off the voices inside your head that keep telling you that you should be doing something else, but in reality, a nap is exactly what you should be doing.
To quite those voices and avoid feeling guilty, try getting yourself into the nap zone by practicing some yoga or meditation. Concentrate on your breath, relax your body, and visualize something that you find soothing; the ocean, for example. Once you’ve entered the “nap zone”, you’ll have a much easier time falling asleep and taking advantage of the many benefits that a short snooze can offer.
Get a Sleep Mask
It can be hard to fall asleep when the sun is still shining. That’s why you should use an eye mask for a quick nap while you’re traveling. Make sure you choose one that truly blocks out light. It should also be comfortable to wear and shouldn’t pull at your hear or shift while you’re sleeping. If you have the right eye mask, you can really make the most of a mid-afternoon nap.
Set an Alarm
You don’t want to lie down for a nap and end up sleeping for several hours. You’ll miss out on important things on your trip, and you’ll have a harder time falling asleep that night. Make sure you set an alarm before you doze off so that you don’t oversleep. 45 minutes or less is the perfect amount of time for a productive nap.
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