I don’t remember exactly when I decided that I was going to add a nap into my daily routine. I think the start of our family nap sessions originate back to the days when my secondborn didn’t sleep and a nap was essential to my survival. Before then though, I had never been a napper. It seemed counterproductive to sleep during the one quiet period of the day. But I’m here to say, just take the nap. I promise, you won’t regret it.
My son eventually started sleeping, but I kept napping. He’s 7 now and I had two more children, and every day after lunch all the kids know that it's time to snuggle up and rest. Naps are part of our family rhythm and I suspect it’s so woven into our days that we will always adhere to this pause in the day.
And that’s the key: the pause
For me, naps have become a necessity
The calm sleep brings is the perfect recentering in stressful times. And during our current unplanned never-ending days at home, a nap is the perfect thing to schedule into your day.
So, let go of the extra project, the bread we’re all supposed to be baking, the closet that needs organizing. Disconnect from social media, snuggle those you love most, and refuel with a refreshing nap. Then, when you’re abuzz at 11 p.m. like I am, you can recategorize your recipe book, fold laundry, or binge the latest streaming craze.
Mama, just take the nap
Start tomorrow. It might take a few days for your kids to settle and embrace the new routine, but I promise, your presence — even your sleeping one — will bring a sense of stability to your children and the rest you get will give you the boost you need to keep going in these trying times. And, as the center of your family, holding it all together, I'd say it's not just a luxury — it's a necessity.
