Tip #41: Take a Power Nap

They say that university is just like kindergarten: you miss your mommy, kraft dinner is your favourite food, and you need your nap time.

Let's face it - although we'd all love to schedule ourselves a perfect 8-hour work day, that's not always going to be possible with night classes, social activities and room-mates. So, my advice is to learn how to power nap.

In my first year at university, my schedule had morning classes almost every day and more classes and other commitments like band practice and work in the evening. I don't know about you, but I most certainly cannot make it through 16-plus hour day without a little time to re-charge. So, I got into the habit of taking a power nap in the afternoon. Not only would I make it through my day without falling asleep during my evening class, but I would be more productive during my study time.

Some quick suggestions:

• Set an alarm - do not let yourself sleep away your afternoon. You won't get anything done, and you'll be up all night.
• It's OK if you don't actually sleep-sleep while you're taking your power nap. Sometimes all you need is a half hour of rest just lying down doing nothing.
• The best time for napping is right after lunch. Your body needs time to digest anyway!
• If you find you can't get to a nap because you're thinking too much about what has to be done, then write a list. You can get back to it after your nap.

Even my doggy enjoys a nap here and there...