Siesta Ritual
That sleep is both delightful
and a biological necessity is a hard concept to grasp in our productivity obsessed world —
how can something so decadent
be good for us?
But the science is undeniable; we need sleep, and most of us simply aren’t getting enough. We literally can't survive without it, so it’s time to stop fighting it.
The reality is that if you need to be at peak condition, you must sleep. Pilots and top athletes sleep as much as they can get away with, and so should you.
Many of us come from cultures that traditionally embraced the mid-day rest, but that tradition has been abandoned in the service of productivity. The siesta is a daily habit worth cultivating: It’s a reset that will restore and energize you for the second half of your day. Since we are spending so much time at home these days, we suggest using this opportunity to integrate naps and rest into your routine.
We know you’re wondering how you’re going to find the time but our question to you is, how can you not?
Give our siesta ritual a one week trial. We bet that you’ll feel better and who knows — it might become part of your daily routine.
the ECO SIESTA ritual
First, change your mindset - think of your mid-day sleep as a ceremony, as a way to honor yourself. You are not checking out or ducking your responsibilities; You are ensuring that you are at your best.
No 1. Start your ritual by honoring yourself and the work that you’ve done so far that day. Write down what needs to be done after your sleep, so that worries about your pending to do list don’t interrupt your rest.
No 2. If you can, wash your face. It will help you get into the restful zone. Scents will also signal to your brain that this time is special, so if you can’t wash your face try aromatherapeutic oils to relax you, or CBD-infused products like the Rituel Sacred Serum.
No 3. Close your eyes, and don’t put pressure on yourself to go to sleep. Focus on your breath instead. Simple controlled breathing will relax you, whether you achieve sleep or not:
Take a long deep breath in.
Breathe out, focusing on your breath and nothing else.
Slow down as you exhale.
Repeat until your exhale is twice as long as your inhale.
When your sleep time is done, take down notes. The time between sleep and wakefulness is fleeting — take advantage of it and see what creative ideas your brain has gifted you in return for sleep.
If you’re feeling groggy after your nap, you might want to eat or drink something light and delicious to ground you. Review your notes and carry on with the rest of your day, refreshed and ready to tackle what comes next.