Oh how I relish the opportunity to squeeze in an afternoon nap after work or before heading in for an afternoon workout.  Is it just me or does it seem like everyday I hit a wall sometime between 2-4 pm.  Sometimes it’s so bad I feel as though I could close my eyes and zonk out no matter where I find myself.  For most of us this afternoon slump occurs while we’re at work and napping on the job might not make you the #1 employee in your boss’s eyes…but helping expose stereotypes and teach uninformed individuals like your boss are things we take pride in at Intrepid.

Mark’s Daily Apple posted on some ways to approach the whole idea of napping at work with your boss, giving some links to informative studies and articles on the subject.  In general, data supports napping anywhere from 15-45 minutes increases productivity, improves cognitive function and memory retention, and decreases stress and cortisol levels.  Any shorter and it’s not really worth the trouble, and any longer and you’re venturing into the deep sleep states that Ruth posted on not too long ago and your blood pressure and body temperature drop.  It’s unfortunate that people who nap might be considered lazy when napping may very well be a biological need.  If you have the opportunity to grab a 15-45 nap I’d encourage you to try it and see how you feel the rest of the day.  Oh sure you may be a little groggy waking up but it should pass and hopefully you will feel mentally sharper and more energetic.  Oh, and maybe we can convince Ruth to change the nap time rule for the sleep challenge.

WOD 06.16.10

Front Squat 3×3, 1×15-20

10, 9, 8,…1
Pushups
Box Jumps
Wallball Shots