No one ever believes this when I tell them, but I take a 20-minute nap almost daily that makes me feel completely rested and ready for the remains of the day. I learned it on accident when I was traveling a lot producing ARTCRANK and HAD to rest and only had 20 minutes between setting up the show and throwing the party.
Things you'll need:
- A bed or couch (or floor and pillow)
- A heavy blanket (heavier the better, but any may work for you)
- Relative silence (or earplugs)
- Your phone
This is how I do it: I drink an extra large glass of water (nature calling will wake you even if your alarm doesn't) to get the benefits of hydration as well as the nap. I lay down and cover up, and elevate my feet if possible. I tuck my hands under my butt. (I'm a tucker.) If it helps you to cover your eyes, do that. Set your timer for 20 minutes and go in. If you're wearing earplugs, hold your phone or lay it on your chest. Breathe deeply and drift off.
You won't fall all of the way to sleep, that's not the point. I was doing it wrong napping for an hour or more because I felt so sluggish afterwards and then for the rest of the day. When I nap like this, I always wake up with a clear mind and smaller bags under my eyes. Once you do it a few times, you'll start waking up after 19 or so minutes or so (but please still set your alarm). Try it a couple of times to see if it will work for you.
Happy napping! Let me know how it goes.