Napping and Exercise
| October 22, 2012 | Posted by Carrie under about me, exercise goals |
I love to take naps. I’ve always been great at taking naps. My kids think that naps are a waste of time. My sorority sisters will confirm, I napped a lot in college. I even wrote a whole post about napping here. But yesterday I made a choice between napping and exercise.
This past weekend, after surviving the birthday sleepover of 7 pre-teen girls, you can imagine how tired I was by Sunday afternoon. After the usual Sunday chores of laundry and lots and lots of cleaning up from the party, I was exhausted.
At about 1:30PM, I was plopped on the couch and contemplating a nap, my husband suggested that we go for a walk. After initially wanting to say no and laugh and curl up in a ball and sleep, I decided it would be a good idea.
Beautiful stormy ocean sunset from this weekend
So, we walked. For a little more than an hour, just over 3 miles. We talked and we enjoyed the cooler weather that has finally arrived.
By the time we got home, I was awake and didn’t feel the call of the couch for the rest of the day.
Now, that’s not a scientific experiment by any means. And, talk to me after getting up at dark o’ clock and running a race and the need for taking a nap after that. But, on this past Sunday, a bit of exercise woke me up and kept me going through the afternoon better than a nap could have. And besides, I got to spend an uninterrupted hour with my wonderful husband 
.
Are you a napper? Ever tried a bit of exercise instead of a nap? Did it work?
And speaking of the birthday – one final picture of Dancing Girl. I love the look on her face.
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I love this as many mornings I think I SO TIRED but then realize I wont be appreciably MORE TIRED if I move for 20 or 30 minutes and 99% of the time I just feel plain ole BETTER.
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It’s like mindfully eating – I’ll do a little workout and if I’m still tired I can still take a nap. If I’m still hungry, I can get something else to eat later.
Yes, I love naps! Usually it’s Sunday afternoon that my body crashes and I sleep. But a walk can do wonders for energy, too! Glad you had a good birthday weekend. And I”m still voting for you.
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Thank you!
I kind of feel like if I’ve already worked out, then a nap is warranted. If I’ve done nothing, then the first choice should be the exercise.
So nice that you can enjoy a nap… not me! I wake up cranky and groggy and then cannot fall asleep at bedtime. I wish I could nap sometimes.
Elle recently posted..Apple Cinnamon Omelet – A Twist on a Classic
My kids are like that. My daughter woke up from naps as a baby all cranky and miserable. It hasn’t changed. I really know she’s sick if she falls asleep during the day.
I adore naps! I think its the perfect thing todo between the hours of 2-3P Monday thru Friday
Seriously though as much as I enjoy a nap, a nice long walk outside is also my preferred way to unwind. I’ve started taking 15-20 walks at lunchtime and I’ve notices it makes the afternoons in the office much more bearable.
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Walks at lunch time sound awesome. I used to hate having a big lunch and then being exhausted the rest of the day. Thanks for visiting!
Definitely a napper! I don’t take any during the week (people think I am crazy since I work from home & totally have the opportunity) but we do love our weekend naps.
My goal is to workout M-F so the weekends can be anything we want to do, go for a walk, do Pilates, nap, whatever.
Oh and that is a great picture, she looks so happy!
Angie @ Losing It and Loving It recently posted..Special K Protein Effect: Outsmart Hunger
I do take the occasional nap during the day at home by myself. Shhh. :0 I’ll admit to feeling a little guilty, but sometimes they’re totally necessary.
your dancing girl is gorgeous! love the genuine emotion on her face! what a wonderful birthday! i had just read that part of your post when I got the email/comment about your perseverance. I would say that is some crazy awesome perseverance…and then to choose exercise over a nap as well:) i LOVE napping! haha!
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Thank you. I do love napping, but am so glad I chose the exercise yesterday.
I love naps. Unfortunately I am the kind of napper who goes down for the count and can sleep for two hours, which sometimes is counter productive. But it sure feels good
Debbie@ Live from La Quinta recently posted..The Mt. SAC Experience: Cross Country Heaven
I’m always shocked when I take a nap and sleep for more than an hour. Those are obviously the naps that my body really needs.
No naps for me! That’s a great photo of dancing girl and I love the cupcake cake! Much less messy!
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I do love the cupcake tower. She loves homemade cupcakes, so it works for all of us. Not too much leftover and quick service to kids.
It’s been a long time since I’ve taken a nap but I did take several in grad school when my days started early and ended late.
Suzanne recently posted..Liz Hurley Ribbon Run 2012
I have a feeling my kids will be like you with naps. Me – I could take one most days.
I love naps, but rarely take them. I actually feel much better after exercise than after a nap, even if I’m tired. I find if I do nap I can’t get to bed that night and then it’s a vicious cycle.
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My husband is like that, naps just mess with night time sleep for him. I can nap and then sleep like a baby.
That is a fantastic picture! I used to nap all the time. I think our college napping habits were validated by a recent study that showed that napping after a study session can help you learn. Now, I don’t have much time for napping, but when I do, it feels luxurious!
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Luxurious is an excellent way to describe the nap.
Late to the party, but had to comment, I LOVE naps! I love when my kids take them and I occasionally like to sneak one in, myself. I’ve found that when I exercise first thing in the morning (for me, that’s 5am) it energizes me for my day and I don’t feel the need for a nap in the afternoon. Funny enough, the days that I get to sleep in (until 6) and don’t work out, I’m really run down by 2pm and want to lay down for a while.
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