Why we should be more like the cat, and how we can get there.

Sometimes the nervous system just needs a good rest. It’s that simple

Catnapping is an intuitive and instinctual part of life for all mammals… Except for human beings, who in in the 21st century have been sold a lie, that we must be hyper functioning at all times and that we “need” caffeine.

Napping helps our nervous system recalibrate preventing disease, mental illness, emotional upset, physical pain and yes, Tension Myositis Syndrome (TMS) which includes Fibromyalgia, RSI, chronic pain, back pain and even tinnitus, numbess, poor circulation, dizziness and lightheaded spells etc.

Over consuming stimulants can lead to burn out and chronic pain. Yep, once again, we as a society have been sold a lie. We live in an age where the highly ambitious are praised with such admiration. Energy drink companies, sports brands, coffee merchants, fast food venders, supplement manufacturers all pushing the go go go mentality when all we really require is a little nap and a little go go and another longer nap and some healthy ambition.

Sleep deprivation and over stimulation is now known to be a leading cause of burn out and disease but there are some simple things you can do to prevent it by helping the nervous system to downregulate. These include:

• Napping for up to 20 minutes a day. This can be broken into 2 shorter naps.

• Meditate in the morning to help recollaborate the mind and “prime” it for the day

• Take a short walk or cycle before work (this could be on the way to work instead of taking the car or public transport.

• Switch your phone to flight mode at least 30 minutes before bed and only switch it back on when you need it in the morning. This could be after you have showered and prepared breakfast.

• Be creative with your mind by partispating in a creative puuursuit that you enjoy.

So let’s all praise the cat, for it naps, because perhaps, it knows better.

Take care and until next time…

Duncan