Taking a Nap: Easier Said Than Done

“Are you going to try to rest today? I really think you should try to take a nap,” commented my well-meaning husband.

It was a simple question, really. It was most definitely not one that necessitated a rise in my blood pressure, but I could feel it happening anyway.

“I don’t know yet,” I responded, tension rising in my voice. “I'd like to, but I don’t know if I can.”

I sighed as I looked around our home, my body yearning for sleep, but my brain running through a rapid-fire mental list of all of the things I needed to do. There was no way I could take a nap right now...not with so many things I needed to accomplish. So, I started with the most noticeable task, cleaning the kitchen, which was still in disarray from a busy Saturday full of non-stop activity.

“I’ll just clean the kitchen  so I feel better and then I’ll lie down,” I promised my husband and myself.

We both knew better, though. That’s how it always starts, but the story almost never ends with me taking a nap.  One “small” task inevitably turns into another and soon I am I telling myself, “I can’t very well start that within finishing this…” and before I know it, dinner time rolls around, and by then, well,  it’s much too late to consider taking a nap. I knew that this Sunday afternoon, like so many before it, was going down a very unrestful path. 

Then it happened.  There should have been a flash flood warning. One with loud alarms and bright flashing lights, announcing to everyone in the near vicinity that there was a desperate need to take cover.  It surprised even me as the tears poured out of my eyes.

My husband, who knows me better than I even know myself, comforted me with a soothing embrace and encouraged me once again to rest.  

Suddenly convinced by my unattractive burst of emotion, I knew that he was right. I lay down, snuggled up under the covers, and closed my eyes, determined to sleep for even just a short while. 

Easier said that done. I felt like a ninja, trying desperately to combat an army of thoughts about tasks awaiting completion. Little enemies called laundry and making dinner and doing grad school homework called all of their friends and simultaneously attacked my mind. 

But today was unlike other days. I was determined to find some rest in the middle of my Sunday. I don’t know how it happened, but I began fighting off the attacks one by one and before I knew it……

An hour later, I was jolted out of a sound sleep by the cry of our alarm clock.

Approximately three and half seconds after waking up, those little enemies resumed their attacks . They hadn’t gone away while I was sleeping (wouldn't that be a fantastic super power to have!), but with my energy cup now a little fuller, they seemed much smaller and less intimidating.