naps

Our bodies are wise and they want us to take that afternoon nap.

Published July 27, 2011 | By Debra

The siesta cultures near the equator may have it right. It turns out a mid afternoon nap is not such a bad idea. In fact, we may have been meant to sleep in the middle of the day. Although many believe that the mid day slump we experience is due to a heavy lunch, that is not the case. Sleep researchers have found that our bodies experience a slight drop in body temperature and a readiness to sleep in the afternoon regardless of whether we slept well the night before or not.

We often cover up and push through the urge to nap with caffeine and an afternoon snack of carbs (one reason why Starbucks and vending machines do so well).

Research suggests that we can benefit from a ten minute to a forty five minute nap in the afternoon so long as it is no later than 4:00 pm. Benefits from a nap include alertness and an improved mood.

So if you are able to do so (and keep your job), take that nap!

Resource: Say Goodnight to Insomnia, by Gregg D. Jacobs, Ph.D, Pages 96-98

The Mew Way: taking it easy (a Sunday lesson from my cat Mew)

Published September 12, 2010 | By Debra

I’m a little stressed out right now. I’m a school teacher and some things are going on at work that are very challenging. Every now and then Mew inspires a post on The Warm Milk Journal. This morning is one of those times. Here is the Sunday morning lesson for me and any of you out there who are feeling stressed or off balance.

The Mew Way:

Be calm
Be gentle
Be sweet
Complain only if your food or water dish is empty
Nap often
Stretch often
Cuddle up to a loved one when in need of some TLC
Purr and the world will purr with you.
Eat as often as you want. A few extra pounds never hurt anybody.
Don’t drink stale water. Fresh water right from the sink faucet is best.
Don’t worry.
Forget about yesterday or even an hour ago. It’s all about the present moment.
Peace rules unless someone is stepping on you or treating you roughly. Then speak up!
Run when you hear the can opener

Thank you, Mew : )

Have a blessed Sunday, everybody.

Debra

“Ambition is a poor excuse for not having sense enough to be lazy”. ~ Charlie McCarthy Give yourself permission to be lazy.

Published August 1, 2010 | By Debra

There are some days we are just not inspired to do much. And that is perfectly okay. This is Sunday, The day of rest. Here are some ways to be lazy today:

Do nothing. If an impulse strikes you to do something, close your eyes and relax until the thought passes.
Be like my cat, Mew. He is an expert on this topic. Curl up on your bed and nap all day.
Go to a nearby park, find a shady spot, and sit. Stretch. Read. Dream.
Do same as above only at a beach.
Make love. Nap. Repeat.
Don’t think about goals or a to do list. Today you are the canoe on the river enjoying your journey. Destination? What’s that?
In a swimming pool, lake, or ocean, bob around on the water. Float. Dream.
This is a day for little pleasures. Enjoy your iced tea or lemonade or Frapuccino. Sip slowly and savor. Allow a little ice to drip on you to cool you off. Close eyes. Dream
No housework! Put that broom away.
You and your partner can give each other back rubs. Nap.
Order pizza tonight. Watch a movie.

Giving ourselves permission to be lazy for the day is quite healing, really. Our batteries have a chance to recharge and we will have more to give to our activity filled week.

Debra : )

The Mew Way: Gentle, Sweet, and Well Rested

Published June 30, 2010 | By Debra

I have the sweetest cat in the world. I really do. He is a very calm, gentle, loving cat. He accepts everybody. He loves people, kids, other cats, and even dogs. He will let anybody pet him. He is never going to make a very good “watch” or “guard” cat (that’s what we have our other cat, Patches for). But if you want sweetness, you got it in Mew.

What can we learn from my cat Mew?

Being gentle makes for a peaceful life.
A peaceful life makes for lot’s of good naps
Lot’s of good naps makes for no reason to worry
When in doubt, purr, love, and sleep.

Debra : )

Awareness the Mew Way

Published April 29, 2010 | By Debra

Mew is my wonderful, adorable long haired black cat. Like any cat, Mew recognizes the need to be aware and conscious of his surroundings. It always amazes me how fast a cat’s reflexes are when they hear something. Cats can leap and spring into action faster than anything. However, when there is no loud noise to react to, Mew is chilling. He may continue to be aware but he is relaxed and can stay in this totally relaxed, napping state for an incredibly long time. I don’t think Mew is going to age prematurely due to undue stress he is putting on himself. Nor do I think he is lying there on the foot of the bed worrying about much of anything.

In summary, what can I learn from Mew? For safety’s sake and my survival I should be aware of my surroundings and be ready to take action when (and only if and when) immediate circumstances warrant it (a loud noise, someone much bigger than me about ready to step on me, etc.) Otherwise, just chill. Relax. No worries. Stress? What’s that? Problems? Are you kidding me? Fuhgettabout it…I am too busy taking my nap, ok?

The Mew Way: Life Lessons From My Cat

Published April 11, 2010 | By Debra

Mew, my adorable long haired black cat, knows how to kick back and enjoy life. I am quite certain that he does not lose much sleep ever.

Here it is, the Mew Way:

1. Don’t worry about the past

2. Don’t fret about the future

3. Be in the now

4. Keep it simple

5. Stay flexible

6. Move when necessary

7. Stretch often

8. Be aware of surroundings

9. Love everybody

10. Run when the can opener is opening that tuna can!

11. Take lot’s of naps

12. Be cute and know you are cute

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Our bodies are wise and they want us to take that afternoon nap.

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The Mew Way: taking it easy (a Sunday lesson from my cat Mew)

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“Ambition is a poor excuse for not having sense enough to be lazy”. ~ Charlie McCarthy Give yourself permission to be lazy.

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The Mew Way: Gentle, Sweet, and Well Rested

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Awareness the Mew Way

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The Mew Way: Life Lessons From My Cat

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