Why Naps Should Count as Self-Care by Aaliyah Sharma

 Why Naps Should Count as Self-Care

  For some reason, taking naps has gained an undeserved negative reputation. Many people view it as laziness or poor time management, but that idea misses the reality of how demanding daily life has become. With school, activities, and constant responsibilities, students are more tired than ever. A short nap is not a sign of weakness. It is a simple and effective way to give your mind and body the rest they rarely get. In a world that expects nonstop energy, choosing to rest should be seen as a healthy choice rather than something to be embarrassed about.

  Most students get far less sleep than they actually need. Homework, sports, part-time jobs, and late nights add up quickly, and there is rarely enough time to recover. Naps can help bridge that gap. Even a brief nap can improve mood, sharpen focus, and reset your mind when everything starts to feel overwhelming. A quiet twenty minutes can make a noticeable difference, and many students do not realize how much better they could feel if they simply allowed themselves that time.

  The issue is that our culture often glorifies being busy. People proudly talk about staying up late to finish assignments or running on only a few hours of sleep. It creates the idea that exhaustion equals dedication. In reality, constantly being tired does not improve performance. It makes tasks take longer, increases stress, and reduces creativity. Rest is not a break from productivity. It is part of what allows you to be productive in the first place.

  This mindset around busyness is one reason many students feel guilty about napping. They worry it means they are not working hard enough. But the truth is that naps are a form of maintenance. When you are well rested, you think more clearly, handle stress better, and enjoy daily activities more. Rest benefits both your mental and physical health, and ignoring that need eventually catches up with you. Napping is not an escape from responsibility. It is a way to support your ability to handle responsibility.

  If self-care means taking care of your body and mind, then naps deserve to be recognized as valid and important. They allow students to recharge in a world that rarely slows down. Every student has experienced the difference between working while exhausted and working while rested. Sometimes the smartest and most productive thing you can do is close your eyes for a short time and give yourself a moment to recover. Naps are not laziness. They are self-care in one of its simplest and most effective forms.