A Spanish Siesta
Having just spent 2 weeks in Spain and preparing to return to the UK tomorrow, there is sadness in my spirit, but yet eagerness to see what awaits me.
Awh! To be leaving behind the peace and tranquillity of my rural setting, heading for London, what a contrast. But it sure makes life interesting, for which I am most grateful. I was thinking about the Spanish Siesta yesterday and, although everywhere still seems to close between the hours of 2-4.30pm, I wonder how many people actually rest during those hours or, in fact race around as we Brits do in our lunch breaks. Do they also have a quick lunch, catch up on all those outstanding chores, and then hurtle back to work? Do people really take a siesta as they used to in days gone by, I wonder?
Well, I was checking out the idea of the siesta and actually more of us should do it! Apparently a short sleep after lunch can reduce stress, help cardiovascular functions, and improve alertness and memory, according to the Spanish Society of Primary Care Doctors. (SEMERGEN) But, a siesta should take place on a sofa or in a comfortable chair and NOT in bed! The idea of a siesta is a light sleep and not a deep sleep as one might expect if you climbed into bed!
A siesta is only beneficial if it forms part of a regular routine and the ideal length is about 26 minutes, according to research by the American Space Agency, NASA. Their study confirms that such a siesta can increase our efficiency by about 34%.
Among the most famous people always known to take a siesta were Sir Winston Churchill and Albert Einstein.
That leads me to one conclusion. From now on, should I schedule a siesta into my programme?
Chat soon
Regards
Anna
