Nap Queen

It is said that it takes 10,000 hours to "master" something... I can confidently say that I qualify as a Master of Naps.

"That feeling."

Homemade pin, courtesy of my sister. 

We all know how it feels when a nap attack is about to occur. It often begins with a subtle headache behind heavy eyes, mind fogginess, and yawning. If you're REALLY overtired, you may experience some mild nausea and muscle weakness. All of the sudden you feel a wave of desire to lie down wash over you and, depending on your will power, you may try to sneak a power nap in public. For some like me, once that feeling hits, taking a nap is our only solace.

Top 3 causes of a Nap Attack

1. You're actually tired. Whether you've had a few nights of inconsistent sleep, or you didn't get your usual 8 hours of recommended shut-eye the night before, your body tries to make up for the restorative sleep you lost pretty much right away. In some cases, you may feel fine the day after a poor night of sleep, only to find yourself experiencing nap attacks the next day. The moral of the story is this: 

Figure out how much sleep YOU need to feel rested (for most people, this number is between 6 and 9 hours), and try to head to bed and wake up at the same times each day. Regulating your sleep pattern is an excellent defense against nap attacks. 

2. You just ate a big meal. Food comas are so real, people. Unless you are uncomfortably full to the point of nausea or discomfort, most people have experienced a nap attack after a big meal. If the meal you just ate was high in fat, carbs, and/or sugar, you've got the recipe for a food coma. These foods trigger a response in our sympathetic nervous system that basically tells our bodies to slow down and focus on digestion. 

3. Anxiety and/or depression. Excessive daytime sleepiness often accompanies a crummy emotional state, and can sometimes begin a vicious cycle of unproductive days followed by guilt, followed by more napping. In my experience, a nap is a great escape from anything that might be stressful in my daily life. In college, I spent many days and nights napping between classes and assignment that I was anxious to complete, which lead to a whole lot of procrastination. Waking up from an anxiety nap is a RUDE awakening that sort of defeats the purpose of taking the nap in the first place. 

Napping and depression unfortunately go hand in hand as well. Besides using a nap as avoidance, depression is absolutely exhausting and causes a lot of daytime sleepiness. I'm sure there are biological and psychological reasons for this, many of which are still being examined by researchers all over the damn place.

#blessed

The venue

Hoooooookay, on a more positive note, the VENUE in which you choose to nap can make or break your napping experience. Attempting to nap somewhere that is noisy or uncomfortable usually results in a bunch of wasted time, and may leave you feeling more sleepy. If possible, find somewhere quiet, dim, and cool for your nap. Foam earplugs are a great investment. The quicker you fall asleep, the quicker you can wake up and return to your day feeling refreshed. 

If you feel the need to nap in public or at work, try to find a relatively private space where you won't be bothered. Be sure your valuables are secure so that you won't have anything to worry about while falling asleep. If you can't find anywhere suitable and you're in desperate need of a power nap, I suggest closing yourself in a bathroom stall, sitting down, and resting your head in your hands for 10 minutes. It sounds a little nutty but trust me, it'll stave off a nap attack for quite some time.

Naps are an incredible way to reset your body and mind throughout the day. As with most great things, moderation is key. A 30 minute nap will do you a lot more good than a 3 hour one, in most cases. 

Happy napping!

Claudio, my new nap buddy.

Bathing, A Love Story

I take a bath almost every evening, and you're about to find out why.

*WARNING: This post contains pictures of legs.*

From humble beginnings...

Although I have always enjoyed a nice bath, I fell in love with them during my senior year of high school. I was an ill 17 year-old, and the pain was constant. My waking hours were plagued with thumping intestinal discomfort and nausea, and my bathroom floor became my bedroom. I was losing weight and eating less because everything hurt. After every diagnostic test in the book (including, but not limited to, eating radioactive eggs and watching my stomach digest them), my poor GP was out of ideas. After issuing treatment for my anxiety and depression, undoubtedly sparked by being sick, my doc put her hand on my knee and asked, "Have you tried taking baths?"

The set up was simple at first- a clean bathtub, hot water, and me. I was frustrated when the water was too hot and I had to add more cold, and struggled with the 30 minutes of silent alone time that taking a bath gave me. It seemed TOO quiet, and gave me a lot of time to reflect... a thing with which I was not comfortable, as a 17 going on 18 year-old sick girl. I remember looking down at my body and picking it apart, criticizing every freckle and "fat roll." What I failed to realize was how much I was learning about myself, and, that my stomach didn't hurt at all.

...to ritual.

L'Occitane Lavender Foaming Bath

Eventually, bathing became my nightly ritual. I came home from school after a day of the usual stomach upset, ate my dinner like a bird, got undressed and hopped in the bath. The warm water relaxed every muscle, and I felt weightless, surrounded, and safe. After a few minutes of soaking, my stomach discomfort melted away and I could think clearly. The tub became my studio for acapella songwriting (my singing voice always sounds best in the bathroom), and an incubator for my growing body love. To me, baths were a magical cure-all.

Strangely enough, after moving away for college, I probably missed baths the most. Whenever I came home for holiday break, there were times when I took 2 baths in one day.

The LUSH life

LUSH Intergalactic Bath Bomb

Once I discovered LUSH, my bath game became SO STRONG. Each bath is now accompanied by a medley of aromatherapy, big Hollywood bubbles, and a fabulous color. I found a way to "treat myself" that doesn't harm me (...besides my wallet). In fact, I would argue that baths have contributed a good amount to why mental and physical well-being. Each bath bomb and bubble bar is unique, and every trip to LUSH is like Christmas morning. I have tried literally every bath product they make. 

My favorites bath bombs are Sex Bomb and Big Blue, and my favorite bubble bars are A French Kiss and Rose Jam Bubbleroon. More detailed reviews to come in "Bathing, a Love Story: Part Two." 

Additionally, I have recently acquired some L'Occitane Lavender Foaming Bath, which is down right heavenly. If you want big fluffy bubbles that smell incredible, this stuff is great.

LUSH Sex Bomb Bath Bomb

LUSH The Experimenter Bath Bomb

LUSH Twilight Bath Bomb

Pro tips

Finally, here are some pro tips to make your bathing experience a huge success. 

1. CLEAN YOUR TUB. There is nothing soothing about bathing with "floaties." I recommend Scrubbing Bubbles. 
2. DIM THE LIGHTS. Try for as little light as possible- candles are a huge plus. Give your eyes and your brain a rest, you deserve it.
3. PEE FIRST. As soon as you hit that warm water, you're gonna have to pee. There is nothing worse than having to leave the warm bath water to sprint to the toilet. Goosebumps city.
4. ADD SOMETHING. If you don't have any fancy bath stuff, squirt some plain ol' body soap under the running water. Chances are, you'll get some decent bubbles and a little more pazzaz in your bath.
5. PUT YOUR PHONE AWAY. This one is tough for me, as my new iPhone is waterproof... but it's essential. Take this time to reflect, relax, and make bubble mohawks. Sing, think, cry, whatever you feel like doing... just keep your phone out of your bathroom.

HAPPY BATHING. 

LUSH Big Blue Bath Bomb

Booze

As many of you know, indulging in alcoholic beverages is not something I do very often. I can't deny, however, the lovely feeling of warmth that accompanies a good drink. 

Neurotransmitters

Alcohol's effect on the brain, although it can be damaging over time, is undeniably magical. Certain neurotransmitters, the little messengers that carry signals throughout your body, are triggered by consuming alcohol. In this case, these guys are called GABA, which cause slurred speech, numbness, and slowed motor function that all accompany drinking.

Dopamine, perhaps more commonly known to accompany drinking, flows into the brain's reward center when introduced to alcohol. Therefore, the feelings of pleasure we experience while drinking are very real and physical, there's no doubt about it. In some cases, as many of us know, we get addicted to these moments of euphoria... which leads to a more complex subject I won't get into here.

Social

First date? Ladies night? Birthday party? Holiday party? Pretty much any celebration in existence? "Let's get drinks."

Social drinking exists in so many cultures for a reason. Drinking is something we can all relate to in some way, and it makes us feel physically lovely and mentally relaxed... which increases confidence. Feeling physically great and confident? Sounds like a perfect time to relax with friends or meet some new ones.

Flavor

Although alcohol itself is an arguably "acquired" taste, the sheer variety of beers, spirits, and cocktails makes drinking all the more exciting. My friends who love to drink love to share their discoveries of new beers or new cocktail recipes. 

No matter what type of flavor you desire, there is a drink for everyone. Smoky, sweet, bitter, salty, hoppy, floral- you name it- there are always so many options. Conversely, the most indulgent drinks seem to be those that do not have any trace of alcohol flavor or "bite" at all.

Genetics

I admit, I have not done very much research on this facet of drinking. In my circles, it does seem that drinking is a family affair. Children learn from their parents and often pick up their habits, especially they habits that seem to make them feel so good. 

There are definitely exceptions to this assumption, myself being an example. My parents have always enjoyed drinking, while I prefer other forms of entertainment and indulgence. One of my best friends, whose parents do not drink at all, is a cocktail connoisseur. Now you understand the tagline of my blog being "not-so-scientific."

Taboo

Finally, before the age of 21, many of us found drinking exciting and "off-limits," something to be done in secret. I don't have a theory about why, but humans seem to thoroughly enjoy being naughty once in awhile. Many being drinking before 21 not because they enjoy the taste, but because of it's taboo. 

When we finally reach drinking age, some of us may already have experience with it's positive effects on the body and mind. When we are able to order yummy cocktails and drink things other than Natty Light and Jager, drinking only gets better from there. 

Tiki bars are fun. This drink, a delightfully creamy, tropical, slushie was called "Josie's Family Vacation." I got to keep the plastic shark. 

Pumping Iron

Although I don’t claim to be an avid gym-goer or athlete, I understand that working out is a source of good feelings for many people. 

Sweat

Breaking a sweat always feels like a huge accomplishment. I don’t sweat easily, so when I do, I know it’s because I’m working my body pretty hard. Even if you are someone who is a sweater (hmm…sp?), sweating is still an accomplishment of sorts. 

For one, toxins are literally flowing out through the biggest organ in your body… WOAH. The ultimate purge. Two, sweat is a result of some sort of effort (physical, mental, or both), which always makes us feel proud of ourselves. Three, it makes people look shiny, like exercise gods and goddesses. 

Society told us so.

Yiiiiikes, I know you’re all ready with the pitchforks when you see this one. I believe it to be true, though. I am willing to bet that those of us who have never formed a consistent workout routine feel guilty to some extent, mostly because friends, family, and “the media” tell us we need to workout in order to lead a healthy life. I have reached the point where, sometimes, I feel LESS normal for not being fit.

On the other hand, society tells us we need to work out because, well… we do. America is fat and hundreds of thousands of people die each year as a result. For once, the SYSTEM may be one to something here… working out does seem to make a lot of people look and feel good. 

Let’s face it, sometimes it feels good to fit in.

Endorphins

We’ve all heard that exercise releases endorphins, a magical neurotransmitter that mimics opioids and inhibits the transmission of pain signals. 

In millennial terms, when you workout, your pituitary gland is like YAAAAAAS and floods your bloodstream with stuff that gives you a sweet sweet high.

When you’re starting your workout and you’ve felt discomfort or pain, did you ever notice it ease up after a few more reps? That’s those endorphins, baby. Keep ‘em flowing. 

Others are watching.

Working out is showing off, whether it is to yourself, the universe, or the people around you. YOU’RE NOT A BAD PERSON FOR WANTING TO SHOW OFF. Being proud of our own accomplishments is something that humanizes us. 

This is part of the reason people post gym pics, talk about going to the gym, buy attractive gym clothing, etc. If you haven’t done any of these things and feel the urge, I say go for it. No one should judge you for being fit and fab. 

There is no place for humility at the gym. 

Competition 

Whether you are competing against yourself or others, a little competition motivates us because it raises the stakes. Throw competition into the mix of exercise, and you’d be surprised how much HARDER BETTER FASTER STRONGER you become. If you “beat” your opponents or your own high score, you are left with a great sense of accomplishment and pride. If you lose, you have even more motivation to kill it next time. Boom, good feelings. 

Primal instinct

This one is speculation, but I’m willing to bet that part of the reason we like to pump iron is that the stronger we are, the better equipped we are to survive in general. Although physical strength and endurance may not be as necessary as it was before urban living, those instincts still live somewhere in our DNA.

Solitude

Apart from using the bathroom, working out is probably one of the best methods for introspection. You are left alone with your own thoughts throughout your workout, and you must learn how to motivate yourself to reach your goals. This is no easy task and once completed, you have another reason to be proud of yourself because you did it alone. Even in group exercise settings, no one is moving your limbs for you- you could stop at any time. I believe that willing oneself to push through physical exertion strengthens the mind as well as the body. 

Bettering oneself

Because who doesn't always want to be “better?” I would venture to say that exercising more is on the top of a TON of people’s New Year’s resolution list- I know it’s on mine every year. The reasons for this are all listed above… working out is supposed to make us better. 

If you want to do it, go for it. If you don’t, feel free to not exercise, but don’t be stubborn. It makes a lot of people feel good, so why not give it a go?

Animalia

When I asked folks to tell me what makes them feel good, a huge percentage told me all about their pets. I’ve been around pet and non-pet people all my life, and I’ve noticed that they all have something surprising in common. 

Humans like it when animals show them affection. 

Whenever I go to the zoo, I stare through the glass at the animals in the exhibits, wishing as hard as I can that one will make eye contact with me, notice me. I wonder what they're thinking about, and what we look like to them outside the glass. Most importantly, I wonder if they like me. 

Now, everyone might not be as wacky as I am about animals, but I’m willing to bet that you get a few butterflies in your stomach when a gorilla waltzes right up to the glass in front of you and stares. Have you ever tapped fish tank, hoping the fish will notice and follow your finger across the glass? Yeah, that’s what I’m talking about. 

It goes without saying that us animals lovers adore when our furry friends cuddle with us. 

Humans are complicated, animals’ needs are physiological. 

Animals rely on us to be fed, protected by shelter, and socialized. These core requirements are all they need to be happy and healthy. Considering Maslow's hierarchy of needs, animals only need the basics: food, water, warmth, rest, security and safety. No need to worry about intimate relationships, esteem needs, or self-actualization. 

No emotional baggage (usually), no verbal arguments. Their bouts with puberty and rebellion last maybe months, whereas human "phases" last years. If you don't buy them a Christmas or Birthday present, they won't feel neglected. The list goes on. It takes very little work, compared to taking care of a human, to feel like you have a made a real difference in the life of an animal. We humans get that coveted "I'm a good person" feeling without having to do much.

Animals can’t talk. 

Although animals undoubtedly have their own version of language, thank goodness we humans can’t understand it. The fact that animals cannot speak makes living with them irresistibly simple. No arguments, snarky comments, sexual innuendos, opinions, or annoying banter. We have no idea what they are actually thinking, which makes us assume that that they are thinking what we want them to be thinking… I think. 

Fur is pleasing to touch.

Who doesn’t love furry things? I know, not all animals are furry, but those that have fur are often the most desirable. I’d like to think that this dates back to ancient times, when human tribes needed fur to survive and keep them warm. Just a hunch.

Animals don’t live very long.

This one is a little morbid, but still so true. Humans often spring for buying or rescuing a pet long before they consider having children, and I believe it is because the commitment is shorter and less complicated. Animals have a comparatively short time on this earth (unless you're a parrot or sea turtle), and humans want to make every moment worthwhile. 

I am a volunteer at PAWS, a wonderful shelter here in the city. Moments like this explain why.