As single parents it’s no secret that we are sleep-deprived about 90% of the time. Ok, let’s face it; it’s more like 99.9% for some of us. Kids drain all of the energy right out of you! When you’re doing it alone, I think they drain it twice as fast. Instead of daydreaming about unicorns and rainbows, all you can think about is the moment your head finally gets to hit the pillow at night. In fact research shows that if you have at least one child under the age of 5 you are facing something known as a daytime “rest deficit.” See, you’re not crazy! It’s actually been researched!
In a study done at New York University people who closed their eyes for eight minutes and let their minds wander showed measurable activity in the area of the brain that controls long-term memory. An actual nap may be slightly more effective, but not all of us are able to indulge in such a luxury. While you may not have time for a full-fledged nap during the day, most of us can sacrifice eight minutes out of our busy schedule to close our eyes; it simply has to be a priority. Put on some nice, relaxing music, close your eyes, and let your thoughts drift away.
We often hear how important it is for us as single parents to take out a little time for ourselves each day, but most of us seldom do because there are so many other things that need our attention first. However, Harvard has done studies that actually prove that you are more productive if you take a little time out to relax and recharge your batteries. The more rested you are the more you are going to be able to accomplish and the more time you are going to have to enjoy your children. Take a time-out, even if it’s only eight minutes, it may make all the difference in the world!