People Who Need A Lot Of Naps & Quiet Time To Function Usually Keep 8 Simple Daily Habits
Roman Samborskyi | Shutterstock As I write this, I’m wondering if I will have time for a nap today. Clearly, I am one of those people who need a lot of naps and quiet time to function, and people like us develop habits that give us the space we need to recharge.
If I don’t have time to unwind after overstimulating situations, I can easily become frustrated. Like, you better give me some space frustrated. Everyone has dealt with fatigue at some point, but it’s easier to navigate for some than others. Some can drink a cup of coffee and jump back into the day as if nothing happened. Others are couch-ridden after a day of work or socializing.
Daily habits of people who need cozy naps and alone time to recharge:
1. They schedule time for rest during a busy day
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Everyone has days when it feels like there isn’t a second to step back and breathe. People who get drained easily without frequent rest need to make it a priority. This could be as simple as closing their eyes for a few minutes in the car between social obligations, or purposely scheduling breaks in their day.
Most of us could benefit from doing this. Studies show that breaks from our busy schedule boost mood and increase our overall productivity. People who schedule breaks and quiet time are doing what they need to avoid burnout.
2. They don't keep a busy social calendar
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Don’t get me wrong, I love spending time with my friends, but I know what I’m capable of. That never includes a full social calendar. I need time for a little nap or a minute to read on the couch in total silence. I know my boundaries, so I have to enforce them, or I’ll end up completely wiped out.
When someone prioritizes rest and quiet time, they are picky with how they spend their time. They’re more open to spending time with their small circle of friends, doing low-key activities like spending a night in or grabbing a quick dinner. They may get accused of being a social recluse, but they're selective with their time to protect themselves from overdoing it.
3. They find a way to decompress no matter where they are
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Picture this: You’ve had a long and exhausting day at work. All you need is some peace and quiet. When your lunch break rolls around, instead of spending it with co-workers, you make a beeline for your car and just sit there. No music. No commotion. Just silence. It may be temporary, but it’s a moment to decompress, and sometimes, that’s enough.
Someone who finds time to decompress no matter where they are has it down to a science. They can find moments to slip away from the crowd, even if it’s only for a second. That might mean taking a few moments outside a crowded party or closing their eyes for a second between a day filled with appointments. Being around others means we’re always on, which can drain our batteries, especially if someone already struggles with fatigue.
4. They read for pleasure
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Maybe I’m speaking from my own experience, but nothing beats getting cozy with a good book after an exhausting day. When I think of quiet time, I picture a book in my hand and a cat on my lap.
Taking time to read every day can give them a mid-day boost of quiet time that helps them function enough to complete the tasks that drain them. Even if they can only squeeze in a few minutes of quiet, it can go a long way.
The University of Cambridge has found that reading is the leading method for stress reduction. When someone needs quiet time, they may pick up this hobby to relax when feeling exhausted and overstimulated.
5. They keep firm boundaries
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To get the rest they need to function, someone like this needs to set and keep boundaries. We can get caught up in not only socializing, but also pleasing the people around us.
When our boss wants us to work overtime or our friends want us to go out on a work night, it’s important to say no to protect ourselves. Overdoing it only leads to more fatigue, making it harder to find time to relax.
It’s not always easy to maintain boundaries, especially when you want to make others around you happy. However, prioritizing self-care is important, especially for someone who needs naps and quiet time to function. Without it, they will become burnt out.
6. They take short naps
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I prefer to take long naps, but if I only have a few minutes, I can make it work. Exhaustion can come over me like a wave I can’t control, and closing my eyes for a little bit can both help me recharge and give me the quiet time I desperately crave. People who need moments like this to function have found a way to make short naps work.
Studies show that even a quick nap can help reenergize someone. Someone with chronic fatigue can improve their alertness with a short rest. Afterward, they can return to what they were doing with better focus.
7. They find time to rest their eyes
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Resting eyes is a dad joke that actually holds some truth. This isn't a nap. It's literally a moment to just space out and let your brain rest.
Sometimes you need a moment to daydream. Sometimes it's literally rest for weary eyes that have been staring at a screen all day. It's taking a moment without completely zoning out.
8. They keep a strict bedtime
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Sometimes, a midday nap or moment to recoup in silence isn’t enough. If someone deals with constant fatigue, they’ll likely try to maintain a good sleep schedule. This might mean taking quiet time right before bed and refusing to let anyone or anything stand in the way of their time to wind down.
A consistent sleep schedule may not keep them from needing a nap or quiet time during the day, but it does benefit their mental and physical health. It even helps memory and immune function.
Haley Van Horn is a freelance writer with a master’s degree in Humanities living in Los Angeles. Her focus includes entertainment and lifestyle stories.
