Dr. Rippe's Blog

One time-honored tradition for holidays like Thanksgiving is the Afternoon Nap.  First, you enjoy the feast and then, perhaps after a few sports on the TV or in the yard, a nice nap. For busy people a nap feels like a luxury or mini-vacation. And it may be a "luxury" that you can enjoy on many more days than holidays.

An increasing body of research suggests that mid-day napping for everyone (not just youngsters and elders) may improve mood, memory and performance.  The right length appears to be anything from six minutes to half an hour. A great plus is that almost everyone, no matter what one's work schedule, can build a short nap into the day. Several people I know fit it into their lunch break. All you need is a quiet spot (no phones) and if possible a place to stretch out. A watch or cell phone with an alarm function can prevent oversleeping.

For well-being think about taking a bit of holiday into each day and enjoying a brief nap.

I seem to have been using aspects of the word "power" a lot recently in this blog. No doubt that's in response to all the events--particularly economic--that seem outside our power lately but that do affect our lives. But when it comes to your relationship with your spouse (or significant other), children, or friends, no matter what's happening from the outside, you have some powerful tools at your command.  Three simple words: I love you.  If that sounds too sappy or sentimental, I promise you it's not. Often when times are tough what we most need to hear is that we are loved.  When we are struggling with financial issues or other problems, we need to be assured that in spite of the difficulties (and perhaps tension), we are loved. At other times, just for no reason in particular, it's a real lift to hear "I love you."  So even if you don't use exactly these three words, find a way to tell those important to you how much you care. You may be surprised at how much such a simple act does for you as well.

Do you find yourself regretting things that happened in the past?  Maybe it's something you did--to yourself (didn't lose that weight liked you planned, didn't do as well on something as you wished) or to someone else (you let down a relative or friend). Or maybe it was something someone did to you (hurtful action from a family member or friend or employer).

It's natural to feel these emotions. But in over twenty-five years of practice, I've seen many individuals who have let their past hurts and concerns affect the possibilities of the present. Letting go that past can be powerfully freeing. Letting go can boost your emotional well-being. But sometimes doing that is hard.

Answering two questions for yourself can help the letting go process. First, is changing the situation within my control?  If it's not, then all the worrying in the world won't make a difference. It's okay to let that past go.  Second, if changing the situation is in my control (or may be), what positive step or steps can I take now in the present to change things for the better--what can I do to let go and go forward?