Embracing The Exuberance Of Siesta

Waking up refreshed from a nap.

- Ritu Kamra Kumar

So well said! Who doesn't like a power nap post lunch or after hectic hours? Indeed it is most rejuvenating and relaxing.

I wake up early in the morning and after college, siesta is a must for me otherwise I am worn out. How good I feel as I hit the bed after gruelling work hours. The nap is intoxicating and invigorating, serenaded by the soothing lullaby like music.

In fact coming back from college I cheer myself that after folding the clothes washed in the morning and cooking two chapatis for my lunch I would be revelling in siesta. It simply makes me recall words of Urdu poet Daagh Dehalvi, who compared a pleasurable wink or siesta to accidentally holding a damsel's tender fingers "Ek halki si jhapki, jyon haath aayee kisi naazeen ki ungli."

My husband comes back from his office by 6 pm and takes a short nap of around 30 minutes before we go for an evening walk. His belief is, to quote the words of British poet Tom Hodgkinson, "The nap is a sort of easy version of meditation."

Aww! Nap is not just for babies. Everyone enjoys it. My cousin Sudeep and I studied together and he used to take a nap while pretending to be studying. When my maternal aunt came for checking I nudged and warned him.

Afterwards, I asked him why he needed a nap. His reply always made me chuckle- "I am not a robot. I get tired of rote learning, Mom doesn't understand and hence I have to cheat her. After every half-an-hour I need repose. You also take a nap instead of keeping an eye on me. You will feel refreshed."