The Nap Hack: Boost Your Energy and Productivity as a Pastor
As a pastor, your schedule can be relentless.
Between preparing sermons, counseling, and handling administrative tasks, it’s easy to feel drained, especially by the afternoon.
If you’ve ever hit that sluggish point in the day where everything feels like a chore, there’s a simple, powerful solution you can try: the “Nap Hack.”
Why the Nap Hack Works
The Nap Hack combines two common energy boosters: caffeine (just a little) and napping.
Here’s how it works:
- Drink caffeinated tea (or a very small cup of coffee) right before your nap. The caffeine takes about 20 minutes to kick in.
- Take a 15–20 minute nap. This short window helps you rest without falling into deep sleep, avoiding grogginess when you wake up.
- Wake up just as the caffeine hits your system, giving you a double boost of energy—both from the nap and the caffeine.
This hack takes advantage of the timing of caffeine and a short nap to leave you feeling refreshed and ready to tackle your next task.
Common Obstacle: “I Don’t Have Time for a Nap”
It’s easy to think, “I don’t have time for a nap!”
But consider this: taking 20 minutes to rest now could save you hours of sluggish, unproductive work later.
As a pastor, you’re tasked with making decisions, leading people, and connecting with prospects.
If your energy is low, your effectiveness can dip.
Carving out a short window for a nap could lead to more productive afternoons and evenings.
It works for me, bigly.
How to Use the Nap Hack to Maximize Productivity
Right after you wake up from your Nap Hack, tackle one of the top three things on your list for the day.
We all have those tasks we know need to be done but seem daunting when we’re tired. Whether it’s planning an upcoming service, calling a church member in need, or working on that sermon that’s just not coming together, this is the best time to handle it.
Why? Because right after your nap, you’re at the peak of your energy and focus.
This is your window to knock out that task that could otherwise drag on for hours if you’re tired. Prioritize what’s most important and dive in.
Steps to Implement the Nap Hack
- List your top three priorities for the day. What are the most important things you need to accomplish?
- Schedule a 15-20 minute nap when you’re feeling that midday slump.
- Drink some caffeinated tea or a small coffee before your nap.
- After your nap, immediately start working on your top priority. You’ll be surprised at how much you can get done with renewed energy!
Bottom Line
The Nap Hack is a simple but highly effective tool to regain your energy and productivity.
As a pastor, you’re tasked with so much, and it’s vital to manage your energy well to serve others effectively.
Give this technique a try, and see how a little strategic rest can make a big difference in your day.
BEST LINKS
💪 Health
- Four Key Nutrients Lacking in Diet of Two-Thirds of Adults: 'Alarming' (NewsWeek)
- 3 Exercises To Activate Your Body’s Energy (Mike Chang, YouTube)
📈 Productivity
- Tech Pros Share Their Favorite Productivity Tools And Tips (Forbes)
- I’m a Therapist Who Procrastinates—Here’s How I Get Unstuck (Self.com)
🌞 General Wellness
👀 ICYMI
