Permission to Pause

What Kind of Rest is Best?

On the dairy farm where I was raised, there was always a designated napping couch. Milking time came early, so it was common for one or both parents to enjoy what we called a ‘siesta’ after breakfast. If the schedule got overturned due to a difficult calving or a morning meeting, the rest time would be moved to the afternoon, except for field work and the local fair; it was a fixture in our home.

We’ve all experienced what happens when sleep is at a premium; someone dozes off at church or needs to grab an extra coffee before hitting the road. It’s not always so serious, but over time, the lack of sleep can deepen problems: tempers run short, small problems become large ones, words become harsh, shortcuts are taken, and they lead to accidents.

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