Sleeping with the Floor
I was beyond exhaustion by midday, with no explanation. Yawning and desperately trying to concentrate I acquiesced to the fatigue, closed my office door, shut off the lights, grabbed my winter jackets (did I mention I have two?), puffed them up like a pillow, laid down on the floor and fell asleep.
For years I've had this ability to respond to mental weariness by finding a quiet spot, slowing down my heart rate and closing my eyes for a few minutes of deep, deep repose. Back in the early 90's I would be up at 3:30 am to start my radio program at 5:00 am. A couple gallons of coffee and I was delightfully perky till about nine when my show came to an end. Then, I'd pull out the pillow, crash for an hour, then start the second half of my day as program director.
Needing a sleep break is rare these days, something that only happens a few times a year. I'm not sure what was special about today that sacked me out so profoundly? Perhaps it was the Events Wood Buffalo board meeting that happened tonight or the budget presentation tomorrow that I'm not ready for yet? In any case, I felt like a sack of hammers most of the afternoon until...I broke down and brewed one cup of coffee. Within ten minutes I was buzzing around the office like the caffeine had been injected directly into my bloodstream. I can't recall when a coffee had that instantaneous an effect.
People think it strange and rather quirky that I have the kind of relationship with my office floor that I can shut off the lights, lay down, and fall into a meaningful and replenishing snooze. But if there is one thing I've learned in life, both personal and business, you can't function in a state of mental exhaustion, so there's no use in trying. Taking a 15 minute horizontal time out is probably the most efficient use of time known to man or beast.
January 18, 2010 - 202.4 pounds, 29.4% body fat
For years I've had this ability to respond to mental weariness by finding a quiet spot, slowing down my heart rate and closing my eyes for a few minutes of deep, deep repose. Back in the early 90's I would be up at 3:30 am to start my radio program at 5:00 am. A couple gallons of coffee and I was delightfully perky till about nine when my show came to an end. Then, I'd pull out the pillow, crash for an hour, then start the second half of my day as program director.
Needing a sleep break is rare these days, something that only happens a few times a year. I'm not sure what was special about today that sacked me out so profoundly? Perhaps it was the Events Wood Buffalo board meeting that happened tonight or the budget presentation tomorrow that I'm not ready for yet? In any case, I felt like a sack of hammers most of the afternoon until...I broke down and brewed one cup of coffee. Within ten minutes I was buzzing around the office like the caffeine had been injected directly into my bloodstream. I can't recall when a coffee had that instantaneous an effect.
People think it strange and rather quirky that I have the kind of relationship with my office floor that I can shut off the lights, lay down, and fall into a meaningful and replenishing snooze. But if there is one thing I've learned in life, both personal and business, you can't function in a state of mental exhaustion, so there's no use in trying. Taking a 15 minute horizontal time out is probably the most efficient use of time known to man or beast.
January 18, 2010 - 202.4 pounds, 29.4% body fat
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