Rev Mentor

THIS is a must-view, great, creative, original use of multi-media.

Sometimes just putting something like this out on the 'net is all you need to do to create a HUGE come-on for your design/development/creative services. Something to consider in building an audience/following.

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Today, there was an excellent NYTimes article on the role of sleep in the creative process and how some high tech companies are using things like sleep pods (shown here).

Although I have found myself in the midst of all-nighters during much of my career, admittedly little of that time was what I would term "creative." It was and is, rather, just slogging through routine coding or UI construction that could have been done "in my sleep."

My best ideas seem to come in the morning after waking or in a small group made up of good brain stormers. Coffee and fortitude don't seem to help either. It's a refreshed mind—after taking the time over the course of a night to connect the dots of many disparate ideas—that comes up with the answers for me. I'd be interested to hear from others as to their modus operandi.

Deja vu: there was an American Indian process (before the arrival of horses and guns) where the local medicine man would dream a hunt and report back to the hunters what it was they needed to do in order to be successful.

Here's an excerpt on napping from MetroNap's (makers of the EnergyPod) website:

How To Nap

Today’s siesta is better known as the 20-minute powernap. Powernaps are most effective when they are at the same time and for the same duration each day. Generally you will experience a mid-day dip between six and eight hours after waking.

Practice Makes Perfect

With some practice and preparation, anyone can powernap. If you are not normally a napper, try the techniques below at the same time each day for three days. You will quickly develop the skill.

Find a quiet place where you can recline with your legs elevated (it takes 50% longer to fall asleep sitting upright than when lying down). If you cannot find a darkened room, use eye shades. Don’t cross your arms or legs; good circulation is better for napping. Set an alarm (on a cell phone or watch) for 20 minutes. Breathe slowly and deeply while focusing on slowing your heart rate.

It's All In Your Head

Do not fixate on falling asleep. Anxiety about sleep causes sleeplessness. Silence your mind using any tricks you may have… counting sheep, repeating a mantra, visualizing, or even listening to guided meditation recordings. Whatever you do, do it each time you nap. Consistency helps. 

Avoid the Danger Zone

Do not nap more than 30 minutes if you need to be alert and active right after the nap. Longer naps are accompanied by sleep inertia, better known as grogginess. Either take a brief nap (20 – 30 minutes) or take a long nap (a full sleep cycle, between 90 – 120 minutes). Otherwise you will feel groggy afterwards.

More info on sleep, how much you need, if you have a disorder, etc.

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