Naps can accomplish miracles. Taking a short afternoon nap when we begin to flag gives us a boost of physical energy and restores our vitality for the remainder of the day.

On those days when our energy feels off and we find ourselves drifting out of our center, a half hour nap can help us reboot and awaken feeling more like ourselves.

And when used with intention, a nap can be a way to tap into the creative part of our mind. While we sleep, we can “dream” a solution to a problem or brainstorm an idea for an artistic project.

Try it for yourself. Pose a question and carry it with you into a nap. Close your eyes and let yourself drift off while your subconscious makes intuitive connections and taps into your creative muse. As you wake, wait for the “aha” moment when the solution snaps into place. The idea may be fully fleshed out. If not, track your first few thoughts. They’ll often give insight and lead to the information you seek.