We continue our series of materials dedicated to the countries participating in the 2024 European Championship. Next up is the national team, which will play the hidden final of the Euro Cup today: Spain.
The Spanish game at Euro 2024 is really exciting. During the tournament, this team became the only one to win all the group stage matches. It seems that it has no intention of stopping.
The Spanish have an active and offensive style of play, which requires enormous endurance and strength. Of course, regular training and discipline are the key to success. But it is equally important to rest and the Spanish definitely know how to do it. One of their traditions is to follow the principle of the “siesta”. Let’s find out together with an expert what it is and what its benefits are.
General practitioner of the BestDoctor group of companies.
“Siesta is a tradition in Spain where people take a break in the middle of the day to relax and recover. The principle is based on respecting your needs and the ability to find a balance between work and rest. This simple but effective approach allows Spaniards to stay energized and productive throughout the day.”
What we will tell you about:
The history of the nap.
Around midday, the sun is at its zenith and the heat is at its peak. During these hours it is difficult to do any activity. Especially in the hot climate of Spain and other Mediterranean countries. It was important for residents to find time to rest and recover. The Spanish workday usually started very early and ended late, so taking a break in the afternoon allowed people to remain productive.
Over time, the siesta became part of the culture and spread to city life. Today in Spain, most shops, offices and restaurants close between 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. This way, people can enjoy lunch and a short break in peace.
Photo: nd3000/istockphoto.com
types of nap
Initially, siesta meant just a midday nap. However, now residents can spend this time walking, going to the beach, or having lunch with family and loved ones. Let’s talk in more detail about each type.
Dream
This is a traditional and well-known way of relaxation. Daytime naps help to increase energy and productivity. But it is important to consider one point. The optimal duration of a midday nap is 10 to 30 minutes. This period will allow you to refresh and recover.
Relax on the beach
Those who live near the coast love to visit the beach. Swimming in the sea, relaxing in the shade from the sun and enjoying the sea breeze will allow you to completely relax and recharge your batteries.
Photo by: wundervisuals
Walk
Some people prefer to take advantage of their break to go for a walk. This helps to get rid of unnecessary thoughts, improve your mood and your physical condition. While walking is no substitute for getting a good night’s sleep, it can be a useful addition to your routine, especially if you are feeling stressed.
Lunch with your loved ones
Many Spaniards prefer to spend time with their loved ones. This could consist of having lunch together, having a quiet conversation, playing with the kids, or just relaxing with the family. This tradition strengthens connections and improves mood.
An entertaining historical guide to the Euro 2024 participating country:
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nap and work
Even the job you love can sometimes lead to burnout, so it’s important to take time to rest. A great option is daily breaks. In fact, this practice has many benefits.
Taking short breaks improves productivity. They help to regain concentration and improve productivity. Regular lunch breaks reduce the strain on your eyes and back. This is especially important if you work at a computer. Napping helps reduce stress and maintain emotional well-being. A short break “refreshes” your thoughts, which helps increase creativity and the emergence of new ideas and solutions. Rest keeps you in a good mood and a positive attitude towards work.
Photo: JLco – Julia Amaral / istockphoto.com
The benefits of napping
Physiological benefits
Rest helps restore energy reserves in the body. This allows muscles and organs to relax after physical activity. Regular breaks also help strengthen the immune system, making the body more resistant to diseases.
Short sleep regulates hormone levels, specifically cortisol and leptin. They affect our appetite and metabolism. This maintains a healthy weight and reduces the risk of obesity and related diseases.
Psychological benefits
Relaxation has many psychological benefits. It improves emotional well-being, reduces anxiety and boosts mood. Taking breaks also improves concentration, memory and other cognitive functions.
Taking a break at midday helps reduce stress and tension in several ways. For example, short naps reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which helps you feel calmer. A short break also allows the body to relax and reduces physical and mental stress.
We share some interesting facts about Türkiye, a country participating in Euro 2024:
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Who is a nap recommended for?
In general, the napping principle is useful for anyone who strives to maintain high energy levels, improve mood, and maintain good physical and mental health. For example, regular daytime naps support the physical and mental development of children and adolescents.
Napping is perfect for people with flexible schedules. If you often work at night or at odd hours, this principle will help you keep your energy and creativity levels high.
A nap gives your muscles and body a rest. This reduces the risk of injury and improves overall well-being. This is very useful for those who do physical work. But for office workers, a walk during lunch or a short break will provide an opportunity to warm up, “unload” thoughts and increase productivity for the rest of the day.
Photo: blackCAT/istockphoto.com
Siesta plays an important role in the lives of people of different ages and professions. It helps restore energy, improve mood and maintain health. In Spain, it is a whole culture that allows people to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and be alone with themselves. This practice perfectly relaxes and gives new strength for the rest of the day.
It doesn’t matter what you do during this break. You can go for a walk, read a book in a quiet environment or sit quietly. The main thing is to give yourself time and attention. The ability to relax and find a balance between work and personal matters is the key to a happy and healthy life. Let’s learn this from the Spanish and not forget the importance of short breaks.
In the context of Euro 2024, we talk about the traditions of the participating country Denmark:
Happiness Danish style: 5 principles of the hygge philosophy that changes life on every level
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