Keep Hitting Snooze: Benefits Revealed By Recent Study
For some, the snooze button isn’t just an extra few minutes of sleep; it’s a part of their morning routine. Take, for example, parents. I used to be famous for hitting the snooze button, or setting multiple alarms. But that was before I became a dad. Now, if my son is up, I’m up. However, there are mornings where a bit of negotiation occurs. I can sometimes convince my boy to crawl into bed for a few minutes of “snuggle time.” It’s our secret code for squeezing in a few extra minutes of rest before the day starts.
Did you smash that snooze button this morning? We’ve been told for ages that it’s something we shouldn’t normalize. But it turns out, fellow snoozers, you don’t have to feel guilty anymore: A new study found hitting snooze might not actually be a bad thing.
Researchers at Stockholm University in Sweden couldn’t find a lot of actual proof that hitting snooze is bad for us. So they did their own research, according to a studyfinds article.
They brought more than 30 regular snoozers to a sleep lab for two nights. One morning, they got to hit snooze three times for a total of 30 minutes. On the other, they didn’t hit snooze but still got that extra half-hour of sleep.
So which one was better? They found it didn’t make a big difference. Even when people hit snooze three times, they still got an extra 24 minutes of sleep. And it was still GOOD sleep. Waking up for a few minutes didn’t matter.
It didn’t seem to affect their mood, or how tired they felt. And it didn’t affect cortisol levels either. That’s a hormone that helps us wake up.
They also had each person take a quick test right after they woke up. And some of them actually did better on it after hitting snooze, according to the study.
Your Morning Routine and the Snooze Button
So why the snooze? For many, it’s not just a lazy habit, but a comforting pause before tackling the challenges of the day. It’s the bittersweet compromise between our inner night owl and the world’s early bird schedule. If it works for you and your mornings, it might not be such a bad thing after all.
9 Office Behaviors You Should Definitely Skip
Oversharing Too Much Personal Information
At the office, it’s usually best to leave your personal problems at the door. Sharing too much about your personal life can make your coworkers uncomfortable, and it might affect your professional image. We all have our ups and downs, but oversharing personal issues, like that big breakup or crazy weekend, can make your coworkers feel a bit awkward. Imagine you’re in the middle of a team meeting discussing a project, and someone suddenly launches into the intricacies of their dating life. But, when it’s an emergency, like someone in the family falling sick or a personal health issue, don’t hesitate to let the right people know.
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Unspoken Office Food Rules
In the realm of office etiquette, there are some unspoken rules regarding food. First, it’s just common sense not to talk with your mouth full. Secondly, it’s a clear no-no to help yourself to someone else’s food from the office fridge. Lastly, be mindful of what you heat in the microwave. Strong-smelling dishes like onion and anchovy pizza can be a bit overwhelming for everyone else. Don’t forget about popcorn in the microwave. Burnt popcorn smell isn’t pleasant for anyone. So, keep an eye on it while it’s popping.
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Personal Grooming
While it’s great to stay fresh and clean at work, you’d typically want to steer clear of doing your personal grooming stuff in the office. That means no nail clipping, nail polishing, nose-picking, or any other grooming rituals that might make your coworkers cringe. Save that stuff for your personal time.
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Unnecessary Noise
In a cramped office with thin walls and no private doors to shut, you should be considerate of the shared space. It’s a good idea to keep personal calls and loud chit-chat to a minimum, especially in open workspaces. Nobody wants their concentration derailed, right? And speaking of noise, save the rock concert-level music and the crazy loud social media videos for after hours.
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Messy Workspace
Maintaining a tidy workspace is a must. You wouldn’t want to become known as the person with the messy cubicle that has an odd odor, right? Whether you have a desk all to yourself or not, keeping it clean and organized can do wonders for your daily productivity and overall work experience.
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Poor Hygiene
Showing up to work with poor hygiene is a no-go. For starters, it’s all about keeping things professional and respecting your colleagues. Nobody wants to sit next to a coworker with funky smells, right? Feeling fresh and clean can boost your mood and your work game. If you ever need a quick hygiene fix, no shame in stepping away to use some deodorant or give your teeth a brush in the bathroom.
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Personal Space & Boundaries
Whether you’re in an open office or a cubicle doesn’t matter. Respecting personal space is a must. Being considerate of your colleagues’ belongings and giving them room to breathe is key. It ensures a productive and respectful office atmosphere where everyone can focus without feeling crowded or uncomfortable.
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Overdoing It With Foul Language
While a slip of a swear word might happen to the best of us in the office, you can’t predict what language might rub a coworker or boss the wrong way. To keep the peace, it’s a good plan to steer clear of strong language in your office chats and messages. And when it comes to those work emails, stick to pro-speak. It’s just safer and smoother that way.
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Leaving It How You Found It
Leave things as you found them. For instance, if you happen to use up the last sheet of copy paper, it’s a common courtesy to make sure it gets replaced. This small act of consideration contributes to a cooperative atmosphere and ensures that the office operates seamlessly. It’s a simple yet effective way to demonstrate respect for your colleagues and the workplace as a whole.
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