diana pressey

If there’s anything college has taught me, it’s the art of public napping—and it’s an art I’ve perfected. After all, what else can you do when you live far enough off-campus that it’s not worth it to go back between classes? (Homework, you might suggest? NO. Too sleepy.) You can nap anywhere. One time, I slept on a small bench in the music building. Anything is possible if you just believe.

Despite the fact that napping publicly might seem like a quintessentially college concept—for those of us who don’t have the luxury of nap rooms—I contend that everyone can benefit from it. In fact, it’s actually pretty common.

If you take public transport, it can be the ideal way to catch up on lost z’s, as long as you don’t miss your stop. Really, if you’re stuck anywhere without a book and don’t want to waste your phone battery screwing around, napping is the perfect solution, especially if you’re sleep-deprived. But doing it publicly takes practice, and there are a few simple tools that can make it easier.

In honor of National Public Speaking Day next week (I’m a little early), here are my tried and trusted tips to getting the most out of public napping:

1. Get used to napping to music

Soft, acoustic songs area great choice. You’ll need headphones to do this in public, but it can really help to cover up outside sound. If you can nap to music, you can nap anywhere, no matter how loud it is. This step is essential!

2. Make a nap playlist of soft songs

Here’s mine, if you don’t have your own. There are probably plenty of mixes on other platforms, like YouTube or Apple Music.

3. Carry a coat (for pillow or blanket purposes)

This only applies if you live somewhere cold enough to merit a coat. If not, just bring a pillow everywhere you go. It can be a good icebreaker, or, if you’re trying to avoid conversation, you can wrap it around your head to block out all sound.

4. Find your optimal napping spots

Big chairs or sofas are obviously ideal, but it’s important to be flexible. You really can nap anywhere. If you’re tired enough, you can make it work. I’ve already mentioned the bus, but if you have a car, that’s a great place to nap, too.

5. If you care a lot about how others perceive you in public, stop that

Worrying about what people think of you is a complete waste of time. If you’re not being yourself, what’s the point? As long as you’re not hurting anyone or breaking any laws (not that all laws are just, but this is good as a general rule of thumb), do what you want when you want it.

6. Don’t lose track of time; always set an alarm

If you’re somewhere quiet, try setting a silent alarm that vibrates and keeping your phone somewhere you’ll feel it when it does. If you’re someplace louder, don’t hesitate to leave sound on; it should go off even if you’re wearing headphones.

7. PRACTICE!

Just do it! If you’re tired enough, you’ll have nothing to lose. And now…