Secrets of the Spanish Siesta: How to Master the Art of Relaxation

Though, in many urban areas, the traditional siesta has lost its place within Spanish culture, ‘siesta cafés’ aimed at reinvigorating weary workers are bringing the practice of siesta back to life – and some regions still have the tradition written into law. 

From the perfect timing to the most restorative environment, read on to discover relaxation tips to help you master the secrets of the Spanish siesta.
       

The storied history of the Spanish siesta

Though synonymous with the Spanish lifestyle, the siesta originated in Ancient Rome. The word itself derives from the Latin ‘hora sexta’, meaning ‘sixth hour’. Typically around midday, the sixth hour after dawn, Romans sought sanctuary from the heat of the sun – a momentary pause in which to eat, rest and recharge before the day pushed on. 

As Roman culture spread through Europe, this hora sexta transfused into Spanish life and became the siesta we think of when visiting sleepy – quite literally – Spanish towns and villages today. Shuttered shops and tabernas close their doors for a few hours daily, from around 2 pm to 5 pm, before reopening in the coolness of the evening.   

The well-being benefits of siesta

Our Premium Townhouse in Mallorca is primed for siesta hour.

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Scorching sun aside, the practice of afternoon napping can bring surprising benefits. Research by Sleepfoundation.org found that mastering the art of siesta can boost well-being in many different ways, including:

‍Enhancing brain function

‍Taking a siesta can keep us mentally sharp, improving our ability to learn and helping us consolidate memories more easily. 

Lifting mood & reducing stress

A perfect siesta can reduce the stress hormone cortisol, leaving you uplifted and serene when you awake.

Improved productivity & creativity

Recharging with a siesta can lead to better productivity in the afternoons, whilst giving creative thinkers a problem-solving boost. 

Boosting cardiovascular health‍

Of the many siesta health benefits, an improved cardiovascular system due to a reduction in blood pressure is one of the most notable. 

How to master the art of siesta

The perfect siesta is a fine art. From the time of day to the ideal duration and most idyllic environment, follow these few simple relaxation tips and sink into blissful slumber. 

‍Timing is everything

Tune into your energy, and notice when it starts to take a dip. For most people, this will be early afternoon – shortly after lunch – when there is a natural drop in body temperature and an increase in the sleep hormone melatonin. This is the ideal time for siesta.

Don’t linger too long

The key to mastering the siesta is not to doze for too long. Hours spent sleeping in the afternoon will wreak havoc on your energy levels later in the day. The perfect amount of time in which to enjoy a siesta is around 20 to 30 minutes – no more than that. Set an alarm as you settle down to nap, so you don’t risk oversleeping.

Create a tranquil environment

Look to our sublime Signature Mallorcan townhouse for inspiration on staging the perfect siesta. Though absolute darkness suits for a deep night’s sleep, for afternoon naps, picture light linen drapes billowing in the Balearic breeze, luxuriously comfortable beds dressed in supremely soft cotton, and temperature-controlled rooms apt for inducing the dream state.  

Set the tone

Drift off to gentle, ambient music or your favourite guided meditation. Keep the volume low and the soundtrack uninterrupting, lest you jolt yourself awake before you’re ready.  

Be consistent

Honour the body’s natural rhythms and gain the most benefits of taking a siesta by napping at the same time each day. Inconsistency can have a negative knock-on effect on your night-time sleep routine. 

Inspired to embrace the serenity of the Spanish lifestyle? With Signature, Premium and Prime Collection homes on the sun-kissed island of Mallorca and Pied à Terre apartments in the Catalan capital of Barcelona, the perfect siesta is yours to master. 

You have never been closer to immersing yourself in the traditions of Spain, Italy, France and the UK. Request a brochure, or speak to an August Advisor today, and take the first step in unlocking five enviable lifestyles with an August Collection.

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