the sparkher 6/3

sleepy girl, scarlett johansson, coffee, makeup

Hey Besties, welcome back! 

WHAT’S INSIDE

  • Sleepy girl, sleepy nap

  • ICYMI, brainfeed, and things to send to the group chat

  • Upcoming events & deadlines

  • Her hustle & coffee: Nehal @ Nehal and Co

LEVEL UP

I've become quite the connoisseur of the power nap, an art form that blends the science of sleep with the practical need for a quick energy boost. Embracing my identity as a sleepy girl who loves power naps, I've delved into the research to craft the perfect midday snooze. Turns out, there's a lot more to it than just closing your eyes and hoping for the best.

Power naps, ideally lasting between 10 to 20 minutes, are scientifically proven to be incredibly effective. This short duration keeps you in the lighter stages of non-REM sleep, which means you wake up feeling refreshed without the grogginess that can accompany longer naps. Studies have shown that such naps can improve alertness, enhance performance, and even boost mood. The key is to avoid the deeper stages of sleep that kick in after about 30 minutes, which can leave you feeling more tired than before you napped.

Crafting the perfect power nap involves a bit of strategy. First, timing is crucial. The optimal nap window is usually between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., when your body naturally experiences a dip in energy levels. This aligns with your circadian rhythms and makes it easier to fall asleep quickly. Find a quiet, comfortable spot where you won't be disturbed. If you're at work, a cozy chair or even your car can serve as a decent napping spot. Using an eye mask and earplugs can help block out light and noise, creating an ideal sleep environment.

Set an alarm for 20 minutes to ensure you don't oversleep. Some people even find that drinking a cup of coffee right before napping helps; the caffeine kicks in just as you're waking up, giving you an extra jolt of alertness. And remember, consistency is key. Making power naps a regular part of your routine trains your body to relax and fall asleep quickly during these short breaks.

In a world that often glorifies endless hustle, embracing the power of a well-timed nap is not just about indulging in a little rest—it's a strategic move to enhance productivity, creativity, and overall well-being.

BRAINFEED & SHAREABLES

  • ICYMI – Scarlett Johansson accused OpenAI CEO Sam Altman of stealing her voice for their new AI assistant, "Sky," after refusing to license it, sparking a major tech scandal. OpenAI has paused Sky's voice, with Altman apologizing but insisting it wasn't meant to sound like Johansson's. This incident underscores growing fears about AI's unchecked power and its potential to exploit artists, pushing lawmakers to consider stricter regulations.

  • ICYMI – Decaffeinated coffee may be your go-to to avoid caffeine jitters, but it comes with its own risks. The process often uses methylene chloride, a known carcinogen, to remove caffeine, prompting health experts and advocacy groups to push for a ban. While the FDA claims the chemical's residue levels in coffee are safe, concerns about its potential health impacts persist.

  • Nicki Minaj got arrested??

  • I’ve been really intrigued by the water industry, specifically the rise of Liquid Death. So interesting that the water industry is just based on how it’s marketed.
    Taco bell / Cheez-it collab?!

  • What “I’m not a robot” actually means

  • There’s no scientific proof, but bee pollen definitely helps with allergies

  • A cute song by Victoria Justice about her sister :’)

  • 🎧: Quit doing sh*t you hate

  • 📖: Queer-owned brands 🏳️‍🌈

  • What’s hot 🔥: Misi, homemade pesto, whipped ricotta

    What’s not 🙅‍♀️: Nikki Haley, the L out of commission

  • 🔝High of the week: biking across the Williamsburg bridge!

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

  • 🗽: Brooklyn Tech Expo 2024 (6/6): This premier event is tailored for Brooklyn's dynamic tech and business community, expecting over 1,000 attendees.

  • 🗽: Ladies who Pickle (6/19): ​​​Ladies Who Pickle is a social event for professional females in male-dominated industries (law, healthcare, VC/PE, banking, finance, tech, etc.) who are looking for a supportive and collaborative group of powerhouse women to connect with in a fun, casual way.  

HER HUSTLE & COFFEE

I love finding new coffee shops and meeting other female founders, so I started a series to share stories of female entrepreneurs at coffee shops around New York City.

Nehal Shah, is the founder of Nehal and Co, an inclusive luxury beauty brand

Check out the full video interview here, or highlights from our conversation below.

Why is this important to you?
This all started while I was in undergrad. I was going through some health issues and turned to makeup to feel more confident. I was working in a dermatology lab and worked with the chemist and created the golden touch foundation.

What is one resource that you would recommend?
Choose Possibility, it talks about being open minded

📍Blue Bottle (257 Park Ave S): 1/10 – their coffee is shit, the people there are rude, nice space tho

No one gets remembered for the things they didn’t do.

xoxo,
Prasiddhi
thinkers, founder