The Power of Power Naps: How Lawn Bowls Queen Nor Farah Ain Abdullah Recharges for Success
In the world of sports, every athlete has their own strategy to achieve success at the international level. For national lawn bowls queen Nor Farah Ain Abdullah, one of her secrets to success is a quick power nap to recharge her batteries before taking on her rivals.
The Accidental Discovery
Nor Farah, who emerged as world champion last year, admits that catching 40 winks is one of the ways she maintains her focus and re-energises herself during tournaments. The 15-minute power nap has become an essential part of her pre-game routine, helping her to feel fresher, ready to stretch and be in battle mode.
The power nap was not a deliberate choice, but rather an accidental discovery. Nor Farah fell asleep due to fatigue while competing in the 2022 Kuala Lumpur Malaysia Games (SUKMA). To her surprise, that short nap proved refreshing and helped her focus better during the competition. Since then, she has made sure to take her power nap before each game.
Anywhere, Anytime
Nor Farah can sleep anywhere, whether it’s on a chair or in the changing room. She only needs to close her face with a towel or something and she’ll be asleep for about 15 minutes. The national head coach, Zuraidi Puteh, is aware of her routine but doesn’t stop her, believing in the saying "if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it".
The Science Behind Power Naps
The practice of taking power naps is not new in the world of sports. Even British snooker legend Ronnie O’Sullivan and Jamaican sprint sensation Usain Bolt have attested to the benefits of catching a quick nap before competitions, citing improved focus and energy. Scientific studies in sports have also shown that taking a short nap before any physical activity helps improve reaction time, mental clarity and physical endurance.
A World Champion and a World Number One
Nor Farah shot to fame when she won gold in the women’s event at the 2024 World Indoor Lawn Bowls Championships in Guernsey, Channel Islands, in April last year. Last month, the Kuala Selangor-born athlete continued to make Malaysia proud when she created history by moving up the ranks to become the world’s number one player. Nor Farah is now preparing to defend her title at the 2025 World Indoor Lawn Bowls Championships in Aberdeen, Scotland from April 20-25.
Conclusion
Nor Farah’s power nap routine is a testament to the importance of rest and recovery in achieving success. By incorporating a short nap into her pre-game routine, she is able to recharge her batteries, maintain her focus, and perform at her best.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does Nor Farah sleep for during her power nap?
A: Nor Farah sleeps for about 15 minutes during her power nap.
Q: Where does Nor Farah sleep during her power nap?
A: Nor Farah can sleep anywhere, whether it’s on a chair or in the changing room.
Q: Is her national head coach aware of her power nap routine?
A: Yes, her national head coach, Zuraidi Puteh, is aware of her power nap routine.
Q: Has Nor Farah always taken power naps before competitions?
A: No, Nor Farah fell asleep accidentally during a competition and discovered the benefits of power naps.