I hope you all had a blessed & wonderful Thanksgiving! In 2014, the greatest change in my life was my overnight work shift schedule. I AM OVERWHELMED WITH THANKS for the adjustments that have taken place in my life because of it.
So, if you were wondering why I’ve been absent from my blogging schedule this year, it’s because I was adjusting to the day shift. It has honestly taken me a good 6 months to do so and be able to fathom blogging again! So there you have it, welcome me back!
In honor of Thanksgiving, I’m sharing my survival method for those that are currently starting or struggling with working the overnight shift!
Do you currently work the overnight shift or swing shift? If so, you know that it can be brutal sometimes!
My pharmacy BFF and I researched this thing in the beginning. We didn’t want to put too much wear and tear on the body! Well, we concluded that 7 years was the stopping point.
I started this in September 2006 ! She left me almost 3 years prior to me finally deciding earlier this year to join her!
Here’s the breakdown of my former schedule for those that were unaware…
I would go to work on a Monday night and work for 7 nights straight! Then the next Monday morning, I’d shoot the deuces for 7 nights!
Pretty sweet, right? Well kinda! Alternating sleep patterns is rough on the body and I’ve kinda gained a reputation for falling asleep in inappropriate places, lol!
AT A BRIAN MCKNIGHT CONCERT THAT WAS CLEARLY BORING ME BACK IN 2007
I go go go, but if you are boring me, I mean seriously…it could be mid conversation, I’m outta there! That goes for movies, TV shows, friends, preachers….SMH! It’s slightly embarrasing but whatever! It is what it is!
How did I get by? Firstly, let me say I’m grateful for the 7 on 7 off rotation. I think it’s a little bit more difficult for people to get good sleep and enjoy life when they work M-F overnight, or at least that’s what I hear.
I mentioned some tips in Beat Insomnia with 15 Lifestyle Changes, but here is the official overnight tribute
TIPS FOR SURVIVAL
exerted from one of my first post with some additions….
Emergency Phone
One final tip I’d recommend for people on the night shift is to get a second prepaid cell phone. They are very inexpensive.
When you work the night shift, no matter how many times you tell people, they will not remember your schedule. Keep and emergency phone for your loved ones (THE ONLY PEOPLE WHO NEED YOU IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY). They will know when you are sleeping and will truly only use the number if you need to be awakened.
The other benefit of the prepaid phone is that it last forever! I keep mine with me and I’m only charged on days that I actually use it. With all that we do on our smart phones, they can loose charge in the most inopportune times. Your little prepaid won’t die on your for like 2 days! All you do is talk on it! Do you remember those days?
Hope this helps ya’ll out there in overnight land!
Now, don’t I look a lot happier at work and on the way to work?
Rx Fitness Lady wants to know…
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