If you are a front line worker, you probably have to go above and beyond the call of duty during these current trying times. That might include working long hours and double shifts. You’ll need to implement some strategies that will help you to stay comfortable while you’re working those long shifts. The following are six things you can do to help you get through the long shifts with ease.
1. Eat a Balanced Meal
The food and drinks that you take in before your work shift supply your day’s fuel. Therefore, you need to make sure that you eat a meal that will give you energy and not make you tired during your shift. First and foremost, you need to stay hydrated at all times. That means you need to take eight 8-ounce glasses of water every day.
Aside from that, your meals and snacks should be full of vitamins and minerals that will give you energy. Examples of energy-boosting foods include eggs, chicken breast, whole grains, and spinach. Try to eat six small meals instead of three large meals to boost your metabolism, which will also give you more energy.
2. Take Breaks Every Two Hours
Another thing you should do to get through a long shift is to take a break every two hours. The nature of your job might not allow you to take long breaks. In that case, five-minute breaks will be ideal. Take the time to walk around and change your scenery for a few minutes. Listen to your favorite song or read a page from your favorite book. Do a few exercises. That will keep your mind fresh and reduce the level of stress that you experience on the job.
3. Take a Power Nap
People are constantly underestimating the power of a power nap. A 10 to 20-minute nap during your lunch break can do wonders for you that you might not even know. One benefit that you can get from a power nap is that it will increase your cognitive performance. Additionally, it will give you a quick way to reduce the amount of mental fatigue you experience.
4. Socialize
Friendly people can often make a long day seem much shorter. Socialization is the key to making that work for you. Take the time to talk to your coworkers and share some laughs with them.
Be extra kind and compassionate to your clients or patients by doing things like asking them about their days and letting them know you’re available to help them with anything they desire. You’ll find that your long shift seems a lot shorter when you have people to talk to, and you’re providing the assistance that people need in their lives.
5. Invest in Shoe Support
The wrong shoes can make a long shift seem dreadful. The last thing you want to have during an extended shift is sore feet. Therefore, you should take some money and invest it in making your footwear more comfortable. You can do that one of two ways. You can buy orthopedic shoes or boots that are designed for front line workers specifically. Alternatively, you can invest your money into orthopedic footpads that will give your feet the cushiony support that they need so that you can feel like you’re walking on air every day of your life.
6. Wear Comfortable Clothing
Comfortable clothing goes hand-in-hand with comfortable shoes. You’ll need to wear clothing that feels soft on your body and helps to absorb sweat when your job gets demanding. Cherokee scrubs are an excellent example of front line worker clothing that can make your long days more pleasurable.
If you work in the medical field, you can find a variety of scrubs with varying colors, textures, and pricing. You can choose something that you know you’ll feel relaxed and comfortable in. Do the same thing if you’re a restaurant or retail worker. Find clothing that “breathes” and doesn’t trap in heat or sweat. You can feel many degrees cooler if you choose the right outfits to wear to work.
Those are a few helpful tips you can use if you want to make your long shifts more manageable. Try these first, and then you will most likely think of additional ideas to help yourself.
