Working the night shift can be hard on your body, especially if you’re new to it.
As a remote worker, you must take care of your body if you want to stay healthy when working at night.
Thus, here are several things you can do to boost your mood if you work night shifts.
Stay Hydrated
Coffee is the most common drink of choice for many night-shift remote workers.
However, did you know it’s better to keep yourself hydrated instead?
While coffee can make you feel alert, it can also dehydrate you and make you feel sluggish.
Instead, drink a glass of cold water if you need to perk up when working night shifts. Tea is a wonderful alternative too.
(Just be sure not to drink water an hour before the end of your shift. You wouldn’t want your sleep interrupted by frequent trips to the bathroom.)
Take Vitamin D
Vitamins and nutrients are critical to your body’s health. However, you might be deficient in one particular vitamin if you’re working the night shift.
Our bodies get vitamin D from sunlight, which is impossible to get during the evenings.
If you consistently lack vitamin D, you can experience fatigue, muscle twitching and weakness, muscle pain, stiffness, and even osteoporosis.
Thus, you need to take supplements to make up for the deficiency.
Drinking vitamin D (and other vitamins like B-12) can regulate your mood and can help if you’re experiencing negative emotions.
Further, the body best absorbs vitamin D through meals. So, be sure to eat a hearty and nutritious one before starting your shift.
Snack on Something Healthy
Like coffee, most remote workers tend to eat chips and other sugary snacks while working the night shift.
While these foods can give you a short burst of energy, they can also lead to a sugar crash.
Instead, why not snack on healthier options like nuts, fruits, or even raw veggies? High-protein foods will also make you feel fuller and thus more energized.
Keep Yourself Busy
The night shift can have slow moments, which can cause you to feel sleepy.
As such, it’s best to always keep yourself busy.
If you’re done with your usual tasks (or simply want a short break from them), you can try solving puzzles.
Who knows?
You might discover a new hobby.
You can also listen to upbeat music to keep your mood up.
Or, you can get an early start on your other tasks. It can help to determine which responsibilities are urgent or the easiest so you can complete them first.
This way, you aren’t too fatigued at the start of your next shift.
Stretch Your Limbs
Don’t stay seated for too long, even when you work at night.
Get up and stretch once in a while. Performing simple desk exercises can be an effective way to boost your energy while working at night.
Shift Your Mindset
Lastly, feeling great about your work situation starts in the mind.
Sure, you can feel dejected having to work the night shift, but you can also focus on the pros. (And trust us, night shift workers have several unexpected advantages,)
Doing so can change your perspective, and can let you appreciate the advantages of your position more.
Give Yourself Time to Adjust
Your body won’t instantly adapt to working the night shift. So, give yourself some grace.
Making tiny changes to your lifestyle can help you stay positive and happy while working at night.
On that note, if you’re thinking about making a career shift this upcoming new year, head to Remote Staff’s job listings. It’s always updated, so you’re sure to find a role that best suits your qualifications.
Remote Staff has also been in the industry for 16 years now (and counting)! The company is currently expanding to the US, so remote workers who actually prefer working the night shift are welcome to apply.
Register with us today!
