When the rest of the world settles into their beds, you’re ready to head off to work or start up a new project. Whether or not you’re a night owl by choice, it isn’t easy to adjust to such a different schedule. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t be productive. With a few changes, it’s possible to become an efficient worker at any time of the day.
Here are a few productivity tips for anyone who needs or wants to work at night. Don’t worry – you’ll be an expert night owl soon enough!
Rearrange Your Sleep Schedule
Every person’s sleep routine relates to their circadian rhythm. Our brains adapt to particular schedules over time. If you fall asleep at 10 p.m. and wake up at 7 a.m. each day for several months, then your body takes note. As a result, it becomes a habit – eventually, you won’t need an alarm clock. But when you want to work after hours, it’s necessary to alter your internal clock.
Typically, people experience two periods of needed rest – between 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m., and 2:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. You can use these times to your advantage. Rearrange your sleep schedule before your first graveyard shift. Go to bed at 9 p.m. instead of 10 p.m. Then, set an alert for 6 a.m., not 7 a.m.
Eventually, you’ll be able to fall asleep at 4 p.m. and wake up at midnight. To make this process more straightforward, use blackout curtains and a sleep mask when you head to bed. When you wake up, turn on bright lights to simulate the sun.
Eat at a Specific Time
Most Americans eat dinner at around 5 or 6 p.m. Because you’ll be asleep at those times, it’s necessary to rethink your meals. When you choose to skip breakfast or pick up fast food, those decisions negatively impact your workday and overall health. So, you’ll need to take a new approach.
You may find that small, nutritious snacks benefit your new schedule. Or, you can stick to three meals throughout the day. Eat breakfast when you get home from work. Then, consume lunch before you fall asleep. Make dinner an hour before your shift. It’ll take some time for your metabolism to adjust, but it’s important to create a strict routine.
Use Your Days Wisely
When you leave work as the sun rises, you’ll probably want to get out and enjoy your day. You can run errands and attend appointments, but you shouldn’t over-extend yourself. Now that you’re on a new schedule, it’s essential to change your mindset, too. You wouldn’t have drinks with friends an hour before you went to bed, would you?
In other words, you’ll need to treat afternoons like evenings. Start to wind down around 2 or 3 p.m. Have a snack, avoid your phone and read a book. Transition your typical nightly routines. This way, you can fall asleep on time. When you wake up, you’ll feel rested and alert – which makes it easier to drive safely at night and enjoy a productive work environment.
You shouldn’t expect to be super efficient in the middle of the day. After all, we can’t be superheroes – everyone needs to go to bed at some point. If you worked the night shift for weeks, it’d be difficult to transition back to a “normal” routine right away. So, it’s vital to use your days wisely.
Take a Break or Two
People who work throughout the day tend to hit a mid-afternoon slump. Unfortunately, night owls aren’t exempt from this period. At around 3 a.m., most night shift employees encounter a similar rut. These late hours can cause significant issues – both physically and psychologically. It’s essential to make time for yourself to ensure that you’re at your best.
Take as many breaks as possible – and do so carefully. Don’t watch TV or peruse social media. Instead, take a seated nap or head to a 24-hour gym. If you can stay occupied and engaged, you’ll be able to remain productive throughout your shift. You can also brew coffee or grab a healthy snack. This hour makes all the difference down the line.
Use These Ideas to Boost Nighttime Productivity
It can take a long time to adjust to a new routine. As such, it’s crucial to take a prepared approach. Consider these tips so that you can rock your night shift.
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