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Dealing with new working hours.

  • 05-03-2011 9:12am
    #1
    TestTransmission
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19,106 ✭✭✭✭


    Only this week I have started a new role in my company in which I work 4 days a week,starting at 5am until 3.30pm.
    For the last 3 years I have been working 12 hours which consisted of 8am to 8pm and 8pm to 8am.To say that I'm finding the new starts is a bit of a understatement.

    I'm finding that by midday I am totally exhausted I'm hoping my body will gradually adjust to these new hours but the issue at the moment is that I play a good bit of astro/mountain biking and I found playing this week I had absolutely no energy and my concentration levels were terrible.

    My diet during my work day always starts with porridge,possibly some wrap/rice dish during the day and then something relatively healthy in the evening.I'm not big into processed food at all,I find it bland.

    I do drink a terrible amount of coffee :o and I like my beer but never on a school night

    Basically, is there anything I should be eating/drinking to help maintain my energy levels during the day or is this just something I will just have to gradually deal with.


Comments

  • #2
    **Timbuk2**
    Moderators, Education Moderators, Motoring & Transport Moderators Posts: 7,396 Mod ✭✭✭✭**Timbuk2**


    I'd hazard a guess and say that it's your body adjusting to the new schedule, which is extremely different from the old one!

    I'd imagine that once you get into the routine of getting up so early, your body will become more used to it. But perhaps, at least for the first few weeks, you should get up at that time every day, including the 4 days you don't work. Sounds like crazy advice, but your body might have a better time adjusting that way. Sometimes your body could be adjusting to a new sleep cycle, but gets thrown totally off whack when you get up about 4/5 hours later on a weekend - this can make Monday morning starts hellish.

    If the problem persists, it would probably be worthwhile and informative to talk to your GP. But I'd say it's just your body adjusting.


  • #3
    Gordon Gekko
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 435 ✭✭Gordon Gekko


    I think you probably just need to give your body time to adjust to the new routine. It's only been a week. Obviously, ensuring you get enough sleep is going to be key - with a 5am start I presume you're getting up at around 4am - which certainly for me means I'd need to be in bed by 10pm at the latest - and stay off the coffee for at least a few hours before bedtime. I know it's tough going to bed so early when you're not used to it but you'll just have to get used to it. Also, getting out and about when you finish at 3.30pm will give you good exposure to daylight which will help your body clock adjust more quickly.

    Your new hours are actually shorter than your old, and will benefit you in the long run - it's generally not great for your health to work night shifts over a long period of time.


  • #4
    TestTransmission
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19,106 ✭✭✭✭TestTransmission


    **Timbuk2** wrote: »
    I'd hazard a guess and say that it's your body adjusting to the new schedule, which is extremely different from the old one!

    I'd imagine that once you get into the routine of getting up so early, your body will become more used to it. But perhaps, at least for the first few weeks, you should get up at that time every day, including the 4 days you don't work. Sounds like crazy advice, but your body might have a better time adjusting that way. Sometimes your body could be adjusting to a new sleep cycle, but gets thrown totally off whack when you get up about 4/5 hours later on a weekend - this can make Monday morning starts hellish.

    If the problem persists, it would probably be worthwhile and informative to talk to your GP. But I'd say it's just your body adjusting.
    Gordon Gekko wrote: »
    I think you probably just need to give your body time to adjust to the new routine. It's only been a week. Obviously, ensuring you get enough sleep is going to be key - with a 5am start I presume you're getting up at around 4am - which certainly for me means I'd need to be in bed by 10pm at the latest - and stay off the coffee for at least a few hours before bedtime. I know it's tough going to bed so early when you're not used to it but you'll just have to get used to it. Also, getting out and about when you finish at 3.30pm will give you good exposure to daylight which will help your body clock adjust more quickly.

    Your new hours are actually shorter than your old, and will benefit you in the long run - it's generally not great for your health to work night shifts over a long period of time.

    Maybe I'll give it some time so!I dunno about getting up that early on the weekend though,I cant imagine the gf would be too happy about it :)


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