I'm working over the weekend which I guess is ok, because I love my job. There is however a weensy smidgen of envy watching everyone leisurely get up knowing I'll be at work in x amount of hours and will be there until late o'clock.
I've therefore devised a rough little guide to help you get through working long hours should you find yourself in a similar situation. Work doesn't need to be like ground hog day, small positives can really break up the hours.
Oddly enough I'm also finding shifts are really helping me be super organised, noticed how regular my posts are recently?! Now that I have to prioritize tasks and savor my spare time, I'm finding I'm a lot better at stopping the annoying little jobs from becoming big chores.
Drink Tea.
I don't have set break patterns so making a cup of tea has become my few minutes of calm. Whether its a caffeine option or herbal the time it takes for the kettle to boil will give you a moments head space. Enjoy it, savor the warm mug in your hands, the small sips and the feeling of bliss as you sit down and appreciate a good brew!
Exercise.
I know, I know its annoying having someone enthusiastically suggest exercise before a twelve hour shift but trust me it works. As little as twenty five minutes of cardio will not only help keep that super gorgeous surfer body toned, it will also seriously help concentration. That and if you've any 'drama' in your life there's nothing like a bit of sweat to leech the annoyance out of you!
Eat well.
Its so simple but its so true! Your body is a beautiful biological machine and the stuff you put in it directly affects the output. Fill it with rubbish and you will feel rubbish. On my long shifts I like to prepare loads of nice little healthy treats throughout the day to keep my going when my energy flags. I'm no saint so if there's a treat to be had (which there inevitably is working in a care home) I don't deny myself, as my ma says everything in moderation.
Meditate.
A well known Buddhist scholar whose name I really should remember said as little as ten minutes meditation a day can really make a difference to your outlook. Find a quiet corner, close your eyes and start concentrating on your breath! Sometimes simply regulating your breathing can help work through frustrations and stop you making harmful remarks to colleagues or doing a poor job.
The playlist.
As the enigmatic Bob Marley once said;
'When music hits you feel no pain,'
Having a playlist on in the background when your heading to work can really get your sh!t together and keep you motivated. Here's this weeks playlist for you. Listen and love :)
1. Fidlar - Max Can't Surf
2. Skrillex & Damian Jr. Gong Marley - Make it Bun Dem
(If you want to procrastinate watch this video. AMAZING).
3. The Bots - I like your style
(these kids are so cute which is probably not what their going for but seriously so talented and so young)!
4. Macklemore - Thrift shop (someone followed me round and
recorded every rant I've ever had about main stream stores)!
5. Everything, Everything - Cough, Cough
6. Pearl Jam - Fixer
7. Ida Maria - I like you so much better when your naked
8. Max Graham Vs Yes - Owner of a lonely heart
(so wrong its right).
9. Zap Mama - Rafiki (<3 Zap Mama)
10. Lauren Aquilina - Fools (This girls 17 and AMAZING).
Have a plan.
Last but not least its good to have a plan, something your working towards when that shift just won't end. For me its always when my next surf trip is going to be and where - I like to think of every shift as one wage packet closer to realizing my dreams. At the end of the day work is a means to afford to do the things you like so enjoy the process!
Find positive moments in your day, small things which make you smile, be pleasant, be kind and above all remember you won't be on shift forever!
Stay strong, surf well
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