Night Shift Mami 🌃
GoodMorning Loves 💕 …or Goodnight for me!
I’ve been working the graveyard/overnight/night shift; whichever you call it for about 2/3 years now I think and I’ve yet to find the bright side of it.
Don’t get me wrong, it can be “fun”/entertaining, but i definitely think it depends on the job and coworkers.
I started working overnight at a hospital, in the emergency department/psych unit, which allowed for varying nights every night. Nights would always start with cracking open your choice of “keep me up juice” — I opted for @RedBull or @Celsius Energy paired with a snack to get me thru the night & usually ramen/soup for our “lunch” for break.
Now that I still work overnight but in a different setting (office) my nights are very different from what I had gotten use to. My shifts are repetitive and hardly entertaining since I work alone and have a low client load.
Things that didn’t change? I still rely on “keep me up juice” to get me thru the night, a hearty and delicious ramen 🍜 , and an extra snacky! 😋
Pros? I can watch documentaries all night (true crime preferably) or play games, put my feet up, & wrap myself in a blanket until someone needs me, which is rare since they’re sleeping. I also have time to get back to journaling and empty my brain all night🧠🤓 — Trying to get back to writing poetry! Maybe I’ll share it on here someday.
Cons? As you can assume, my sleep schedule is nonexistent 🫠 If I’m lucky I can sleep once I get off, but if I do then I sleep all day just to wake up and go to work again. However, I usually hardly sleep after work or before work which can start to take a toll on my mental health.
I constantly try to check in with myself and how my mental health is doing, but it can become difficult when you don’t have the time to practice.
Things that help me feel good during a sleepless week — Cuddles from my princess 🐱, finding at least one thing to do that makes me happy (being in nature, binge watch some more, retail therapy, try new foods etc.), & most importantly resting if not sleeping.
Moral of the story? ALWAYS TAKE CARE OF YOU💜
✨Until next time my loves ✨
#night shift #transparency #worklifebalance #selfcare#hellolemon8
Working the overnight shift truly changes your perception of time. For those wondering 'what is the overnight shift,' it's more than just working when others sleep; it's a lifestyle adjustment that impacts everything from social life to mental well-being. Whether you call it the night shift, graveyard, or overnight, the core challenge remains: aligning your body to a unique schedule. I've experienced the stark 'difference between night shift and overnight shift' based on the environment – from the intense, unpredictable pace of a hospital emergency department to the quiet solitude of an office setting. One of the biggest lessons I've learned is mastering the 'extrasnacky' strategy. It's not just about what you eat, but when and how. My go-to 'keep me up juice' has always been a reliable RedBull or Celsius, but pairing it with proper fuel is crucial. I discovered that preparing hearty meals like my favorite spicy ramen beforehand prevents unhealthy cravings during those late-night hours. And yes, those Cheez-Its from my desk setup are a guilty pleasure, but having healthier snacks like fruit or nuts on hand for those inevitable energy dips makes a huge difference. Hydration is also key; water, water, water! My early days in a hospital ED were a whirlwind. Every night felt like a 'medical emergency' waiting to happen, requiring constant vigilance and quick thinking. The energy from my team and the varied situations kept me alert. However, transitioning to an office 'overnight shift' meant working largely alone. The 'card game' aspect, as the queries hint, shifted from a metaphor for quick thinking in a crisis to literally playing games on my iPad during quiet moments to stay engaged. The demands were different, but the need to maintain focus remained. This shift highlighted how diverse 'working the overnight shift' can be. Many 'night shift quotes' speak to the loneliness or the unique perspective night workers gain. It's true; it can be isolating, and my sleep schedule often feels nonexistent. This is where prioritizing mental health becomes paramount. I've found immense comfort in small rituals. Cuddles from my sweet tabby, Princess Penny, are a nightly balm for my soul. Journaling, an activity I picked up again during my quiet office shifts, helps me 'empty my brain' and process thoughts. Finding moments for myself – whether it’s a quick walk in nature before the sun gets too high, or a bit of retail therapy – is essential for my well-being. It's about consciously finding things that make me happy, even when the world is sleeping. For all 'night shift workers,' remember what they say: 'Take care of you first.' It's not just a quote; it's a lifeline. Ultimately, 'working the overnight shift' is a unique journey. It has its challenges, but also its unexpected moments of calm and productivity. By understanding 'what is overnight shift' truly entails and consciously implementing self-care strategies, it's possible to thrive. My biggest takeaway? Listen to your body and mind, and always prioritize your well-being.