Best way to stay awake and keep stamina up?

1. 77

   Syrusv37posted 13 years ago

   Best way to stay awake and keep stamina up?
   
   So I've just been offered an overnight job, twelve hour shifts, 6PM-6AM. I've worked a temporary overnight shift before, but only eight. I've never done twelve straight hours in such a fast paced environment before. The job pays well, but I would like some tips, for when the drowsiness sets in. Whats the best way to keep my stamina high those twelve hours? I do NOT want to depend on coffee or energy drinks, but just maybe some tricks for when the shift starts to kick my a** (probably around three a.m.) Thanks.

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2. 82

   manlypoetrymanposted 13 years ago

   A cold breeze is a good eye opener. That and plenty of good rest ahead of time....are the only things beside lots of coffee and/or energy drinks that can help. I've worked nights before on long shifts,too...and that's the only thing that helped me! Also, getting a paycheck is a pretty good motivator for staying awake, too...Good Luck!

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3. 59

   articleteamposted 13 years ago

   get an energy drink or take something with caffeine or you could take a nice hot shower to keep a good blood circulation all through out.

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4. 60

   fibo777posted 13 years ago

   Start doing exercises around three o'clock. You will get used to it. I think sleep will still be coming. Be sure to rest after the shift. These kind of jobs can have a negative impact on your health.

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5. 58

   dhaarnagaurav9posted 13 years ago

   just do yoga for 10 min.
   don't take heavy food.
   try to keep yourself happy,don't e tress.
   take a glass of milk daily and fruits.

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6. 61

   Stigma31posted 13 years ago

   Drink lots of water, it will give your body the needed oxygen that it will start craving from exhaustion. And pace out your eating, eat some fruits on your first break, and good well rounded meal for your meal break and some type of replenishment food, like a banana and gatorade for your last break.

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7. 0

   dctran91posted 13 years ago

   The most useful method of dealing with stress is learning how to manage the stress that is acceptable to cope with new challenges, whether good or bad. Stress management skills will be most effective when they are being used regularly even when there is no pressure. Understand how to control stress and how to do that will help you handle difficult situations that may occur in the future calmly.
   
   Here are a few things to help you control your stress:
   
   Should not overworked. If you're feeling too much work, take initiative to remove some activities, only concentrating on the really important work.
   
   Be realistic. Do not idealize themselves. Your desires for the perfect someone can increase your stress levels, not to mention the pressure that these people have to suffer. Speak out your wishes when you face obstacles, including learning.
   
   Let's sleep. Sleep will help keep your body and your mind in its high top, you will be healthy enough to cope with any stress.
   
   Learn to relax. Relaxation is the dose of stress the best solution for you. That is when you are faced with stress, good relaxation will give you a feeling of happiness and peace. You will activate the chemical reaction can only benefit the body by practicing relaxation through simple breathing exercises, you will have enough sense to deal with stressful situations and build time schedule for work activities, learning, entertainment, recreation.
   
   Take care of yourself. Experts agree that regular exercise helps you control your stress. But too much exercise or not voluntary can lead to stress. Therefore moderation in exercise is necessary and sensible eating will also help you stay healthy. You will also ease the stress after an abdominal strain eats too quickly and snacks or fast food. During stress, the body needs vitamins and minerals than ever.
   
   Be careful in thinking. Learn to think positive, optimistic, love life. Self-improvement ability of your variable by starting work in the following manners: think of the change as an inevitable part of life;consistent goals and working to hogs; action to solve new problems arise, the following stand before such a relationship with family, friends, building plans and a solid rear ...

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8. 68

   marketingskepticposted 13 years ago

   I would recommend doing some stretches and move around as much as possible during that time. Your biological clock (circadian rhythm) essentially tells you that it's time to sleep which is why your body temperature will drop at night and you'll naturally feel colder; so do anything that will increase your blood flow so that you won't feel so sluggish.

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9. 60

   penneykhposted 13 years ago

   I would use this new job as an "excuse" to clean up your diet.  What you eat has such a big effect on your energy levels throughout the day.  As someone who has bartended for 12 hour shifts at a time without much of a break to speak of, I've gotten pretty good at keeping energy and stamina high well into the night. 
   
   - Get a big nalgene (or other BPA water bottle) and drink water throughout your entire shift.  As stigma31 said, water is chock-full of oxygen our bodies and brains need to function.
   
   - Raw foods.  These also contain boatloads of oxygen.  If you have a juicer, look up a recipe for "Green Lemonade".  This will oxidize you blood and give you a great natural boost.
   
   - Coffee.  Avoid it if you can help it - it will only make you crash after a few hours.  Also, I would stay away from 4-5-6 hour energy shots.  It's merely a combination of B complex and caffeine (plus some other unnatural ingredients).  If you need a caffeine boost, why not double-bag a cup of green tea and add some local honey.
   
   - Eat snacks.  Try to bring fruit, nuts or berries to snack on.  These are what our ancestors ate back in the caveman days to sustain themselves.  Well, turns out, they were onto something.  These superfoods are full of vitamins and antioxidents and should be a part of anyone's diet.
   
   - Sleep.  Get your 8 hours. 'Nuff said. 
   
   Hope this helps and good luck on your new job!

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10. 61

    LeeWallsposted 13 years ago

    That's the reason, night was made to sleep and day to be awake. Are you willing to sacrifice the long term affects on your health for a job that pays well or could you work a regular eight hour shift, simplify your life and say no thanks? If you have children you have to think about them and what that will do, as well as your relationship.Please don't forget about your emotional well-being; if you're not well, you can't work.

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11. 0

    jenuboukaposted 13 years ago

    Time.  It is going to take time for your body to adjust to the change.  It is a mental adjustment, for the most part, when it is dark, you would normally wind down, and get ready for bed, now you need to "convince" you body and mind that this is the time to start your day.
    My significant other has been working nights for over five years, and still finds a lack of energy and rejuvenation with the opposite schedule.   The best thing you can do if you take the job is just keep a very strict and tight schedule when it comes to eating and sleeping.

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