Dealing with 14 days of working without a day off

You may remember from last week that I started a new job, click here if you haven’t read about it. As exciting as that was, I also had to finish up working at the pub I had been with for a few months. I had been treated really well at the pub and was given the job just when I needed it, so needed to give them notice and work out with them rather than dumping them in the dirt. Working without a day off though hasn’t been easy.

By starting the new job and working my notice at the pub at the same time, I haven’t seen a day off in 2 weeks. At the time of writing this post, I have finally made it to Day 14 and am exhausted but glad to have made it, so I thought I would share some tips on how to get through it if you ever find yourself in a similar situation.

My first tip is probably the most obvious… Get enough sleep every night!!! If you’re anything like me, you will tend to go to bed rather late because you are more of a night owl than an early bird. Make sure you are getting enough sleep for your body and feel well rested when you wake up in the morning to head to work. This will prevent unnecessary mistakes, general grumpiness and extra tiredness.

Stay hydrated!! Plenty of water will help keep your system flushed and functioning properly and the last thing you want is to put unnecessary strain on your body when you need all your energy to push through the multiple weeks of working.

Avoid loads of sugar!!! This is one I succumb to all too easily. I am way too guilty of turning to a Coco Cola or chocolate to push through. What sugar does to your body will make your ability to push through so much harder. When you have foods and drinks high in sugar, you will get an amazing sugar high because you blood sugar will shoot through the roof. But like all highs, it doesn’t last, and your crash will have you feeling so much worse than you did before you ate/drank the sugary goodness. It really isn’t worth it. I have done that a few times in the last 2 weeks and regretted it so badly.

In the time you are working, do something relaxing!!! Usually I would say I have crocheted in between work but on this stunt I haven’t had the inclination and there is a lacking in inspiration at the moment on that particular hobby. However, I have been reading a lot more and I definitely find this wonderfully relaxing. So find something that is therapeutic and relaxing for you that can improve your mood and leave you feeling a little more like yourself after another long day working. (If you need book recommendations, give me a shout or read my blog post about my favourite writers at the moment.)

And of course, if you’re allowed, have music on in the office!!! The impact music has on our moods is quite spooky. Have you ever felt super grumpy or even angry and then you put some music (any music), you find your mood lift. In our office we have Heart radio on all day and it really does wonders on keeping all of us upbeat and happy.

Don’t forget, have something to look forward to at the end!!! Having a light at the end of the tunnel of continuous working days is what really helps me push through when I feel like I want keel over. My best friend of 17 years are coming to visit this weekend. I haven’t seen her in over 2 years and that is my bright light at the end of this hard time.. Knowing there is something special at the end will make the days easier to bare, and it doesn’t have to be big. Previously, just setting the goal of getting through it and then getting that take away or opening that bottle of wine that has been sitting on the shelf is just as effective.

Have you been through long period of working time without a day off?? How do you deal with and push through? Share your lights at the end of the tunnel as well!! Let me know if tips are helpful you 🙂

I am so proud of myself of getting through this 14 day straight and am so grateful for the people who have helped through, both in person and my wonderful blogger friends on Twitter.

Until next time…