Summer is here (in Australia!) However, being a shift worker can make this time of year seem impossible to truly enjoy. 

False news! 

Here are some of my tips and tricks to enjoying the season regardless of which shifts you have been allocated.

Schedule things you want to do. Merely wishing to do them isn’t going to get anything done. If it's not written it's not happening! As soon as you get your roster write your shifts in your calendar and then write in your playtime! 

Working a day shift?

Try:

• Playing a twilight sport

• Going to the movies

• Going out for dinner

• Checking out the remaining Christmas lights

• Watch the sunset

• Walk along a beach

• Board game night

• Make time for your hobby.

Working an arvo shift?

Try:

• Watch the sunrise

• Morning drive

• Morning bike ride

• Brunches out

• Play sport (ie tennis)

• Practice your photography skills on a walk

• Have a picnic

• Get your hair and/or nails done.

For our night duty workers, many of the above can be utilised pre or post-shift if you make a plan for them. A concrete plan. Not just a dream. But it's important to make sure it is going to be safe for you especially around tiredness and driving. 

For those who get 2-3+ days off in a row make a plan for a getaway. Get out of the house, keep active. Don’t waste your summer days cleaning and washing. You deserve some downtime too. 

Think at the end of summer will you be pleased you vacuumed? Or will you be pleased you snuck away to a local coastal town for a night?

Need more tips and tricks for self-care? The Phoenix Protocol (TPP) is a membership to help nurses find career fulfilment, prevent burnout and love their life, has a monthly self-care calendar for you to tick off each day. For more information on TPP click here.