Night Shift FAQs
I think it’s good to be aware of the spiritual dangers of working the graveyard shift, and being proactive and defensive is the correct approach to succeed.
1. How long did it take you to get used to doing nights?
When I first started working nights, I was also doing school full time. So it was not really an adjustment - more like a “sleep when you can” mentality.
Once I was out of school, I would say it took me about 1 year to adjust to working full time nights.
2. Do you have any practical tips that you implemented that helped you adjust to the schedule? (i.e. wearing sunglasses on your drive home, using OTC melatonin, telling your friends/family about your schedule so they were understanding, etc.)
Cover your windows to block out natural light while you sleep, drink water, run errands during the daytime (after you get off work) or late at night (on your nights off) to beat crowds. Don’t speed (you will be tempted to speed, especially if the lanes are clear in the mornings).
Guard your sleep time (don’t try to be flexible with others schedules - they need to understand and try to be flexible with yours). Eat healthy (don’t eat junk food late at night).
3. Looking back, how would you describe the overall experience? Would you say it takes an adjustment, but overall is doable? (I am trying to have a hopeful attitude)
It is absolutely overall doable. There are a lot of benefits. It’s best to get into a routine. Let people know that you work nights, don’t be ashamed when you can’t make events or you need to leave events early. Your sleep and rest is critical to your success over the long term.
A fair warning though is to know that it will take a toll on you. Physically, emotionally, mentally. You need to be prepared with this. This is why you get paid more to do nights!
4. How did your graveyard position affect you spiritually?
Before talking about spiritual matters, I would first think about how it will affect you physically. I had less sleep, I was generally fatigued, and I was more irritable. You have to understand and accept these facts, so get as much sleep as possible, eat healthy, and exercise.
On a spiritual level, I missed worship services, I missed fellowship events, and I generally spent less time around Christian friends and family. I did not stay after service to hang out.
5. How did you maintain your spiritual health?
I used the free time that I did have in order to work on my spiritual life. I made sure to do my devotions and I read a lot of Christian books. Whenever I had a night off, I would try to spend time with my Christian friends outside of church. I also made time to serve at church whenever I could - so I was not just attending, but I was plugged in and doing ministry.
So a lot of it is going to mean managing your time well and understanding that you do not live a normal life when you are working graveyard.
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