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How to Stay Fit on Night Shift: Top 3 Practices
A linked night shift work with an increased risk of sleep loss, occupational accidents, obesity, weight gain, type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, and breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers. However, night shifts are the norm in careers such as nursing and law enforcement, to name a few. I am in the latter group and have worked several shifts throughout my career.
12-hour shifts, in general, allow less time for leisurely workouts, preparing nutritious meals, and overall maintaining a healthy lifestyle. For these reasons and several others (add sleep deprivation), working a 12-hour night shift is most difficult of all.
Trust me on that. If you, too, are a night shift worker, you are likely shaking your head in agreement.
The irregular sleep patterns, disrupted routines, lack of sunlight, and having fewer food options at night can make it difficult to prioritize fitness and overall well-being. Nevertheless, with intention, it can be done. With the right strategies and good old-fashioned willpower, it is possible to stay healthy and fit even on a night shift.
If you’ve been paying attention, many motivational speakers, fitness coaches, and personal trainers mention the strategy of seizing the day. Carpe diem they say! Wake up early, work out, meditate, and seize the…
