According to Sleepfoundation.org, the recommended number of hours we should sleep is 7-9 hours. I don’t know about you but the only time I get that amount of sleep is on weekends. One thing to note is that once college is over you won’t have the additional time in between classes for naps or relaxing.
Most desk jobs will require you to be there around 8 hours a day. You are working on a computer screen for at least 7 hours of those 8 hours, assuming you are getting an hour for lunch. Screen time will impact the health of your eyes and your eyes will have to adjust to this new routine.
For many new comers to the corporate world this new change will impact your energy levels. Little alone the additional hours of work you may have to do after hours or weekends to get caught up or during your busy seasons. It’s very important to catch up on sleep as soon as you can and head to bed earlier than you did during college years.
Here are some of my tips for staying on top of it and keeping exhaustion at bay.
See an Optometrist
When you first start a new career where your average screen time is increasing, it is very important to ensure your eyes stay healthy. You may need a new prescription or invest in some blue light lenses for your glasses. It will make a huge difference and keep those headaches/migraines away.
Catch up on Sleep
We can never determine when that long work day will come up.. or the never ending work week or month! It’s super important to catch up on sleep. Skip the caffeine and wine, and diffuse some lavender oil, take a warm shower, wash the day away, and head to bed early instead. It will make a world of difference when you get that extra hour of sleep.
Exercise
Yoga made a big difference for me. Some companies are even having yoga at the workplace now, and seeing an increase in productivity. Even some light exercise like a walk after work or a 45 min spin class is a great day to get your mind off of work and help with some energy levels.
Sleep
I can’t stress the importance of just getting to bed earlier. Turning off screen time at least an hour before bed and beginning a bed time routine will help set the mood and help you establish a good sleep pattern. During some of my busy seasons, I would forgo screen time, like binge watching Netflix and scrolling mindlessly on Instagram to get a longer shower in and get ready for sleep. it made a world of difference. Getting some shut-eye will give you more energy for the next day and decrease the need for caffeine and extra calories. Weekends are also a great time to catch up on some sleep.
Would love to hear your tips for keeping exhaustion at bay!