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Adjusting to your New Hours of Work

By: Emma Jones - Updated: 8 Sep 2012 | comments*Discuss
 
Hours Work Job Breaks Adjust Routine

Like any new routine, it can be difficult to get used to your new working hours. Whether you have come straight from school, were unemployed or just used to a different routine, you need to give yourself time to adjust. To do your job properly you need to be awake and alert so you must make sure that you get enough rest and settle into your working hours. Don’t push yourself but make the shift gradually so that it soon becomes second nature.

Get Some Sleep

To be the best that you can be in your new job you need to be well rested and able to concentrate. Perhaps you are used to going to bed later and lying in but you need to make some changes for your new working hours. Make sure you try to get at least eight hours sleep each night and also give yourself time to relax and drift off. Don’t think that you can just catch up on your sleep at weekends as your body doesn’t work like that and will leave you feeling lethargic mid-week.

Take Regular Breaks

Whatever your working hours are you need to stay alert and consistent from beginning to end. You will have peaks and troughs when it comes to your energy levels but by taking regular breaks you can try and overcome them. Even taking a five minute break will help perk you up and let your mind and body re-fuel. Remember to drink plenty of water and eat regularly to so that your energy levels stay up.

Enjoy Your Evenings

When you first start a new job it can feel like your working hours totally consume your life. You may feel like all you do is get up, go to work, come home and do it all over again. To make sure that you don’t become one of those people that just lives for the weekend you need to enjoy your week as well. Fill your evenings with a hobby or meeting up with friends so that you have something to look forward to other than work.

Take It Slowly

When you start a new job you are not going to get used to your new working hours straight away. Give yourself time to adjust and get used to your new routine. When you first start, focus on getting enough sleep and finding a pattern of breaks that help stay alert throughout the day. Once you have got used to this you can start filling your evenings and making sure that you have a full and enjoyable life outside of work.

It takes your body time to adjust to any changes so your new working hours may be a bit of a shock to start with. Take it slowly and concentrate on staying alert throughout the day. The most important thing is to make sure that you get enough sleep and are well rested. Also, give yourself regular breaks and eat and drink to stay alert. Once you have began to settle in, find enjoyable activities to fill your evenings so you create a good work life balance.

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