Tips for getting through the day

[HungryandIknowit]

It's been a tough week so far with early mornings and late nights. I need to focus today on a task which requires full concentration and no mistakes. I got to sleep at midnight after working late, was woken up by my child at 3.30 and have now been awake for an hour after forgetting I had my alarm set at 4.55am for a 5am call last week. Apart from coffee what are your tips for being productive ad not making mistakes after very little / interrupted sleep?

How crucial is it to do it today? At this point, I would explain to your manager and leave it until tomorrow. Certainly plan time tomorrow to double check everything you did today

Short walk round the block before you start (as little as 5 mins if you have logistical challenges with a little one and not much time). Good luck getting through it!

Glucose tablets, as much fresh air as possible.

I absolutely have to get it done today, but I think there is scope for getting someone else to check it. So thank you! Also thank you for the other tips, I think I will try a short walk and a large coffee.

Resign? Those are really terrible working hours, even without a small child to look after.

is this typical?

You sound like me. I'm already sat at my laptop and I'm wondering how I'm going to get through this day. Also people have been treating me like shit recently so I've got that emotional baggage on top.

I'll be living off coffee today. Hope you'll manage to wake up too OP...

Weak coffee / tea fairly regularly all day
Lots of water - staying hydrated will really help
Eat something every 3-4 hours to keep blood sugar steady - Something with complex carbs and protein
(if you get caffeined out apples are good substitute - sugar but slowed down with fibre)

As soon as it’s properly light, go out for a 15-20 min walk - the light tells your body you are awake
Put on Bright lights where you are working

write a quick plan at the start of the day - scheduling out what you need to do in bursts as below

Put on headphones to let everyone know you are in the zone. Turn your phone off so you aren’t distracted.

Set a timer to work in bursts of c 25 mins, have a 5 min break after each burst - make a cup of tea and do a yoga stretch type of thing
every 3rd burst have a longer 20 min break and walk about the block to get the light

Have a walk after lunch to avoid the slump

great idea to get it checked

Not overly typical, certainly not every day. A definite peak at the moment. Just relies on optimal sleep, which didn't happen.

Thanks for this. I'm also dealing with some difficult characters at the moment. Trying to cling onto the fact that Christmas is a few weeks away.

Thank you!

OP, if you need proofreading help, I used to edit a serious medical journal and am a phenomenal proof reader. Happy to do read through for you once it's finished.

😂also a good tip but currently breastfeeding my youngest

That's really kid thank you! But it's confidential so would be in big trouble if I sent it externally

Can you work while standing, for periods at least? From an evolution perspective standing and walking mean the brain needs to be alert and active. Sitting switched off the big postural muscles and signals rest to the brain.

I find chewing helps me concentrate but that might be an adhd thing

Have a look at insight timer app for a short focus meditation. There are loads. I find it really helpful to breathe deeply and clear my mind for a few minutes when my thoughts are all over the place. Also fresh air!

If you're working from home, could you go back to bed for a couple of hours? You would be more productive if you were rested.