Bulletin details

At MPA, we understand the challenges of maintaining healthy habits around a busy working life.

We help people find work that fits around their commitments or find extra work to earn a little more money when it’s needed. Despite this, we still see the hard work our workers put in every day. Long days, early starts, night shifts and changing working hours can make it difficult to maintain a routine that promotes good mental and physical health.

Five Tips for a Better Routine

1. Plan ahead for your working week

Taking a few minutes to look at the week’s rota can help identify opportunities to prepare meals, organise essentials and make time for rest. A little preparation can make busy days easier to manage, particularly when working hours vary.

2. Keep water handy

Bringing a refillable water bottle to work provides a simple reminder to drink regularly throughout a shift. Being mindful of tea and coffee towards the end of a shift is also helpful, especially when sleep is planned soon afterwards.

3. Fit movement into the time available

For those less active at work, a short walk, gentle stretches or a few minutes of movement can offer a manageable starting point. Choosing an enjoyable activity makes it easier to fit into a regular routine.

Workers who spend long periods of time on their feet need to prepare for rest. Good shoes, time off your feet and maybe a change of some clothing items to stay fresh can help both your body and your mind.

4. Make time for rest at home

Changing shifts and home responsibilities can make a consistent sleep routine challenging. Planning time for rest around the working week and allowing an opportunity to unwind before bed can help, whether sleeping during the day or at night.

Find things to anchor your routine around. If your bedtime moves because of work commitments, try and keep the things you do before bed the same regardless.

5. Keep goals realistic

A positive mindset includes recognising personal limits and setting achievable goals. Don’t work yourself into exhaustion. Keep the hours you work to something manageable and sustainable, especially if your home life is demanding.