Security jobs can be very demanding, especially when you are working long shifts. You may get bored and find it hard to fight sleepiness.
Luckily, there are some simple strategies that will help you to stay awake on your shift. Follow these tips and you will be on your way to a successful night duty!
1. Stay hydrated
A security guard’s body needs to be hydrated to work efficiently. Dehydration can lead to a range of issues, including fatigue and difficulty concentrating.
It can also affect your mood and memory. If you are working with heavy machinery or in a dangerous industrial environment, losing focus can have negative effects on your performance and safety.
You should drink enough water throughout the day to stay hydrated. It can also help you feel more alert and less sluggish.
Avoid sugary drinks like sodas and energy or sports drinks. They often contain a lot of sugar and can cause you to become dehydrated.
Instead, choose a water bottle with a nozzle that you can easily drink from. It can help you remember to drink water, especially during long shifts.
In addition, hydration benefits your sleep cycle. It may promote longer, more restful, and more refreshing sleep.
Another way to improve your hydration and sleep is to keep a glass or bottle of water near your bed. This will help you get up and drink water when you need it during the night.
If you find that you have to wake up at night to go to the bathroom, it can be a sign of dehydration. It can also be a sign that you are not getting enough sleep.
Make sure you bring a water bottle with you on your shift and try to eat small, healthy snacks during the night. Having plenty of water and food will help you feel more energetic and alert.
You should be drinking water at least six hours before going to sleep, and more if your job requires it. This will ensure that you can remain hydrated during the night and during your morning shifts.
2. Keep your mind active
One of the best ways to stay alert on the job is to keep your mind active. This can be achieved by engaging in brainteasers like completing a jigsaw puzzle, playing a game of ping pong, or reading a fast-paced mystery novel. You may also want to try your hand at Sudoku or a crossword puzzle.
The most important thing to remember is that keeping your mind active doesn’t have to involve your phone or TV screen. Instead, occupy your mind with games and other mind-stretching activities that are meaningful to you. For example, if you enjoy animals, volunteer at your local animal shelter. Taking part in a community activity can be a good way to improve your social skills, as well.
The Mayo Medico Medical Center says the best way to get your mind afloat is to engage in stimulating and challenging activities that are both fun and informative. You can do this by attending classes and other enrichment programs that will provide you with new experiences, as well as improve your health and happiness. In fact, participating in a variety of social activities can help you reduce your risk of heart disease and diabetes. You might even find that you have more energy and feel better at work.
3. Avoid blue light
While some blue light is essential for daytime energy, strong memory, and a good mood, too much blue light late at night can disrupt your body’s natural circadian rhythm, which can lead to sleep disturbances. Studies show that exposure to blue light at night reduces melatonin production, the hormone that regulates your body’s clock.
If you want to limit your blue light exposure at night, turn off all electronic devices for at least two hours before going to bed. Set an alarm that reminds you to shut your screen down and make it a habit!
Another way to minimize blue light exposure is to use energy-saving lights. Many LED and fluorescent bulbs emit a high level of blue light, so switching to warmer-colored bulbs, such as red or orange, is one way to reduce your exposure.
Other options include wearing glasses that block blue light and avoiding screens as much as possible in the evenings. According to the University of Haifa in Israel, blue light suppresses melatonin, and that can result in poor sleep quality and reduced sleep duration.
Fortunately, technology companies are starting to respond to these concerns. Many Apple products, PCs, and Smartphones have built-in functions that filter the amount of blue light emitted. It’s called Night Shift on Apple devices and Night Light on PCs.
If you must use your device at night, it is best to minimize how long you spend looking at the screen and take regular breaks from it by focusing on an object far in the distance for 20 seconds. These little steps are easy to implement and can have a significant impact on your overall eye health, which will lead to a better night’s rest.
4. Read patrol logs
A security guard’s job is to protect and maintain order, whether in an office building, a hospital, a hotel or a mall. They may also do crowd control and direct traffic flow.
The right tools and equipment can help make the task easier, faster, and more accurate. One such device is the Security Patrol Log app from Fulcrum. This app allows security personnel to record a wide range of observations on the go, from a non-functioning safety alarm system to suspicious people trespassing on premises. Using this app can save valuable time and resources in the long run by providing an organized way to keep track of the most pressing problems.
A well-written and standardized patrol log is an invaluable tool for any security officer, especially in the case of large-scale deployments. These records can be used to generate actionable reports that address immediate needs. For example, a log mentioning the most important incidents is an excellent way to communicate with superiors and subordinates about the state of your security operation. It can also serve as a reminder to follow up on unfinished business that may have been missed. The best part is that patrol logs are free and can be downloaded in PDF format from any computer with a modern browser.
5. Take pleasure in your coworkers
Security guards perform a variety of tasks at different locations, from protecting people and property to maintaining order in office buildings, hotels, hospitals, and museums. In addition, they may be on-call to monitor special events, such as concerts and football games or trade shows and conventions.
In addition to observation skills, security professionals need strong physical fitness and quick reactions to help them keep safe in a wide range of situations. They must also be able to assess danger quickly and accurately, as well as document events that might lead to a problem in the future.
For this reason, it’s important for security officers to make sure they get enough sleep at night. If they’re not sleeping well, it can affect their ability to perform their duties and cause them to feel irritable during the day.
A good way to ensure security guards are getting enough sleep is to map out their shifts ahead of time. This will prevent them from making last-minute plans, such as buying groceries or going to a doctor’s appointment, which can depress their mood and affect their work performance.
Another way to keep your guards alert is to make them aware of their patrol routes. This can help them feel a sense of responsibility and motivate them to fight drowsiness.
While it’s important to be alert at all times, it’s also crucial for security officers to have fun on their shifts. This can help keep them engaged and focused during their grueling shifts. It can also give them something to look forward to when they have to work a nocturnal shift. Try planning some activities for yourself and your coworkers to make your shift more enjoyable.
