Now as shift workers the number one thing that my subscribers tell me that they struggle with each and every day is fatigue and a lack of energy. Certainly not surprising given the crazy and irregular hours shift workers make their bodies endure.
So what is the easiest and quickest way to give yourself a boost in energy? By grabbing yourself a fresh piece of fruit!
You’re no doubt familiar with the old saying ‘an apple a day keeps the doctor away’. This certainly has credibility, but it applies to more than just apples.
For excellent health and vitality we all should be eating at least four pieces of fresh fruit a day!
Why? Because fruit is full of fresh water (dehydration is the number one cause of fatigue), as well as plenty of vitamins, minerals and fibre.
Fruit also contains lots of enzymes to aid digestion (I’m sure if you’re a shift worker then you’ve no doubt suffered from constipation at some point), and lots of fruit also helps to ‘clean out’ the body. (I’ve certainly had days when I’ve felt like I needed a really good clean out!!)
Now in addition to all of the above, fruit is a delicious form of energy because it’s packed with fructose which is a natural form of simple sugar. As fruit has a very high water content, it acts as an excellent body cleanser, flushing out impurities – plus, it can help get rid of waste from your digestive system, bloodstream, internal organs and even your skin.
Now the first thing that I do when I get up to go to work in the morning (not sure if I’d call 2:30am “morning”) – is that I have a full glass of water. Because we have been sleeping for a few hours (if we’re lucky) – our body has been deprived of water therefore it will be feeling quite dehydrated. (Remember my point earlier about dehydration being the number one cause of fatigue).
After half an hour or so I then eat a piece of fruit because when we go to sleep at night, our metabolism and digestive system slows down. A good way to wake your body up and kick-start your digestive system is to begin your day with some fresh fruit. It’s easy to digest, helps with bowel regularity and increases the body’s metabolism.
So make sure that you’re eating at least 4 pieces of fresh fruit a day (and that doesn’t mean 2 grapes and 2 cherries) – four serious pieces of fruit a day.
You’ll certainly feel a heck of a lot more healthy, energetic and alive by incorporating more fruit into your diet!
So, how many pieces of fresh fruit have you had today?
I find myself coming to your blog more and more often to the point where my visits are almost daily now!
I needed this info. I have been working as an RN for six years now, working night shifts. I can say that the last couple of years have been the hardest for me. And, yes, I feel tired almost all of the time. Because I have to switch back and forth on my days off – sleeping nights so I can be awake in the day – I find that I often have that “jet lag” feeling. I am glad that I have found some information to help me with this dilemma. Thank you for sharing your expertise.
Hi Amber,
Working shift work is hard, particularly when you have to work night shifts. Unfortunately you’re never going to get rid of that ‘jet lag’ feeling unless you can quit night shift altogether, but if that’s not possible right now try to make your bedroom as inviting as possible. Make it your haven for rest and relaxation. It’s amazing what fresh linen, a few essential oils to help induce sleep, a couple of plants for extra oxygen and super comfy pillows can do to help enhance your quality of sleep 🙂