[420] - Why I Loved Shift Work After 40 Years | The Benefits Nobody Talks About

Text me what you thought of the show 😊 # **Why I Loved Shift Work After 40 Years | The Benefits Nobody Talks About** Shift work gets plenty of negative attention. Poor sleep, fatigue, disrupted routines and the challenges of working outside normal hours. But after more than 40 years working shifts with Victoria Police, there were things about shift work that I absolutely LOVED. And I reckon we don't talk about them nearly enough. In this episode of A Healthy Shift, I'm changing the conversation and sharing the positive side of shift work that often gets overlooked. One of the biggest benefits for me was being able to do ME before my job got whatever was left. Working afternoon shifts meant I could get to the gym, go swimming, enjoy an early walk in the daylight, organise appointments, prepare meals and get things done before heading to work. I'd already looked after myself, and that made me happier to turn up to work. I also loved the freedom of having weekdays off, avoiding the weekend crowds and not having to squeeze my entire life into Saturday and Sunday. Of course, shift work comes with genuine health challenges. We can't ignore the effects of disrupted sleep, circadian rhythms and fatigue. But recognising those risks doesn't mean we can't appreciate the benefits. In this episode, we explore: - Why afternoon shifts were one of my favourites. - The freedom of getting things done before starting work. - The benefits of having weekdays off. - Why putting yourself first can change how you feel about going to work. - How to make the most of your roster through sleep, daylight, movement and nutrient timing. - Why we need more positive conversations about shift work. Whether you're a nurse, police officer, paramedic, emergency services worker, FIFO worker or anyone working a rotating roster, permanent nights or afternoon shifts, this episode offers a different perspective on shift work life. After four decades of working shifts, I can tell you it wasn't all doom and gloom. There were some bloody good benefits too! **Now I'd love to hear from you.** What's YOUR favourite shift to work? Days, afternoons or nights? And why? Hit the link ***"Text me what you thought of the show"*** and let me know And if you know another shift worker who genuinely loves their roster, share this episode with them. Support the show \---------------------------- Roger Sutherland is Australia's Night Shift & Sleep Specialist and the founder of **A Healthy Shift**. After more than 40 years working rotating shifts with Victoria Police, Roger now helps organisations reduce fatigue risk, improve staff wellbeing and build healthier, safer and higher-performing 24/7 workplaces through evidence-based education, circadian biology and the **Shift Work Champions™ Framework**. **Shift Work Champions™:** https://join.ahealthyshift.com/shift-work-capability **Website:** https://ahealthyshift.com.au **LinkedIn:** https://www.linkedin.com/in/roger-sutherland **Instagram:** @a\healthy\shift **\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_** **Disclaimer: Roger Sutherland is not a doctor or a medical professional.  Always consult a physician before implementing any strategies mentioned in this podcast. Use of this information is strictly at your own risk. Roger Sutherland will not assume any liability for direct or indirect losses or damages that may result from the use of the information contained in this podcast, including but not limited to economic loss, injury, illness, or death.** **\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_**