Aside from my work as a shift work specialist over the last 5 years, I have learned some of the most important lessons about shift work wellness from the people closest to me.  Unbeknownst to my family and friends I have been learning from them.  I haven’t been following them around with a clip board taking notes when they first wake up from night shift, or hiding behind plants taking pictures of them eating snacks before they go to bed.  J  That does sound fun, but I am not sure how that would go!  I have learned some valuable lessons through simple observations though.

My sister works shift work as a nurse here in Edmonton.  I have to say that nurses really are wonderful.  They take care of the rest of us at some time or another, but they often do not take care of themselves.  This holds true for many health care workers.  It is not surprising, as they tend to work quite intensely.  Hospitals are very busy places.  They also deal with a lot of stress.  My sister works very hard and also has a family to look after when she gets home.

I have witnessed some extremely tired moments for her over the years.  This has happened primarily when sleep became a second priority in order to get other things done.  I have also noticed that my sister has not made the time to fit physical activity into her life, or time for herself for that matter.  It is hard to see someone you care about so much look so drained at times.

This story is getting better!

Lately I have noticed… wait for it… this is shocking… she seems to have found a way to make physical activity a priority!!  Now, I have known her for… well her entire life… and she has not been the type to embrace anything that includes ‘working out’. 

In the spring I signed her up for a corporate challenge with the Vitalize Team called ‘The Race Across Africa’.  It is basically counting up all the kilometers travelled by our team of 10 people, to try and make it the entire way across Africa in a 5 month period.  We can run, walk, bike or swim.  In truth, I needed an extra person so I signed her up without asking her!  Sisters have to forgive you right?!?!?  Well, here is the great part… she has turned out to be one of the most motivated people on the team.  I called her the other day and she was out running with some friends!  I have to say that again.  She was out running with some friends!!!  I am so proud of her. 

I think she was ready to make some life changes.  She is looking good, making sleep a priority, getting out and exercising and attempting to eat well.  I think when you make time for one healthy aspect of your life, and experience a new level of feeling good, other changes tend to follow.  I have also noticed that she is happier with her work.  She is actually making plans to go running with co-workers and is just in a better mood in general.  YAY!  People that work shift work can feel great; it just takes a bit more effort and planning.  It really is worth it though.  It can be life changing!  Look at the example of my sister.  She is like the person that I knew before she started working shift work.  J 

This story makes me very happy to be promoting shift work wellness.  It really does make a difference in people’s lives! 

-April Smith-