Did you know we have seven senses? While most people are familiar with sight, touch, taste, sound and smell, two further senses – vestibular and proprioception – round out the way we process the world around us. Using these senses to help calm us is known as sensory modulation. Focusing on certain senses while trying…
There is not a shiftworker on the planet who has not had trouble sleeping and tried to sort the problems out themselves. They have tried diets, relaxation techniques, calming through the senses, pills, herbs, black out curtains and more. By trying all these strategies many have become highly knowledgeable about sleep strategies and have been helping…
Are you thinking about starting a fitness programme? Here are four steps to get started and a free information leaflet about gold standard exercise recommendations for health. Starting a fitness programme may be one of the best things you can do for your health. Physical activity can reduce your risk of chronic disease, improve your…
The humble stretch can help calm the mind, reduce tension headaches, improve posture, reduce body aches, increase blood flow to your muscles and increase flexibility. To help us understand how to stretch Graeme Saxby from Peace and Performance Osteopathy, has produced a short video of humble stretches that anyone can use. He shows us simple…
Since lockdown in New Zealand on 26th March 2020 many shiftworkers are now working longer and harder than ever to keep our essential services going. For that we are all truly grateful. The cost for many however, is increased worry, anxiety and fatigue. This may be due to additional work demands, working from home, uncertainty…
Te Whare Tapa Whā is a well known Maori model of health that has been used across a variety of sectors (i.e health, education and justice) It compares health to the four walls of a house where all four walls are necessary to ensure strength and symmetry. This blog explores how this model can help…
The 4 Pillars of Shiftwork Success® is a wellness framework that can be used by any shiftworker to help them develop habits and skills to live a little better. It was developed in response to shiftworkers asking for a way that they could help each other in a structured and informed way. To meet this…
Have you ever wondered what mindfulness is and how to use it to help you sleep? If you have read on. This blog gives you the nuts and bolts about what mindfulness is as well as a four step plan you can use straight away to help you sleep better, feel better and work better.…
In this blog we will look at types of sleeping pills and consider their use and risks. When they can be helpful Sleeping pills may help when stress, travel or short term disruptions are keeping you awake. Types of sleeping pills All sleeping pills work on the brain to promote drowsiness. Sleeping pills may be…
Anyone who works night shift knows how hard it can be to focus and stay awake. At Shiftwork Services we recommend three key areas that can help you on night shift. Manage Yourself. Make sure you have plenty of sleep prior to working at night. While on night shift use alertness strategies including: keep moving, eat…