I recently started bartending nights and have been having problems keeping my energy levels high. Physically I am all right but mentally I ‘bonk’ too early. I have been pounding scoops of gatorade and diet coke for glucose and some caffeine (probably should ditch the coke), but I’m still getting mentally tired. Does anybody have any advice for this sort of fast-paced, late night environment? Or alternatively keeping mentally sharp for extended periods? I was thinking maybe Power Drive might help. Thanks for feedback.
RB
Try real food… something that won’t spike and then drop your blood sugar and insulin levels.
Are you working another job or going to school? Or is there any other reason you can’t just sleep a full eight to ten hours after work and wake up at noon or later?
I bartended for a couple years and worked another job and made it to the gym 3 times a week(most of the time). It can be hard, but I just needed to suck it up and go most of the time.
I napped a lot. I fell in love with taking naps. In fact, I still take a lot of naps.
You just need to figure out what works for your currnet situation. I’m sure you can figure out how to free up some time to get to the gym. If you only go three times a week, you only need to free up 3-5 hours.
Just do it.
Power Drive is good for helping out some, keeping you sharp, energy levels up.
I think I got the answer. POWER DRIVE. I’ve personally never tried it but I hear that it really helps one mentally during high times of stress.
Getting enough sleep for one. And just getting used to the schedule will do wonders.
I bartended for 6 years, when I was working on my pHD. I will share a few tips which helped me. First, limit your drinking. Bartenders usually get a “shift drink” or 2 after they get off work. While this may seem fun it will wear you down over time. Chasing pussy, will extract an “energy price” as well. I worked in place which there was a ton of good-looking woman, however, after going out after work or dating 2 or 3 woman at a time, it nearly killed me as far as my energy levels and training.
Secondly, regardless of what time you go to work, try to sleep while the sun is still down (so, if you get off at 3 AM, get to bed at 3:30 AM)–you will still get 3 hours or more when it is still dark outside. Thirdly, eat before you got to work and take a break (even if it is 10 minutes) four hours into your shift for lunch. If you are lucky enough to work in a bar that serves food, make friends with the kitchen manager and the cooks…they will take care of you, if you go out of your way.
Finally, take plenty of anti-oxidants (to counteract smoke), if you are not in a smoke-free environment. Additionally, shift your workouts to be “in the morning”, when you first wake up. If you can get a nap in before you go to work (after your workout), that will help you as well.
The Doc.
Thanks for the responses. Yeah I just started so I am still getting used to the environment. On top of that on friday I had late night crazy girl time till the early hours then tended bar the next night. It was rough, we ran out of well vodka, gin, and tequila! Everybody wanted Long Islands and I was down to 2 alcohols and then we ran out of sour mix…what a crazy night. Thanks again for the advice, hopefully with a little common sense and your suggestions I’ll be chillin.
Peace
RB