Construction is a tough gig. There’s no beating around the bush. But you know what? There’s something addicting about an honest day’s work that keeps you coming back for more. Each drop of sweat is a small deposit that you get to cash out at the end for a feeling of satisfaction and completion. Still, in order to keep up with the challenges of the day, you have to keep yourself primed and ready to go. The machines you work with on a daily basis aren’t the only things that require regular tune-ups and greasings. Here, we’ll take a look at what it takes to work hard, stay healthy, and live well.
Don’t skimp out on sleep.
Ah, the sleep question. You’ve heard people swear 8 hours is the sweet spot and others 7. Some even claim 5 is enough. Hah! So, how much sleep do you really need? Well, according to sleep experts (yes, that’s a real thing), 7 to 8 hours of shuteye is ideal. If you’re having a tough time falling asleep, you should get into a regular sleeping schedule. When your head hits the pillow at roughly the same time every night, you’ll find it easier to fall asleep and even wake up. This consistency helps align your body’s internal clock. When you get quality sleep (and enough of it), you’ll notice it throughout the day. You’ll feel fresh, alert, and ready to tackle the day.
Take regular breaks throughout the day.
Taking regular breaks throughout the day can actually lead to a more productive and healthier workday. Yes, you heard that right! Before you go running to the boss to request two more hour-long breaks, let’s break it down a little more. Pausing for even a few minutes when working in a physically-demanding job can help give your body a much-needed (and much-deserved) break. This short pause also gives your mind a chance to reset and gain a little clarity. On some projects, you’re used to putting your nose to the grindstone and not looking up until the job is done. But taking short breaks throughout the day can help you stay more focused while helping you avoid those post-shift aches and cramps.
Drink lots and lots of water.
If you’ve ever worked outside in the blistering sun, you know what it’s like to be thirsty. Water never tasted so good. But, how do you know you’re getting enough of that good ol’ H2O throughout the day? Well, experts recommend workers drink 5 to 7 ounces of water every 15 to 20 minutes. If you’re getting a headache just trying to do the math, don’t worry. All you have to do is keep a large jug of cool water nearby and take a nice swig a few times each hour. You shouldn’t have any trouble finding a spot on-site to store it. When you head out on an off-site project, you can keep it in your vehicle.
Limit your screentime.
Unlike some professionals, you’re not staring at the screen all day. And you prefer it that way. But what about when you head home? Flipping on the TV, scrolling through apps, or surfing the internet are all favorite ways to wind down for the night. While it’s all good in moderation, too much time in front of the screen can lead to a more sedentary lifestyle which can cut cause heart problems and even cut shave some years off your life. Yikes! Cutting down your time in front of devices can help you stay fresh and focused.
Whether you’re a talented craftsman looking for a new gig or you’re entering into the industry with little to no experience, check out IamMadden.com for immediate job opportunities. It’s easy to filter open positions based on your skills and work experience. Want to get qualified? We can help there too. We offer an apprenticeship program where you can learn the skills you need for a successful career while getting paid. At Madden, we understand that being a craftsman is a way of life, not just a job. Let’s build something.
