How to Stay Productive and Focused During US Shift Timings in India

Workflow across different time zones is evident in the current globalised world, especially if we talk about the professionals working in India. Among all the various work schedules, the most commonly used is the US shift timings in India which corresponds to the regular US working hours. For Indians, it is still ‘the time of the night’ they need to work- it may be late at night or early in the morning.

A Glimpse of US Shift Timings in India

The US Shift timings in India usually commence between 5:30 PM IST and 8:30 PM IST and end between 2:30 AM IST and 5:30 AM IST depending upon the US time zone. This shift may fall during dinner time, late night, and early morning which can pose a problem for the Indian working professionals.

Tips to Stay Productive and Focused During US Shift

Here are a few tips to stay productive during your US Shift timings in India.

1. Adjust Your Sleep Schedule

The most important means of handling shift timings in the US is to adjust the sleep-wake cycle. Try to achieve 7-8 hours of undisturbed sleep by putting the sleeping environment in the right conditions such as lack of light, low noise, and cool temperature.

2. Optimise Your Diet

Food choices strongly determine your energy levels. US shifts usually extend into late hours so do not eat foods that are heavy, fried, or contain sugar during your working hours as they will make you drowsy. You should go for light foods devoid of unhealthy fats, rich in protein and fiber including nuts, fruits, and whole grains. Another important factor is to drink lots of fluids- water is one of the essential components of our body. But remember to limit your caffeine intake as, in the long run, it affects the quality of sleep and causes energy slumps

3. Create a Dedicated Workspace

Another idea is to have a part of the house dedicated to work so that people can clearly distinguish between work and home. Ensure that your environment is well-lit, comfortable, and has minimal interruption. Add to this space things that inspire you, for instance, a quotation or a plant so that you do not get tired easily.

4. Take Regular Breaks

If you’re unfamiliar with a specific time management system, try out the Pomodoro Technique or a similar method – work for 25 minutes followed by a 5-minute break. These breaks are good for the mind and you can come back to work with a fresh mind.

5. Exercise Regularly

Physical activity is a rather natural way of increasing energy so you should include it according to shift timings- be it a morning run before going to work or a night yoga session after returning from work.

6. Stay Connected

Working US shift timings can sometimes make a person feel lonely because most of their friends and/or relatives are asleep. Try to get in touch with friends and family members and talk to your coworkers during the breaks as this will make people feel that they are not alone during the odd hours, keeping the workplace morale high.

7. Plan Your Week Ahead

It is essential to plan your week to minimise distractions and procrastination. Schedule work, rest, meals, workouts, and time to interact with other people. For purposes of discharging your tasks efficiently, use productivity tools such as Trello or Google Calendar.

8. Practice Mindfulness and Meditation

Employees working during odd–hours can adversely affect their mental state. Meditation is one of the ways through which you can minimise distractions and be more productive in your work. Before starting your shift you can dedicate several minutes to a meditation exercise or at least take some time during your breaks to take several deep breaths.

Conclusion

Working shifts according to US timings in India is tough, but it is not the end of the world. Having a good plan to come up with little changes in your sleep pattern, food intake, desk, and activities makes it easy to stay productive and alert at night. Using these tactics, you will be able to transform the problem of working US shifts as one of the opportunities to develop and thrive.