Tips to Pulling an All Nighter (written at 2am)
Anyone who knows me personally knows how many hours I put in at the office. More often than not, most of my weeks include an all nighter or two, sometimes up to 4 in a row. So I often get asked “How do you do it? How can you work so many hours and keep productive?” Here are a few tips I’ve picked up over the last few years.
- Motivation: You really have to be passionate and care about what you are doing to pull an all nighter. In non-profit it’s easy, constantly keep yourself surrounded with whatever reminds you of that. In corporate this can be hard, often you are being required to pull an all nighter to finish a project, if that’s the case then, make it fun. It’s easier to pull an all nighter if you can convince some of your coworkers to do it with you.
- Keep Active: The hardest parts of staying up all night is fighting off drowsiness. Set an alarm for every 20 or 30 minutes to do push ups, crunches or even taking a few minute walk. It’ll keep you alert and help fight off the sluggish feeling you’re going to have from not resetting your biological clock.
- Snacks and Beverages: I really want to say that you should pick out healthy snacks like nuts, berries, veggies and stick away from caffeine but more often than not, I retreat to quick caffeine and sugar fix. I personally turn to sugar free energy drinks so I don’t crash but I highly recommend teas and coffee since they are natural. But once again, if you are doing this with friends, getting some pizza and caffeine always seems ideal for the atmosphere. I’d suggest sticking away from alcohol tho, it’ll break your concentration and make you more tired. Go healthy if you can…
- Atmosphere and Zone: Be a good DJ and don’t let the music stop. Depending on the project and the level of concentration you need, put on the music you commonly use to hit your work zone. After awhile I usually put on a movie or documentary to help keep my mind engaged and mix it up. Comedy CD’s or movies are usually great for keeping you awake and smiling.
- The Day After: So you’ve now made it through the night, you’re noticing that you’re irritable and a little drowsy. I usually put up an away notice on chat that says I’ve been up all night. It gives everyone a little heads up that you might be a little out of it. I’d encourage you to continue to use some of the same efforts you used to stay awake all night. This will help you make it through the day, but you should really prepare a ride home for yourself or to immediately sleep once you’re home.
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Lastly, Know Your Body: Not sleeping for a few days can really hit you hard. I often notice some of the same repeating effects on my body. Overall, if you feel too unhealthy, then don’t pull all nighters. It’s not worth being in an accident or hurting your health. If you must, then here are some of the common things I usually feel:
- Headaches: these are pretty common and are usually associated with wearing glasses or contacts, this usually passes after awhile. Naps usually help if it doesn’t.
- Sick to the stomach: This is fairly common but usually passes a few hours after I should be asleep.
- Hungry or No appetite: I’ve experience both of these, sudden need for more energy or absolutely no appetite all day. Either way I usually eat because I need refueled.
- Lack of Concentration: This is common, so I utilized some of the same steps I used to keep awake or work on tasks that are more mindless till it passes. Taking short breaks usually helps as well.
- Ups and Downs: Depending on what I eat and the natural rush of the job, I usually experience some up and downs throughout the day. I’ve learn to just be very quiet those days, so my mood isn’t really effecting anyone’s work flow.
