The Ultimate “Lembur” Kit

Photo by Tyler Franta on Unsplash

You’re ready to call it a day, you’re packing up and joking around, when all the sudden your boss tells you about a project that’s due first thing tomorrow morning. This looks like you’re going to be working overtime. Get ready to sit tight for a long night. Before you dive in there are a few tips to guide you through your overtime.

1. First things first, have a goal and an action plan - Without keeping a goal in mind you’ll just be working mindlessly, and there won’t be a good outcome from that. State the goal that you want to achieve, and then create a detailed plan on how you’re going to achieve that goal. Using this approach will make your overtime useful.
2. Consume caffeine wisely - If you haven’t heard of this, then you’re definitely missing out. Caffeine boost alertness, and it seems that the best case to down coffee until the sunrise, but too much can backfire. Consume caffeine wisely by taking it to fight your drop in alertness. Here are other recommendations for other caffeinated drinks besides coffee: matcha latte, chai latte, and hot chocolate.
3. Bright lights - In the evening, around the time when you usually sleep, your body’s temperature drops slightly. You pair that up with cooler temperature and a dim room, you’ll be encouraging your body to sleep. Keep your room warm, keep all the lights on, and keep your laptop screen on full glow. With a room that’s already brighter than the sun, it will be impossible for you to feel tired.
4. Snacks - Rather than chomping down big meals, nibble frequently on snacks to keep your metabolism going. Don’t snack on simple carbs like bread or rice, instead opt for protein filled foods like tuna, cheese, nuts, fruits, and protein shakes. These will keep you energized throughout the whole night.
5. Block out all distractions - Now that you’ve established your goal and created your action plan, don’t be derailed by a puppy video on YouTube or a silly BuzzFeed quiz. While you’re pulling an all nighter you have limited and valuable time, so use your time wisely. Make sure you take steps to avoid any distractions. If you need help, there are website programs like Cold Turkey or Self Control and Zero Willpower or AppDetox for your phones, which bans you from any social media and other distracting sites to keep you on track. It’s almost as if you have your boss standing and watching your every move.

Overtime and all nighters comes hand in hand with any job you come across in your career. It probably doesn’t happen often, but when it does we’ve got your back. This kit will make sure you get through an overtime unscathed and triumphant.