I work two 24 hour shifts on an ambulance.

And I rock them. But only because I applied some tried and true methods I learned while traveling all day and night.

M A N T R A S

Act like you’re sick, before you ACTUALLY get sick.

The French will wear scarves 24/7, and there is some logic to it. Keeping your decollate and neck warm and covered allows the air that enters your lungs to be warm and moist. A warm neck will help your body thermoregulate. Warm drinks will preserve your voice. Don’t forget about water, air conditioning and pressurized cabins are notorious for dehydrating you. & Practice good hygiene. Wash your hands often, sneeze into your elbow, keep your hands off your face. I like to wear a hood on planes… who knows the last time they wiped down that seat?

Sleep debt is real.

learned this one in college.  I will get some shut eye any minute I can-before I’m even tired. I’ve slept on early morning train rides before a day of skiing. Rested my eyes lifting off from San Francisco, long before my layovers in Paris. Because it’s always good to have something in the tank.

Eat well, Feel well.

I have cut-off times for coffee/caffeine. One study found that consuming caffeine 6 hrs before bedtime reduced total sleeptime by 1 hr. Hours later it can leave you dehydrated and crashing. As tempting as it is to sip cold brew all night, I’ll cut it off so I can get a nap in the middle of the night. There are some apps available to track how much caffeine is still in your system in relation to quality of sleep and alertness, people are buzzing about this new one from the US Army.

Similar for sugar. Free donuts in the breakroom are great, until I’m left feeling like sh!t by 11am. I normally have something like apples and peanut butter instead. Nutrient-dense foods with the right ratio of carb, fat + protein will have you crusing through your shift and carry you through even after you clock out. 

Have a FIRE playlist

Even pro athletes have a walk-out song. Some songs will give me way more energy than coffee ever will.

Specific to 24’s…

A pair of comfy shoes/slippers to wear around the station, that way you don’t have to wear your heavy boots all day.

Lots o’ snacks, aside from your meals. I never end up eating all of them, but it’s nice to have healthy options when it’s 3am.

Extra clothes, in case you go to a dirty scene or you have an “exposure.”

Any medications you may need or want. I’m ALWAYS the one passing around Advil liquid gels!

Headphones and ambient static noise, if you want to drown out other people’s snoring *if you get the chance to sleep*

Toiletries. I look forward to brushing my teeth at night + in the morning.

Silicone Straws  like these. I reduces waste and I like to drink out of them while driving. I have an irrational fear of spilling on myself.

Specific to Traveling…

Print out all your documents/tickets… or at least screenshot them. It’s super embarrassing to hold up the line if you lose wifi/cell reception.

Learn to pack light and minimally, It’s stressful + TIRING to carry around things you don’t need.

Read on:                                CAPSULE WARDROBE: How I Pack for a Year in Europe in 1 Suitcase

Sunnies. Maybe it’s because I get migraines, but I’m almost always wearing sunglasses. Not because I think I’m the sh!T . It’s because I don’t want to strain my eyes, you never know if your seat will be at a weird angle of the sun. Likewise for glasses. I don’t wear contacts, but I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen my friends dying because they’re dried out, etc.

Sensible shoes. It’s not very jet set, but neither is rolling your ankle. Or heaven forbid there is an emergency. I like a pair of chelsea boots for the best of both worlds.

Touch Up Toiletries. It’s not nEcEsSaRy. I’ll never be someone to take all my make up off + wear a face mask on a plane. But it’s nice to have gum, a rollerball of perfume, concealer. Anything you think will make you feel a little more put together when you arrive at your destination