I work at Victoria Police in the recruitment branch and am involved with the recruitment of both sworn police officers and PSO’s. The job can be hectic at times and there is definitely times when the stress levels are high. Especially when there is a big recruitment drive to meet election promises.
From this role and from my last job, I have realised that when the job is stressful, it can be really easy to stop doing the things that I really enjoy and that are good for me. Like for example going to the gym or going for a run. I find that staying fit is not only good for me physically but it can really help when things are ramping up at work or I have had a few very long days.
My general routine is a weights session 3 or 4 times a week and then some outdoor time over the weekend like a run or a bike ride. Sometimes when work is busy I notice that the gym is the first thing that goes, and then my eating gets worse too - I usually grab quick food that is probably not as good for me. Once I’ve missed a few gym sessions, I find that I am bit more irritable and snappy and I am generally less able to cope when things go wrong.
Once I notice that the gym has fallen away a bit, I usually make a big effort to go for a light session to get back into the swing of things. I am really lucky that I have a good mate who is also into fitness and he usually calls me up to find out why I have missed sessions! He keeps me accountable.
Keeping my body fit also keeps my mind fit and I feel like it helps with everything - my mood, my outlook and my general wellbeing. Some days I definitely don’t feel like going to the gym but I always feel great walking out the door knowing I’ve done my workout for the day.
