FIFO Life Hacks: Balancing Work, Rest, and Play

Fly-In-Fly-Out (FIFO) work is a unique lifestyle that presents both exciting opportunities and significant challenges. If you’ve ever considered or already committed to working in a FIFO role, you know that the hours are long, the work is often physically demanding, and the isolation from family and friends can take a mental toll. Yet, with the right approach, FIFO can also be a rewarding and fulfilling career choice. The key to thriving in this lifestyle is learning how to balance work, rest, and play. Mastering this balance can help you stay healthy, maintain your well-being, and stay connected with loved ones while making the most of your time at work and during your time off.

In this blog, we’ll explore some life hacks that can help you achieve this balance, making your FIFO experience more manageable and enjoyable. From setting routines to making the most of your downtime, these tips are designed to help you navigate the unique challenges of FIFO life.

Create a Consistent Routine

One of the most important things to consider when living the FIFO life is establishing a consistent routine. The unpredictable and sometimes erratic hours that come with FIFO work can throw off your body’s natural rhythm. This disruption can result in fatigue, poor sleep, and a general sense of imbalance. The good news is that by setting a routine, you can regain control over your physical and mental well-being, ensuring that your body knows when it’s time to work, rest, and recharge.

Start by creating a schedule that suits your specific roster. Whether you’re working 7 days on and 7 days off or a more standard 14-day rotation, stick to a consistent wake-up and sleep time. This helps regulate your circadian rhythm and ensures that your body has enough time to rest, recover, and be ready to work.

If possible, try to align your sleep schedule with the time zone of your family or loved ones. This way, when you’re on your break, it’s easier to connect with them, especially if you’re in a different time zone. Routines around eating and physical activity are also important — regular meals and exercise will help your body stay balanced throughout your shifts.

By sticking to a routine, you’ll feel more in control of your time, and you’ll likely experience fewer energy dips or mood swings during your shifts.

Make Rest a Priority

Working in a FIFO role can often mean long hours, physical exertion, and sometimes high-pressure situations. This makes rest incredibly important. The hustle and bustle of being on-site can make it tempting to push through your fatigue, but in the long run, this can lead to burnout, health issues, and reduced performance. Prioritising rest — not just sleep, but relaxation and mental recharge — is one of the key FIFO life hacks for staying at your best.

Rest doesn’t just mean catching up on sleep; it’s also about carving out time for yourself to unwind and recuperate mentally. Depending on where you’re working, your options for relaxation might vary, but here are a few ideas:

• Practice mindfulness or meditation: These practices are simple yet effective ways to calm your mind and de-stress. Even a few minutes each day can make a big difference in your overall well-being.

• Engage in hobbies: If you have a hobby that can be done in your accommodation (e.g., reading, drawing, writing, or even learning a new skill online), make time for it. Engaging in something enjoyable helps you detach from work and refresh your mental state.

• Use your breaks wisely: Rather than spending all your breaks scrolling through your phone or checking emails, consider taking a short walk, stretching, or simply sitting quietly to give your mind a rest.

Making rest a priority helps you return to work each day feeling more focused and refreshed, and it’s just as important as any work task you have to complete.

Make the Most of Your Downtime

While you may not always have control over the tasks you’re assigned during your shifts, you do have control over how you spend your downtime. Making the most of this time is crucial for maintaining a balanced FIFO lifestyle. When you’re not working, consider how you can rest, recharge, and indulge in activities that bring you joy.

It’s easy to feel isolated when you’re on-site, especially if you’re away from loved ones for extended periods. However, many FIFO camps are equipped with recreational facilities such as gyms, TV rooms, and even hobby rooms. If your camp has these amenities, use them! Even a simple workout can boost your energy levels and help you stay healthy.

Socialising with colleagues can also be a great way to pass the time and build meaningful connections. Even though you might be living in a camp with people you don’t know very well at first, it’s a great opportunity to network and develop friendships. These connections can make the time away from home more enjoyable and provide a sense of camaraderie that makes the work environment more supportive.

When you do have time off, don’t forget to reconnect with family and friends back home. Schedule regular calls or video chats to ensure that you don’t feel disconnected from your loved ones. Staying connected is crucial for mental health, and these conversations can serve as a reminder of the reasons you’re working so hard.

Use Technology to Stay Organised

Technology is your best friend when it comes to managing a FIFO lifestyle. With so many moving parts — shift schedules, time off, personal commitments, and travel arrangements — staying organised can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, there are plenty of apps and tools available that can help you streamline and manage your life.

For example, using a shared calendar or task management app can help you keep track of important dates such as flights, doctor’s appointments, or when it’s time to restock your supplies. A digital calendar allows you to plan your work shifts and time off more effectively, ensuring that you don’t double-book yourself or forget important commitments.

Travel apps are also incredibly useful for FIFO workers. Many FIFO roles require regular travel to remote sites, and managing flights, accommodation, and transport can be a hassle. Apps like TripIt or Google Trips allow you to store your travel itinerary, track flight status, and get alerts about changes. This can help reduce the stress of travel logistics, leaving you more time to focus on your job and your rest.

Keep Active During Your Time On-Site

While the work itself might be physically demanding, it’s important to keep moving during your downtime as well. FIFO workers can sometimes spend long hours in front of a computer, in meetings, or in less active roles, which can take a toll on your fitness levels.

Maintaining physical activity during your shifts can help counterbalance the sedentary nature of your job. Many FIFO camps offer gym facilities, but even if that’s not the case, there are plenty of bodyweight exercises you can do in your room or common areas. Running, cycling, or even taking a brisk walk during your breaks is a great way to release endorphins, combat stress, and maintain good health.

If you’re into fitness, take the opportunity to try something new — perhaps yoga or meditation classes that are often available in FIFO camps. Not only will this help you stay physically healthy, but it can also provide a mental break from work. Physical activity is one of the best ways to improve mood and focus, helping you stay alert and sharp when you need to be.

Plan Ahead for Your Time Off

The time you have off between shifts is just as important as the time you spend at work. Planning ahead for your days off will ensure that you make the most of your rest and recuperation. The key to balancing work and play is scheduling time for both relaxation and productive activities.

Consider how you want to spend your time off in advance. Are you planning to relax and unwind, or would you prefer to be productive by tackling personal projects, visiting friends, or engaging in outdoor activities? Setting a plan for your time off can help you avoid feeling like you’re wasting your precious days away.

Also, try to set aside some time for self-care during your break. Whether that means pampering yourself with a spa day, cooking a healthy meal, or catching up on your hobbies, ensuring you do things that nourish your body and mind is essential for maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Conclusion

Living the FIFO life requires balance — balancing hard work, quality rest, and time for yourself. By creating a consistent routine, making rest a priority, staying active, and using your downtime wisely, you can optimise your FIFO experience. It’s all about finding ways to stay physically healthy, mentally refreshed, and emotionally connected to those around you, even while working in a remote and demanding environment.

FIFO life doesn’t have to be a grind. By implementing these life hacks, you can make the most of your time on-site, your downtime, and your time off, all while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. With the right strategies in place, you’ll not only survive FIFO work — you’ll thrive.

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