Sign spinning is exactly what it sounds like. You stand there and spin a sign or shake it or some other variation of movement. Sounds like an easy job, right? Well, it is. However, without taking the proper precautions, sign spinning can be quite straining. Here are some tips to make the day go by as quickly as possible, maintain your body’s health, and, most important, preserve your sanity.
The biggest complaint about sign spinning is that the job is boring. I couldn’t agree more. Standing in one spot for five or six hours is very boring. That is why it is very important to try to make the day pass by as quickly as possible.
The best method for this is to listen to music. Pick music that gets you moving and keeps you feeling upbeat. I prefer to listen to the funky jams of the 70’s and the pop tunes of the 80’s. Whatever your choice is, make sure it is the type of music that you can get lost into.
Splitting the shift up into smaller segments is another technique that I use. If you have a five-hour shift, don’t count down from five hours. The clock will seem like it is not moving. I count down from each hour. Doing that gives me a feeling of progression. As each hour passes, I have the feeling of excitement of conquering another hour.
Taking care of your body is essential for sign spinning. The sun is the biggest enemy to your health. Always use sun screen and apply it more than once. I am the kind of person that rarely uses sun screen when I go to the beach, but I learned quickly that it is a necessity for sign spinning. I didn’t use anything for my first weekend. I ended up with some blistering burns on my legs and arms. As you could imagine, it was not very pleasant.
Staying hydrated is also key to your health while sign spinning. Bring lots of water, but drink it wisely. It is not very much fun when you have to use the bathroom but must wait another hour until your break. For lunch, eat lots of fruits and vegetables that have a high water content. I would eat bananas, apples, carrots, celery, cucumbers, and jicama. They would fill me up and quench my thirst at the same time.
The monotony of sign spinning can make you feel like you are going to lose your mind. It is not a job for the mentally weak. People that give up easily will not last long. Everyone reaches the point that they just want to go home and relax on the couch instead. That is why developing the ability to daydream is crucial. Being able to imagine yourself in any other situation than the current sign spinning gig can be quite enjoyable at times.
Keep your eyes peeled for the action that passes by in front of you. A good laugh can help to maintain a positive attitude. I have seen a man driving while playing the guitar at the same time, a lady driving with a parrot on her shoulder, kids making faces at me, and, my personal favorite, dogs. Each dog reacts differently while in a car and is amusing to watch.
Sign spinning is not a difficult job. Once you accept the fact that people will be laughing at you, everything starts to become easier. Following these tips will help take care of your mind, body, and spirit.
