One of the more useful things I’ve learned over the past five years is how to use your natural energy cycles to your advantage.
When you are in your twenties, you can rely on your natural youth to power through things — you feel like you can just keep working.
Once you are in your thirties (and afterwards) however, you need to work smarter. This means being more in-tune with your body and biology.
Enter the intra-day circadian rhythm:
You basically have two periods of max alertness each day — at around 10 am and after dinner around 7pm. Therefore, I try to time my most important and creative work during these peak times, and switch over to important but non-creative work during my troughs. So writing — mornings. Online shopping — lunchtime.
Even more interesting, within the circadian rhythm, there is a ultradian rhythm. These cycles happen approximately every 90 minutes, with the first half being more active (faster brain waves), and the second half being more restful (slower brain waves). Most people don’t realize that these cycles happen even when you are awake! That’s why it’s important to recognize where in the cycle you are in at any given point in time, and take a break at least every hour or so from work.
It also doesn’t hurt to nap every once in a while in the afternoon — this is actually in natural alignment with your circadian rhythms.
I think of it like surfing — if you go against the wave, you’re going to get crushed. But if you go with the wave, you may be able to better accomplish your goals.
