Are you an early bird, a night owl or an afternoon aardvark?

Okay, I just made up the aardvark one. It’s strange, as you rarely hear people talking about being most productive in the afternoon!

But everyone’s energy – or circadian rhythms – are different. And of course it varies based on what we consume, our bodily health and hormones too.

It’s very unrealistic to feel 100% focused and energetic all day everyday. There is an ebb and flow to our energy that we must embrace wholeheartedly.

They key thing is to understand when you generally work best!

I’m an early bird.

My mornings are so sacred to me and I am most effective before lunchtime. Throw anything at me before midday and I can handle it like a GODDESS. The same task in the afternoon, when energetically I am less alert and focused, will take me longer and may cause more frustration.

And don’t even think about starting a conversation with me past 8pm – I’m winding down for bed!

It’s something I’m working on to maximise my energy throughout the day. But the default position is to acknowledge when you naturally work best – this is a great starting point!

You can then distribute your work based on your energy levels – with the most creative, problem-solving and critical decision making being when your energy is highest, whenever that is.

How do you know when you work best?

Everything FLOWS!

You know when you are working on something and time flies by. You are engrossed in what you are doing, nothing can distract you and you are loving it!

When this happens, you are either working on something you are passionate about and in alignment with… or you are working when energetically you are most productive and focused.

You’ll notice that you are more relaxed, super focused on the task at hand, effective and intentional, and feeling “in flow”. It’s magical!

This is a golden time that needs to be utilised in your business.

Why is this important?

Well, why would you not want to be more intentional and effective with your time and energy?

Working from home is often a juggling act between our businesses, home life and even home-schooling in this current season (sending love to all the biz mums right now!).

So it’s so important to understand your energy and when you work best. With this insight, you can be flexible and adaptable with your day and try to utilise this time as best as you can!

There will of course be some restrictions to your flexibility, but having an understanding is the first key step.

We all have moments in the day where we are soul sisters with this little cutie! Fully in the energy dip ready for a nap…

So, where is your energy peak?

1 – Early Birds

To my fellow morning peeps – if your energy and motivation is highest when you wake, use this to your advantage! Set your alarm earlier and dedicate time to your business during this ‘golden time’. It’s not saying the rest of the day is worthless, you are just utilising your creative juices as they flow.

2 – Afternoon Aardvarks

If your energy is highest after lunch, schedule the morning to work on tasks that require less creativity and less of your secret sauce. Save this for the afternoon when you will come back swinging and ready to take over the world! I know some aardvarks that choose a leisurely morning and start work in the afternoon through to the evening. It’s whatever works for you, your family dynamics and your bedtime.

3 – Night Owls

While I’m tucked up in bed at 9pm, I love that there are badasses out their riding high on their energy. You can schedule tasks for after dark if this is when your juices flow and schedule your day to support this. I know an owl who wakes up early, works in the morning and then takes the afternoon for leisurely activities and to spend time with her children, and then carries on work when the kids are in bed.

 

One of the greatest benefits of working from home is the flexibility we can have. There are no set rules, no 9-5. We set the rules based on our circumstances and I’m urging you to also consider your energy!

As the COVID-19 virus continues, our usual routines and rituals will be temporarily affected. Take this time to check in with your energy and see how you can schedule your days so that your peak-flow time is utilised.

Have the conversation with people in your home when they work best and share responsibilities. Your partner may be an early bird and you’re an afternoon aardvark – Win/Win! Or it may be that you need to take it in turns – but at least you’re aware and making plans to work when it naturally comes for you!

Here are my top tips to get you started…

• Ascertain when you work best in the day
• If you’re not sure, spend a day working as normal and monitor your energy levels every hour. When do you feel the flow and creativity oozing out of you?
• Make a list of your weekly tasks
• Highlight the tasks that require your creative juices or laser focus
• Schedule these tasks in your calendar for when your energy is highest

…and BAM! You are working in alignment with your energy.

I mentioned that there are other affects on your energy. Once you know your natural cycle, I would highly recommend that you also acknowledge what affects your energy throughout the day – that lunchtime bowl of pasta, or that yoga practice – and consider limiting those energy zappers!

I’m sure you will want to maximise your energy and not waste it on additional digestion!!

 

Share your thoughts below – where is your energy best and how are you navigating this with the homeworking and quarantine?