day 2

Today I want to explore this concept of energy management.

It’s interesting how we revert into our own time zones as this societal construct of showing up in an office everyday on a ~9-5 fades away.

I’m not versed in the science of all this but I do know we can become more in tune with ourselves.

If I think about how I feel this morning (in bed 10:30pm, slept 11pm) vs. yesterday morning (in bed 12am, slept 1am), it’s a stark difference. I mean everything: energy levels, mood, productivity. This is comparing a Wed to Thu weekday so other effects (namely work) are constant.

(This is not to advocate for one schedule over the other. Society seems to unfairly uphold early risers as this picture of productivity. “The early bird catches the worm” and all that)

Always wondered why we spend so much time on this concept of time management when really those are just blocks on a calendar. Sure some of it is willpower, but wouldn’t we better off doing the tasks we’re supposed to when we’re most effective at doing them?

To make this more concrete, some personal observations: everything I want to do I’m better at in the morning. From working out (more motivation) to focus ability (work output) to household chores (literally doing the dishes) to even being more thoughtful when I respond to texts/messages. Assuming I’m the same person throughout the day, it’s crazy how much this willpower & focus fluctuates.

This is just my experience though and that’s why I think it’s unhelpful to tout this influencer lifestyle of rising at 5am daily. It’s just not realistic due to individual commitments and hardly a one-size-fits-all.

I am going to use this stay at home time though to test what works best for me. Hopefully when we do return “back to normal” we can open the conversation on flexing this 9-5 work day. It’s outdated for everyone to stick to the same schedule and be expected to produce. We’re all different and need different things. Wouldn’t we assume the same of our minds and bodies?