So I’m writing this in the afternoon, which is a bad time for writing because of the whole midday slump thing. One thing I’m working on this year is figuring out when is the best time for me to do the tasks I need to get done.
A few years ago I read the book “When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing” by Daniel Pink which explores the science of timing and how it affects our lives. The book is divided into three parts: “The Day,” “The Breaks,” and “The End,” each of which examines a different aspect of timing.
In “The Day,” Pink explores the different times of day when people are most effective at various tasks. He explains the concept of chronotypes, which are individual differences in the timing of our internal clocks. Based on chronotype, some people are naturally more alert in the morning, while others are more productive in the afternoon or evening. Pink argues that people should structure their day around their chronotype to optimize their performance.
In “The Breaks,” Pink explores the importance of taking breaks and how they can help improve productivity and creativity. He provides insights on the different types of breaks and how they can be used to recharge and refocus.
I absolutely love early mornings, but I am ridiculously unproductive before 8am. I hear these stories about people who get up at 5 and complete a full workday’s worth of tasks before anyone else is even awake. For me, I can normally bang out a prodigious amount of work between 9pm and midnight, but I do very much love watching the sunrise at the same time. It’s a dilemma.
I’m trying some specific strategies for staying on task including:
- Take a break: Rather than trying to power through the afternoon slump, I’ve found that taking a short break helps me stay focused later. I’ll take a walk around the block or do a quick yoga session. This helps to clear my mind and reset my energy levels.
- Plan ahead: I’ve started planning my schedule in advance to ensure that I’m working on tasks that are better suited for the afternoon. For example, I’ll save more routine tasks, like responding to emails, for the afternoon and tackle more challenging tasks in the morning when I’m most alert.
- Eliminate distractions: I’ve also made a conscious effort to eliminate distractions in the afternoon. I’ll close unnecessary tabs on my computer, turn off my phone notifications, and put on noise-cancelling headphones to help me focus.
- Have a healthy snack: I’ve found that having a healthy snack in the afternoon can help to boost my energy levels and improve my focus. For me, that usually means some kind of smoothie.
These strategies may seem small, but they’ve made a big difference in my productivity and overall well-being. By taking a more intentional approach to my afternoon routine, I’ve been able to make the most of my workday and get more done in less time. If you’re also struggling with motivation in the afternoon, give these strategies a try and see if they work for you. You might just be surprised at the difference they can make!
And now, it’s very close to my nap time, so I’m going to hit “publish” and hit the couch.