You need to find your own rhythms in order to get your productivity going. In your pursuit of productivity, the body’s complex circadian rhythms and metabolic processes can work in your favor or against you.
There are three main ways to structure your workday. You’ll become a productivity machine when you find your most productive time. These are the top three ways to organize your workday. What time do you work best?
The Morning Crush-It
People who thrive in the morning get the most done between 5:30 and 10:30. These are the annoying Benjamin Franklin freaks of the human race who smile and give you a cheery slap on the back at 7am while others wander around with the the just-got-run-over-by-a-school-bus look in their eyes. Some of these people exercised long before you got out of bed.
The science behind the morning people’s practices is solid, and they are also admired by unmorning people. Forbes published a Forbes article on workday best practices. It found that the first few hours of work can predict how the rest of the day will roll. A good morning is the best way to have a positive day. This is more than just getting up on the right side. It’s about getting up early and then completing the task within the first few hours. You can take advantage of the quiet hours in the morning to conquer your most difficult tasks.
Advantages
Your brain is at its best when you wake up in the morning. The workload gives you energy. You feel refreshed after a good night’s sleep. You’re mentally and physically ready to tackle your most difficult and tedious projects.
You start with a victory. It’s great to cross off things on your to-do lists. It can give you energy and optimism to get through the day. Technori’s Matt McCormick writes that “Whatever I do I know that every morning I will have one important item on the daily to-do list and that it will get done.” It gives me so much focus and satisfaction.”
Disadvantages
It’s difficult to get up in the morning, no matter how sleep-deprived we are. Americans aren’t getting enough sleep so adding an early morning alarm to an already-late night is a recipe of sleep deprivation. If you want to get up in the morning, it is essential that you have a bedtime before 8 AM.
Some people feel hazy in the morning. Foggy thinking and fatigue can make it difficult to do great work. Many people run or go to the gym before going into work. It’s always a good idea to have a cup of coffee.
Works best for…
Remote workers
People who have many distraction-free projects
Flexibility is key for knowledge workers.
People who can access a quiet office space in the mornings, and have no distractions
Moms and dads who work from home and manage childcare or child schedules during their day are called “work-from-home moms” or “work-from-home dads”.
The High Noon Heavy Hitter
High Noon Heavy Hitters say that they work best between 12 noon and 5 or 6 in afternoon.
Some people reach their peak around noon. They’re on the runway in the morning, and by noon they’re at cruising height, completing projects and completing tasks. Science supports this. The afternoon is buzzing with activity because of environmental stimuli. All that commotion can also lead to distractions.
Advantages
Afternoon is when most people are at work. This is a great place to feel relaxed and in the zone. Activity is a motivator for activity.
Most people work in the afternoon so you can get your questions answered, emails replied to, and phone calls taken during this time.
Disadvantages
Most people eat lun.