Energy and the Lunch Lag

Tony Schwartz popularized the concept.  Scientists did the research. 100s (including me in this blog post) write about it’s importance.

Time management is not about squeezing more out of the 168 hours we each have every week. Some of those hours will be more productive than others. This is a game-changing reality to recognize.

It’s a myth that everyone should be a morning person.  It’s not that getting up in the morning is bad. I love the quiet of a morning coffee more than most. However, I’ve found I have the most energy for my most difficult and productive work a couple of hours after I’ve been up.  I like to start knotty projects and deep work between 8:00 and 9:00 AM and do 4-5 50 minute pomodoros, depending on my energy levels for the particular day.

There’s a lag after lunch. Then it’s time for a walk. A read. A nap sometimes. Administrative work. Things I can do without a lot of effort. Low-energy tasks.

Often, I get a second-wind in the late afternoon. A couple of more 50-minute pomodoros  and I’m done for the day.

My times are not important to you, though. When do you have the most energy?

And, much more importantly, what do you choose to do during your high energy times?

High energy times of the day should be used for your most difficult work.

Not responding to email or reading your Twitter feed.