How to plan according to your biorhythms
How many times have you tried to organize your day with endless to-do lists, precise schedules, and set timers—only to end up tired, unproductive, and frustrated anyway?
The secret isn’t managing your time better, but managing your **energy** better.
Several studies show that our levels of focus and creativity aren’t constant — they fluctuate throughout the day, following personal biorhythms. Recognizing them is what separates those who struggle from those who work smoothly, sustainably, and productively.
The heart of the matter: not all time is created equal
Think about two hours of work in the morning, during your energy peak: your focus is sharp, ideas flow easily, and you complete complex tasks in no time. Now compare that to two hours in the afternoon, when you’re drained and distracted — you get half as much done with twice the effort.
That’s why traditional block scheduling only works up to a point. Today’s freelancers — who don’t have fixed hours — have a huge advantage: they can shape their day around their **energy levels**, not just the clock.
The first step is simple: keep an **energy diary** for one week.
- Every hour, note how you feel (high focus, dip, fatigue).
- After a few days, clear patterns will emerge: some people are most productive at 7 a.m., others thrive after lunch, and some hit their stride in the evening.
Once you’ve identified your peaks, plan accordingly:
- During high-energy moments, tackle creative or complex tasks — the ones that truly make a difference in your work.
- During low-energy times, focus on emails, invoices, small tasks, or light learning.
Where to find the energy to work — and how not to waste it
Many professionals unknowingly make mistakes that lead them straight to burnout:
● Always saying yes to clients and projects, without protecting their own boundaries.
● Skipping breaks, thinking they’re saving time (but actually losing quality).
● Starting the day with low-priority tasks, wasting precious high-energy hours.
● Trying to do everything alone, never delegating.
● Staying hyperconnected to notifications and interruptions.
● Failing to set boundaries between work and personal life, ending up working “all the time.”
● Obsessing over perfection in irrelevant details.
● Poor planning, which leads to chaos and drains mental energy.
Here are some practical actions you can start applying tomorrow:
● Schedule your most important work during your energy peaks.
● Take short, regular breaks (10–20 minutes every 60–90 minutes of work).
● Create daily “start” and “stop” rituals to separate work from personal life.
● Incorporate exercise and good nutrition into your routine — they directly affect your mental energy.
● Practice saying “no” when a commitment isn’t a priority.
● Delegating isn’t a luxury — it’s a way to free up valuable resources.
● Every week, review your schedule: what gave you energy and what drained it? Adjust accordingly.
The place where you work greatly affects your energy levels. A well-designed coworking space — with natural light, relaxation areas, and shared spaces — provides more stimulation than home and fewer distractions than a traditional office.
With NOTONLYDESK, you can:
- choose the workspace that best fits your day (quiet for focus, dynamic for networking)
- break the monotony of working from home
- surround yourself with inspiring professionals who boost your motivation
- keep your energy high without giving up flexibility
