Energy isn’t unlimited

Plan for a person, not a machine

Some tasks come more easily in the morning; others are manageable in the afternoon. Noticing the difference can help with planning. But you don’t need to find a perfectly “optimised” routine. Work responsibilities, family and health all shape the conditions you have to work with.

For a few days, notice when you have the most energy for similar kinds of work and when mistakes are more likely. If you can influence your schedule, put demanding thinking into a time that suits you better. Routine admin might fit into a time when it’s harder to concentrate.

A break isn’t automatically wasted time. After working for a while, you may need to rest, go for a walk or switch activities briefly. Choose what works for your circumstances and the type of work you do. Not everyone has the same needs or workplace.

Make sure to protect basic needs such as sleep and time to recover. Trying to replace rest with yet another performance technique over the long term isn’t a sensible strategy. If fatigue keeps coming back or gets worse, it’s also worth considering your workload and whether you need professional support.

There’s no need to measure every change in your mood. Focus on whether your routine adjustment helps you work better while also having a life outside work.

Try it in practice: For one week, track a demanding task, when you do it and how tired you feel. Then test one adjustment: a better time of day, a shorter work block or a planned break.