Work with your body, not against it

Most of us try to push through fatigue, juggling endless tasks and meetings. But the human body isn’t designed to operate in a straight, flat line.

Circadian rhythms (our 24-hour body clock) and ultradian rhythms (90–120 minute cycles of energy and focus) dictate when we perform at our peak, and when we need recovery.

Ignoring these natural cycles doesn’t just sap energy; it increases stress, impairs judgment, and reduces engagement. Research shows that work aligned with these rhythms can boost productivity by up to 30% while reducing burnout risk (Kleitman, 2025, Sleep and Biological Rhythms Journal).

Three ways to work with your rhythms:​

1️⃣ Identify your peak focus times (typically 90–120 minute blocks) and schedule high-stakes tasks there.​
2️⃣ Respect breaks as essential “ultradian recovery” rather than optional downtime, a 15–20 min pause can reset cognitive energy.​
3️⃣ Synchronise key meetings or collaborative sessions with natural dips and rises in energy for the team.

The shift is subtle but profound: stop fighting your biology and start leveraging it. The result? Less stress, better decisions, and energy that actually lasts.