Embrace Your Productive Rhythm: Morning Person vs. Night Owl
I remember the constant discussion we had in school, college, and during my professional career: Are you a Night Owl or a Morning Person? Everybody has a different rhythm, an innate pace that determines when we are most productive. Even now, I notice that certain people at the gym I visit are at their most enthusiastic in the morning, whereas I personally enjoy the late evenings when my energy is at its most! But instead of pitting these two against each other, let’s check the two distinct working styles and celebrate the beauty of diversity in productivity.
The Early Birds aka Morning Persons
Morning people often wake up at the crack of dawn, feeling energized and ready to tackle the day’s challenges head-on.
They love the quietude of the morning hours, finding it the perfect time for focused work without distractions.
1. Peak Productivity in the A.M.: Studies suggest that cognitive function tends to be at its peak during the morning hours for early risers. This means they can efficiently tackle complex tasks, make decisions, and engage in creative endeavors with clarity and precision.
2. Structured Routine: Morning people thrive on routine and often have a well-defined schedule. They plan their day in advance, setting goals, and prioritizing tasks to make the most of their early start. This is something I have done for the majority of my working years; being at the office before the rest allowed me to arrange my thoughts and prepare for the day!
3. Healthy Habits: Waking up early often goes hand in hand with adopting healthy lifestyle habits. Morning persons are more likely to prioritize exercise/ meditation, setting a positive tone for the rest of the day. In my case, it was being able to prepare and have a proper breakfast (sometimes I also made fresh juices which I carried to the office — big WIN-WIN) which could sustain me till afternoon!
The Night Owls aka Creatures of the Midnight Hour
Contrastingly, Night Owls find their stride as the world around them settles into darkness *cue me*.
The stillness of the night offers them a canvas upon which they can paint their most inspired creations.
1. Creativity Flourishes After Dark: Night Owls often experience a surge in creativity and productivity as the day winds down. With fewer (read noisier) distractions and a sense of tranquility, they find it easier to delve deep into their thoughts and let their imagination run wild. My best ideas or creative inspirations have occurred after 6 P.M.., and I’ve noticed that I create stuff better and faster after that!
2. Nocturnal Focus: While the world sleeps, Night Owls come alive. They thrive in the late hours, finding their concentration unwavering and their minds sharp. This makes it an ideal time for tasks that require deep focus and uninterrupted work. After working in a couple of organizations with late evening work hours, I discovered that the stillness of the night calms your mind, allowing me to be more productive!
3. Flexible Schedule: Night Owls tend to have a more flexible approach to time management. They may start their day later but make up for it with extended working hours into the night, adapting their schedule to fit their natural rhythm. Although it depends on the type of work, the late start to the day could mean taking care of your household tasks or running errands outside or even going for a workout before your workday begins!
So then, which camp do you belong to? Are you a chirpy morning lark or a nocturnal night owl? The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to productivity. What matters most is understanding and embracing your own productive rhythm. Instead of forcing yourself into a predetermined mold, honor your natural tendencies and work with them.
Remember, productivity is not a competition. Whether you’re up at the crack of dawn or burning the midnight oil, what truly counts is the quality of your work and the passion you bring to it. After all, it’s not about when you work, but how you work that truly matters!
