Fall is near. The sudden change of colors is pointing me to examine my own rhythms. For someone who follows a loose schedule, I had a sudden curiosity of what I actually do on a random day.
I have a good idea of when I am most productive during the day. I don’t know how the other hours are spent, so I took notes. I am studying myself to see whether I need to shift my schedules and develop disciplines in certain areas. I want to spend my most alert hours doing what matters to me (creating), without losing sight of what’s most important in life (loving connections).
Good, clean data can be informative.
Here is my time log for a random day with no work responsibilities:
The previous night, I fell asleep around 1:45 am.
8:45 Alarm rings *Snoozed for 35 minutes*
9:20 Up but not running
9:25 Getting Ready (listening to the book i have been enjoying of late)
9:34 Turned on computer
9:40 Made coffee
9:50 Note down thoughts I had while brushing teeth. Brain is slowly coming online.
10:37 Stopped audiobook *My brain can engage with an interesting nonfiction book for an hour max*
10:45 started my personal project; did 1 thing from the list
11:15 stopped and took a break; played some keys
11:23 back @ computer and searched the volunteer project my friend mentioned
12:10 started cooking
12:35 started eating
12:50 left for a walk
1:27 back from walk
1:32 returned to computer
1:46-2:00 distracted by phone messages and chatted with friends
2:11-2:28 light editing
2:30 Stopped editing and started reading the book i have been reading – physical book
3-4 focus session 1 – creative
4-4:34 focus session 2 – administrative
4:35 back to reading again
4:49 bored and checked social media
5:10 Played more keys
5:45 – 7:10 work out (including travel time)
7:25 finished showering & started cooking
7:57 finished cooking
8-10 dinner & movie
10:08 feeling ready for bed
10:30 moved to bed
10:30 – 1:00 looked at phone for too long; tried to do some light reading but nah, not happening.
Nine things I noticed from the time log:
1. My body is naturally tired around 10pm. Showering before 10pm so I can get into bed when my body is tired is an ideal sequence.
2. *I need to keep my phone outside of my bedroom. Heck, I need to keep all electronics outside of my bedroom. I know that already. *
3. I need at least 7 hours of sleep to function. Body naturally wakes up after 8 hours.
4. My brain takes 90 minutes to come online from the minute I wake up.
5. It takes me 30 minutes to cook and 15 minutes to be full.
6. I need two meals a day and one afternoon snack. I need to put my water bottle near my computer. I don’t drink nearly enough water.
7. I am most productive from 10-11:30 & 2-4:30.
8. I feel better after a walk outside. Always.
9. *I can release the idea that I will do any work post 6pm. Relax and connect with friends.*
Since I am most concerned about my rest and rise schedule, I will dedicate energy there. Starting with removing electronics from my bedroom.
