How owls can be productive in the world of early risers
Productivity / / January 06, 2021
1. Don't deny your chronotype
According to various productivity gurus, getting up early can help you get more done and be more successful. Many famous entrepreneurs do get up at dawn. But all this does not mean that everyone will be productive in the morning. If someone is having trouble waking up early, it's not that they are lazy or undisciplined. The sleep-wake cycle is associated with chronotype.
Forgive yourself for not being able to fall asleep at ten in the evening or get up at seven in the morning. Accept the fact that you will not be able to make an early appointment. This is not so easy, because from childhood we get used to the idea that people who do this are lazy and irresponsible. This all sounds like a cliché, but if you don't accept yourself and believe in your worth and ability (regardless of your sleep schedule), others won't.
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2. Adjust your work schedule
Not everyone can quit a job that requires getting up early. But you have the power to change your life at least a little. Most likely, you have already thought or heard about such options, but it will not be superfluous to remember them again.
Talk to your supervisor
It is not worth explaining in detail why you consider yourself an owl. Limit yourself to a simple phrase like "I prefer to start and finish later than others because this is when I am most productive." If you don't miss deadlines and perform the necessary tasks, there is nothing wrong with the fact that your working day starts later than your colleagues.
If you have a flexible schedule, use all its possibilities
Such a mode of work gives a great advantage, do not neglect it. Go to work when you get enough sleep. Of course, leaving much later than your colleagues is not very pleasant, but you will definitely be cheerful and productive.
Find out if it is possible to work from home at least a few days a week. If management is skeptical, suggest a trial period. If you can prove that this format does not harm your productivity, chances are you will be met.
Apply💻
- Tips for those who work from home and want to stay productive
Avoid morning meetings
If you're having a hard time thinking because the morning just isn't your time of day, the meeting will be of little use. Please ask to reschedule the meeting for the afternoon if possible. And if you and your colleagues have a common the calendar, note that the first 2–3 hours of the morning are unavailable.
Don't take jobs that aren't right for you
When choosing vacancies, we usually look at conditions and salaries. Don't forget to consider your chronotype as well. As attractive as the offer may be, don't agree if you have to work early in the morning. Lack of sleep and physical discomfort will not help you perform well on tasks. Remember that internal hours are just as important as knowledge, skills and experience when looking for a job.
3. Make your lifestyle more productive
We figured out the work schedule, now help yourself to work.
Create a comfortable morning routine
Waking up by noon doesn’t mean you don’t need to devote the first hour to taking care of yourself. Exercising, meditating, reading and writing in a diary at this time is no less useful than at six in the morning. Choose a few activities that energize you and help you find the mood you want.
Remember, your day is no shorter than a morning lark. Just your rituals fall out for another time.
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Make the most of your productive time
Chances are, you are most alert when other people are already falling asleep. Wrap it up to your advantage. There will be no persistent notifications, emails, and other distractions late at night. Schedule tasks that require special concentration or creativity during this time.
Find a suitable workplace
If you have a quiet corner at home where you can work in peace, you're in luck. But many are distracted by relatives and household chores. In this case, it is better to search another place for late work. For example, a 24-hour library, cafe or coworking space. There you will not only work productively, but also meet other owls.
Plan your day from evening
At first, working late in the evening and at night is somehow unusual. It gets in the way of the belief that this is a time for fun and relaxation. Therefore, it will be useful to draw up a work plan in advance. In the evening, it will help you not to be distracted and not jump from one task to another, and at the beginning of the day - not to feel guilty for wasting time taking care of yourself.
Lie down and get up at the same time
This is important for your health. Scientists have found that unstable sleep patterns increaseCross ‑ sectional and Prospective Associations of Actigraphy ‑ Assessed Sleep Regularity With Metabolic Abnormalities: The Multi ‑ Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis the risk of various problems with metabolism. Decide what times you feel most comfortable going to bed and up to get enough sleep, and stick to it. This way you will take care of both productivity and health.
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