Finding My Natural Rhythm

The Natural Rhythm

Have you ever noticed how certain times of the day feel more productive than others? The clock strikes 8 PM, and my eyes naturally begin to feel a weight being added to them, as if a store began its closing routine. My vision blurs, and I find myself unable to concentrate on my favorite video game. It doesn’t even feel like I’m actually enjoying the game; I’m playing it out of habit, mindlessly completing objectives.

As evening comes around, my mind, body, and spirit begin their closing routine, shutting down the operational hours. This has become a natural routine for me, though it wasn't always clear how I’d operate most effectively.

I sleep at 8 PM and wake up somewhere between 3-4 AM, ready to tackle the world. Strangely, I was born at 3:15 AM, and naturally waking up at this time feels odd. However, over the past few weeks, I've been recording podcast sessions and producing content for YouTube.

Morning Routine

On my days off, I start by working out. When I come home, what I do next varies. I often react to my feelings and do what I please. Sometimes I eat breakfast after my workout, or sometimes I enjoy myself with movies and video games. I feel bound to produce some content on my days off, driven by will.

However, if I don't set up my day properly, it deviates from its course. My mind is most active in the morning and has the most processing power during those hours. Sometimes, instead of utilizing that energy to produce, I consume. I play video games to ease into the day, then work out. The problem is, this energy isn’t being channeled towards creativity but rather towards entertainment.

One is not better than the other; they just have different outcomes. Depending on the results I desire, my actions will directly contribute to or detract from that goal.

1. Creativity: Using my morning energy for creative tasks allows me to produce high-quality content. However, it means I miss out on early relaxation.

2. Relaxation: Starting my day with video games provides a relaxing start but consumes energy that could be used for creativity.

The choice is mine to make, and it has a direct impact on how my life is built. Through this process, I realized there are certain hours of the day when I operate most effectively. Why go against these natural characteristics when one can work with them?

Evening Routine

This realization reminds me of how animals operate according to their natural rhythms. An owl hunts at night because the quiet hours allow its incredible auditory senses to pick up on the noises of its prey. Suppose the owl did the opposite and hunted during the day; its entire evolutionary advantage would be lost. It would become prey instead of a predator, struggling in situations it’s not equipped to handle.

In a similar way, when it comes to my characteristics, if I want to relax, the perfect time is the closing hours before bedtime, not in the morning when my energy is highest. Instead, I should utilize those peak hours for something greater. Why relax when a lot of energy is present?

This reminds me of a car with a tank full of gas. Instead of using the gas for driving, it uses it for AC when it’s cold outside. And when it’s hot, it could use the gas to find a shady spot instead of running the AC continuously.

Conclusion

By operating within our natural rhythms, we can flow through life effortlessly. A fish thrives in water, an eagle soars in the sky, and a cow grazes on land. Each does what it was designed to do, evolved to do.

I invite you to find your own biorhythm and operate according to what works best for you. With some self-reflection and observation, you’ll find your most optimal state and adjust your days accordingly.