Energy Management: Why Taking More Breaks Means Getting MORE Done

Let’s be real—productivity isn’t just about time management. It’s also about energy management.

Because if time management was the only secret to getting stuff done, then why does:

Here’s the thing: You can have all the time in the world, but if you don’t have the energy to use it, it’s useless.

So instead of trying to squeeze more hours out of your day, let’s talk about how to make the hours you already have work for you.

Ever notice how sometimes you’re super focused and productive, and other times you’re just staring at your screen, rereading the same email 10 times?

That’s because your brain isn’t designed to be at peak performance all day. We all have natural energy cycles—times when we’re on fire and times when we’re basically useless (hello, 2:30 PM slump).

There’s actually science behind this! It’s called your circadian rhythm—aka your internal body clock that controls your energy levels throughout the day.

Understanding these rhythms is key to getting the right things done at the right time. Read more about that HERE

For the longest time, I tried to force myself into productivity at the wrong times.

Like, why did I think tackling my hardest tasks at 3 PM was a good idea? That’s when my brain officially logs out.

Now, I work with my energy instead of fighting it.

You’ve probably heard the advice a million times: “Don’t check your emails first thing in the morning! It’s a trap! Do your most important work first!”

And look, I get the logic. Emails can be a rabbit hole of other people’s requests, random distractions, and an easy way to procrastinate. But you know what’s also distracting? A full inbox sitting there, taunting me while I try to focus on something else.

So, I do what works for me—I check my emails first thing. And guess what? It boosts my productivity, not kills it.

For me, ignoring my inbox feels like trying to meditate while knowing there’s a giant pile of laundry behind me. I know it’s there. I know it’s growing. And I know I’m going to have to deal with it eventually. So why not just handle it and move on?

Here’s why my “email first” approach actually helps me be more productive:

Now, does this mean everyone should start their day with emails? Nope! Some people do their best work in the morning and need to protect that focus time at all costs. Others, like me, need to clear the decks first to feel mentally free.

The key to productivity isn’t about rigid rules—it’s about self-awareness. Some people thrive on deep work in the morning, while others need a warm-up before tackling their biggest tasks. The trick is to experiment and find a routine that aligns with how you work best.

Think about your typical day. When do you feel the most focused? When do you feel sluggish?

Ever sit down to “work for hours” and then end up scrolling Instagram 20 minutes later? Same.

That’s because our brains aren’t meant to focus for hours on end. (Long-haul work sessions = instant burnout).

Instead, try this:

This keeps my brain from turning into mush by 2 PM.

I used to think pushing through exhaustion was the key to getting more done. Turns out, it’s the fastest way to burn out.

Now, I actually schedule breaks into my day:

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