Dear Andrea Csilla,

 

Did you know that your brain’s performance changes throughout the day? Most of us are sharpest in the morning for focused, analytical tasks—but our creativity peaks in the afternoon (Biological Psychology Journal). Yet many teams waste these golden hours on poorly timed meetings.

Here’s how to align your schedule with your brain’s natural rhythms:

Energy-Aware Scheduling

🕘 9–11 AM: Deep Work

  • Reserve this time for high-focus tasks like strategy development or problem-solving. Avoid scheduling meetings here unless they’re critical.

🕑 2–4 PM: Brainstorming & Collaboration

  • Use this window for creative sessions or team brainstorming when relaxed thinking sparks innovation.

🕔 4–6 PM: Administrative Tasks

  • Wrap up with lighter tasks like emails or reporting when energy naturally dips.

Why It Works:

Our brains are wired for different types of productivity throughout the day:

  • Morning = Peak focus for analysis and decision-making.
  • Afternoon = Looser thinking for creativity and collaboration.

A tech startup CEO I worked with shifted brainstorming sessions to afternoons, reserving mornings for deep work. The result? 42% faster product development and 25% fewer overtime hours.

Your Turn:

1️⃣ Audit your team’s energy patterns using my Circadian Rhythm Tracker.
2️⃣ Block two “golden hours” weekly for strategic work or brainstorming.

 

Have a productive day!

Andrea

 

 P.S. Want help optimizing your team’s schedule? Book a free 30-minute Team Productivity & Well-Being Strategy Session

 

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LinkedIn: Andrea (Csilla) Szabó

Facebook: Andrea Csilla Szabo  (Szacs)

Website: Stress-free Team


Andrea Csilla Szabó
Stress-free Team