In the world of productivity hacks and time management strategies, there’s a powerful theory that resonates with many: protect your downtime, maintain clear boundaries and avoid work after hours. On paper, this advice makes perfect sense. But for me, true balance isn’t just about rigidly following a schedule - it’s about honoring my own energy flow throughout the day, embracing flexibility and learning to let myself have moments of downtime when I need them most.
The Theory of Balance vs. My Energy Flow
The concept of not answering emails after 6 PM is often used as a theory pillar of work-life balance. I understand why. Setting boundaries is crucial for preserving our mental and emotional well-being and I know that constantly being “ON” drains us in more ways than one. But while this idea may be perfect for some, I’ve learned that my energy doesn’t fit neatly into those time blocks.
Many find their creativity thrives in the morning. I experience creative & strategic afternoons, while mornings are left for working fast and feeling sharpest. I’ve learned to embrace my natural rhythm and let myself work with that, not against it.
Recognizing the Cost of Overworking – But Doing It My Way
Through years of overworking, I’ve learned that when we don’t protect our downtime, the consequences are more than just a missed hour of relaxation. We drain ourselves mentally, emotionally and physically. I’ve experienced it firsthand, but I also recognize that my energy ebbs and flows throughout the day. There’s no one-size-fits-all formula for when I should or shouldn’t work.
So, while I absolutely avoid working late into the night, I also honor those late bursts of productivity without guilt. This isn’t about breaking the rules - it’s about creating a set of guidelines that fit my energy flow. I respect my own boundaries by acknowledging the times when I feel my best and allowing myself the freedom to accept that.
Rewriting My Relationship With Time
I’ve stopped viewing downtime as something I need to “earn” by being productive first. Instead, I’m learning to work with my energy, allowing it to guide how I structure my day. Some days, I may not hit my mental Everest until the afternoon and that’s fine. I’m giving myself the flexibility to flow with my natural rhythm instead of forcing myself into a rigid schedule. This means finding pockets of time to disconnect and recharge - whether it’s in the morning, afternoon or evening.
The Future of Work Is Flexibility
The future of work isn’t about squeezing every drop of productivity out of every hour. It’s about flexibility, about working smarter and respecting the natural rhythm our body needs. Real productivity doesn’t come from pushing non-stop; it comes from balance. And balance looks different for each of us.
For me, balance means I don’t need to adhere to a rigid schedule to be effective. I choose a format which empowers me to disconnect when I need to, but also enables me to reconnect with my work when I feel most aligned with it.
Let’s Not: Emails After 6 PM
Emails after 6 PM? Let’s not. But more importantly, let’s protect something far more precious - the permission to design our day in harmony with how we feel, rather than how we think we should operate.
The best moments in life don’t come from forcing ourselves to be productive at set hours. They come when we learn to move, honoring our unique rhythms and knowing when to power down, because the most important thing we can protect isn’t just our time - it’s our energy.