Hey there, productivity seekers! This is Hazel, and welcome to another episode of Hack Your Workflow.

I know exactly what you're feeling right now. It's early June 2025, and the summer heat is already making your workday feel like you're trudging through molasses. Maybe you've got a stack of tasks that seem more like a mountain than a molehill, and your motivation is hiding somewhere between your third cup of coffee and that growing to-do list.

Today, I'm going to share a game-changing workflow hack that's going to transform how you approach your day. I call it the "Energy Mapping Technique" - and trust me, it's about to become your new secret weapon.

Imagine your productivity as a river. Sometimes it flows smoothly, and other times it gets blocked by mental debris and scattered focus. The Energy Mapping Technique is all about understanding your natural energy rhythms and aligning your most challenging tasks with your peak mental performance windows.

Here's how it works. First, spend one week tracking your energy levels throughout the day. Use a simple notebook or your phone. Note when you feel most alert, when your concentration peaks, and when you start to feel that afternoon fog rolling in. Most people have three primary energy zones: morning surge, mid-day plateau, and late afternoon revival.

Pro tip: Your most complex, creative, or strategic work should happen during your peak energy window. For many, that's the first two to three hours after waking up. If you're a morning person, that might be 6 AM to 9 AM. If you're more of a late starter, that could be 10 AM to 1 PM.

During your lower energy periods, schedule administrative tasks, emails, or lighter work that doesn't require deep concentration. Think of it like interval training for your brain - you're working with your natural rhythms, not against them.

Here's a bonus hack to supercharge this technique. Create what I call an "Energy Transition Ritual." This is a 10-minute practice that helps you shift between different types of work. It could be a short meditation, a quick walk, or even five minutes of stretching. This ritual signals to your brain that you're switching gears, helping you reset and refocus.

I want you to take action today. Pull out a notebook or open a notes app. Start mapping your energy. Be curious, be experimental. There's no one-size-fits-all approach to productivity.

Remember, productivity isn't about working harder - it's about working smarter. By understanding and respecting your natural energy cycles, you're not just checking tasks off a list. You're creating a sustainable, enjoyable workflow that honors your unique rhythm.

Before we wrap up, here's your daily challenge: Track your energy for just one day. Pay attention. Be gentle with yourself. Observe without judgment.

This is Hazel, signing off. Keep hacking that workflow, and I'll catch you in the next episode.