Cyclical Living and Working: Boost Productivity and Well-Being by Aligning with Nature’s Rhythms

In a world that is always running at full speed and often shaped by linear structures and constant productivity, cyclical living and working can be both refreshing and healing. By consciously integrating natural rhythms – whether from nature, your own body, or ancient wisdom systems like Ayurveda and TCM – you can work more sustainably while bringing more ease into your daily life.

I speak from experience. In my early 20s, I became self-employed. Working 12-16-hour days was the norm for me, and back then, I believed it was the only way to succeed – and this was before the stress of online work as we know it today (there were no smartphones or social media). Concepts like holistic health, rest, balance, or work-life balance were foreign to me. In my late 20s and early 30s, I found myself in burnout and deep depression, and it took me years to climb out of that hole.

Gradually, I discovered yoga and meditation, started eating healthier, moving more mindfully, and learned about the power of cyclical living and working, particularly through my studies of TCM and Ayurveda.

What is Cyclical Living and Working, and why is it beneficial?

Cyclical working means respecting the natural rhythm of high and low phases – both in nature and within your own body. Instead of constantly operating at full speed, you can learn to move consciously through different cycles.

Living by the Daily Rhythm

Our energy fluctuates throughout the day. Many of us are most productive in the morning, while our energy tends to decrease in the afternoon. By recognizing these natural fluctuations and planning your day accordingly, you can enhance your productivity and well-being. Both Ayurveda and TCM offer valuable insights into these rhythms.

Ayurveda:

Indian Ayurveda teaches that the day is divided into different Dosha phases (Vata, Kapha, Pitta). These cycles help you make the most of your energy:

• The morning (Kapha time) is ideal for quieter tasks and reflection.
• Midday (Pitta time) is perfect for productive work and decision-making when your inner fire is strongest.
• Evening (Vata time) brings lightness and creativity – ideal for brainstorming or spiritual practices.

Time breakdown:

• 6 – 10 AM Kapha: Activate body and mind
• 10 AM – 2 PM Pitta: Time for challenging tasks and communication
• 2 – 6 PM Vata: Creativity and movement
• 6 – 10 PM Kapha: Wind down
• 10 PM – 2 AM Pitta: Unwind & sleep
• 2 – 6 AM Vata: Sleep and early morning meditation

TCM:

In TCM, there are also distinct daily cycles. The day is associated with Yang (activity), while the night is linked to Yin (rest). The cycle follows the phases of transformation or the organs, and the organ clock indicates the best times for specific activities.

• The morning is associated with the Spleen, making it ideal for concentration and learning.
• Midday is governed by the Heart, making it a good time for communication.
• The evening, governed by the Kidneys and Pericardium, supports rest and relaxation.

Living by the Menstrual Cycle

We women are naturally cyclical beings, and by aligning our work with our menstrual cycle, we can make the most of our energy. Ideally, we can assign tasks to different phases of the cycle based on when we feel most energized or creative. It may not always be easy in today’s world, but it’s possible!

The cycle can be roughly divided into four phases:

• Menstruation (inner winter): This phase invites rest and regeneration. Your energy level is often lower, so it’s ideal for quiet tasks, planning, or reflection. Use this time to recharge and gather new strength.
  When? Day 1 – around Day 5 of your cycle, sometimes starting 1-2 days before menstruation. (your cycle begins with day 1 of your menstruation)
• Follicular phase (inner spring): Your energy level gradually rises. This is a phase for developing new ideas and starting projects. Creativity and clarity return, making it a great time for brainstorming and planning.
  When? Around Day 6 – 11 of your cycle.
• Ovulation phase (inner summer): This is your high-energy phase, where you feel strong and dynamic. It’s the perfect time for important meetings, presentations, and productive projects. You can step into visibility and move things forward.
  When? Around Day 12 – 19 of your cycle.
• Luteal phase (inner autumn): In this phase, you prepare to wind down. Now is the time to finish projects and gain clarity. Your focus shifts inward, making it a good phase for organizing and handling details.
  When? Around Day 20 – the end of your cycle.

Living by the Moon Cycle

If you no longer menstruate, the phases of the moon offer a similar structure. The female cycle doesn’t necessarily need to align with the moon cycle, but the lunar phases can provide a guide for cyclical living.

The moon cycle can be roughly divided into four phases:

• New Moon (Winter energy): This phase invites introspection and the setting of new intentions.
• Waxing Moon (Spring): A time of expansion and growth. Ideal for starting new projects, planning, and networking.
• Full Moon (Summer): The energy is at its peak. Use this phase for major presentations, completions, or intense work.
• Waning Moon (Autumn): Energy begins to slow down. It’s a time for reflection, evaluations, and completing tasks.

Planning by the Seasons

The seasons also influence our energy levels. Spring symbolizes renewal and growth, summer is full of activity and vitality, autumn is a time of reflection and harvest, while winter allows for retreat and regeneration.

Both Ayurveda and TCM offer valuable insights into how the seasons affect our energy:

• Winter (Water element in TCM, Vata and Kapha time in Ayurveda): Represents withdrawal and regeneration, but it’s also a time when new ideas and visions take root. While the outer world is still, the foundation for the next cycle is being laid inside.
• Spring (Wood element in TCM, Kapha time in Ayurveda): The time when nature awakens. It’s a period of growth and vision, where you can start new projects and make plans for the year.
• Summer (Fire element in TCM, Pitta time in Ayurveda): Symbolizes dynamism, activity, and visible success. It’s the time to work on your most important projects with full energy and pursue your goals.
• Late Summer (Earth element in TCM, transition period in Ayurveda): A phase of stabilization and grounding. This is the time to solidify existing projects and ground yourself before the next cycle begins. The Earth element governs not only late summer but also the transitions between seasons.
• Autumn (Metal element in TCM, Vata time in Ayurveda): A time of reflection and letting go. It’s the season to take stock, harvest, and release what is no longer needed.

The elements influence, nourish, and control one another. A key principle in both TCM and Ayurveda is to balance an excess of one element with its opposite – seeking rest during summer’s heat and finding activity to balance too much stillness in winter.

Balance of Yin & Yang: Embrace Pauses and Rest

Cyclical working also means consciously planning pauses and recognizing rest as an essential part of success. In TCM (and also in Ayurveda), the balance between Yin and Yang – activity and rest – is crucial for long-term well-being. Plan regular recovery times to recharge and avoid burnout.

Your Business in the Yearly Rhythm

Your business can also benefit from cyclical thinking. The moon cycle works well for shorter projects, while the yearly cycle provides a structure for long-term planning. Spring is the time for launches and growth, while winter not only invites reflection but is also a phase when new ideas are born, ready to flourish in the coming year. Late summer and transitional periods offer the opportunity to stabilize existing structures, review routines, and realign yourself before entering the next active phase. By following this structure, you can reduce stress and build your business sustainably, in harmony with natural cycles.