The Rhythm of Life: Harnessing Natural Cycles in the Corporate World

In the hustle and bustle of modern corporate life, we've become increasingly disconnected from nature and one of the most important aspect of the natural world which are rhythms. This detachment, while deemed necessary for the structured and optimised world of business, may actually be hindering our potential and wellbeing as individuals, partners, and employees.

The Importance of Natural Rhythms

Our planet is orchestrated by a symphony of natural rhythms - from the ebb and flow of tides, to the changing seasons and the daily cycle of light and darkness. These rhythms are not mere background noise, they are essential to life itself. Consider the mountain hare, whose survival depends on the timely arrival of its winter coat, or the myriad creatures along the shoreline that must synchronise their activities with the tides.

At the heart of these biological rhythms is the circadian cycle, This roughly 24-hour cycle, matching earth's rotation, sets the pace for countless biological processes in all organic life forms.

And circadian rhythms are just one gear in the complex machinery of our biological clock. 

Other rhythms include:

• Diurnal (night and day)
• Ultradian (less than 24 hours)
• Infradian/Circalunar (monthly)
• Circannual (yearly)

Each of these rhythms plays a crucial role in regulating our physiology and psychology, influencing important biological functions from hormone production to blood pressure and blood sugar levels, which in turn impact our energy levels, mood, creativity and even our ability to be empathetic.

Consider glucose tolerance, for example. Research has shown that our ability to process blood sugar declines throughout the day. A meal eaten at 8:00 PM can cause twice the blood sugar spike as the same meal consumed at 8:00 AM. When we're in a sugar slump, which usually happens later in the afternoon (3pm Fix chocolate bar anyone?) we feel tired and lethargic, and our creative abilities suffer. We're essentially fighting against our own biology.

For women, we can optimise our performance, mood and creativity by aligning our work (and other aspects of our life like the food we eat) with our infradian rhythm, typically a 28-day menstrual cycle. 

1. During the menstrual phase (days 1-5), when energy levels are lower, we can focus on reflective tasks and self-care and low intensity exercise. 

2. On days 6-14, energy and creativity begin to increase and this time is ideal for creativity and starting new projects and high intensity workouts.

3. Days 15-17 which are associated with peaks in communication skills, are perfect for presentations and networking and ideal for challenging workouts and team sports.

4. And in the waning phase of our cycle (days 18-28), when energy begins to decline again, we can concentrate on detail-oriented work and stress reduction and get back to low-moderate activity.

Finally, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) - a type of depression that's related to changes in seasons – demonstrates the effects of circannual rhythms on our mood. Since the circannual rhythm is primarily regulated by light exposure, it has been shown that the shorter days of winter with fewer daylight hours and lower temperatures, may trigger SAD symptoms.

By understanding and working with these and other natural rhythms, people can boost productivity, memory, learning, creativity and overall well-being in both personal and professional spheres.

The Corporate Disconnect

Nevertheless, despite the fundamental importance of these natural cycles, the modern corporate environment often ignores or actively works against them. Rigid and busy schedules, poor planning and communication between teams and unrealistic expectations, coupled with artificial lighting, and technology that keeps us connected 24/7 can throw our internal clocks into disarray.

This misalignment between our natural rhythms and work expectations, and our own inability to manage ourself, can lead to decreased productivity, creativity, and overall well-being. It's not just about feeling tired or unfocused – it's about our bodies struggling to function optimally in an environment that doesn't respect their natural patterns.

Harnessing Rhythms for Better Performance

The key to unlocking our full potential lies in aligning our work patterns with our natural rhythms. Companies that recognise and accommodate these biological cycles could see significant improvements in employee performance and well-being.

Here are some ways corporations could harness natural rhythms:

1. Flexible work hours: Allow employees to work when they're naturally most alert and productive.

2. Natural lighting and fresh air: Design office spaces that allow maximise exposure to natural light and clean air, supporting healthy circadian rhythms.

3. Rest periods: Design systems that encourage and incorporate short breaks throughout the day to align with ultradian rhythms of focus and rest.

4. Seasonal adjustments: Consider adapting workloads or hours to match seasonal changes in energy levels.

5. Nutrition timing: Provide healthy snacks and encourage meal times that support natural blood sugar rhythms.

The Benefits of Rhythm-Aligned Work

By creating an environment that respects and works with our natural rhythms, corporations could see numerous benefits:

• Increased productivity: Employees working in sync with their natural cycles are likely to be more efficient and focused.
• Enhanced creativity: Allowing for natural ebbs and flows in energy can lead to more innovative thinking.
• Improved well-being: Aligning work with biological rhythms can reduce stress and improve overall health.
• Better teamwork: Understanding and respecting individual rhythms can lead to more empathetic and effective collaboration.

Conclusion

Life is indeed a rhythm, and it's time for the corporate world to start dancing to this natural beat. The companies that will thrive in the future are those that understand this fundamental truth: we are not machines, but living beings intimately connected to the rhythms and design of the natural world. By honouring these rhythms, we can unlock our full potential as individuals and organisations, creating a more harmonious and productive work environment for all.

After all, in the grand symphony of life, we all have our own unique rhythm to contribute.

Sources:

“What Are Biological Rhythms?” WebMD

“What happens to a person's biological clock in isolation?” Britannica

“How biological clocks influence daily behaviour,” Britannica

“Study the experiment about chronobiology, the science that studies biological rhythms,” Britannica