Work's gotta have rhythm, not blues

Everyone's got their rhythm. But the world's still, unfortunately, dancing to the old Industrial Revolution's playlist, stuck on non-stop hustle and mass production. Why? Because quantity ruled back then. But in today's digital age, Mithu Storoni, author of Hyperefficient: Optimise Your Brain to Transform the Way You Work, argues that true efficiency should be measured by the quality of what we produce, not just how much. Hear that, middle management and factory floor managers?

A Cambridge-trained eye surgeon and neuroscience researcher, Storoni suggests working with our 'natural flow' instead of forcing our brains into a rigid, factory-like routine. Let your brain set the pace, she says, and you'll reach your peak mental performance. Early mornings and late evenings are prime time for creativity, as the brain transitions between 'gently aware' and 'brightly alert' - perfect for exploring and refining ideas. The good doctor also recommends working in stretches of 60-90 mins, with breaks in between. Working longer than that 'feels tiring for most of us', and performance worsens. And if you are struggling at work, go for a walk - or a round of gol gappas. So, instead of fighting a wandering mind or pushing to be productive all the time, embrace these rhythms. Doing so enhances creativity and quality, proving that nature always beats mechanically.