I was recently reading an article about your biological rhythm and using your circadian rhythm to work more effectively and easily, at times that work for you. It reminded me of all the times I’ve felt pressured by the general 9 to 5 mindset of America. I’m not sure if all places run with this basic time structure (I get a mid-day nap in Mexico right?!) but here there is definitely a pressure to conform. Banks and post offices are the most rigorously crunched time places I can think of, but some small businesses, libraries, other community buildings and schools all come to mind as good examples of this time crunch pattern.

When I lived in the city I would often get parking tickets because I didn’t move my car by 7 or 8 am. I’d still be in bed, respecting my natural rhythms at that time of day! But I kept getting penalized for my own personal habits, again and again. It happens at school and traditional 9 to 5 jobs in which you need to punch in or take attendance.

Pressure like that is enough to crush someone who works best outside of the norm.

Honestly, I know… I’ve been there. The 9 to 5 structure most people can agree on absolutely crushes me. I deflate when I hear mid-morning meeting or “we stop serving breakfast at 10″. More and more people are becoming self-employed or able to work anywhere, which also means scheduling is flexible.

But does it really pay off in the end? The ability to work any time of the day is great. But certain business functions like banking and mailing can still only be done during the old conventional hours. How do we balance this type of flexibility with conventional work hours?

Suggestions to overcome “The Time Crunch”:

- Batch “conventional” tasks and errands to one or two days a week and plan ahead for the schedule change. (i.e.. head to bed early, or try a cup of coffee)

- Work with people in sync with your schedule. Find other early birds to correspond with or night owls for brainstorming sessions.

- Don’t feel compelled just to work when other people are working. If dinner time is your high-productivity, high-energy time work WITH it, not against it.

- Support businesses that run on a 24-hour, “always open” schedule. As long as they treat their employees ethically it’s a great tip of the hat to individuality and convenience for those of us doing things our own way.

- For really busy people: Plan a day of flexibility. For most people this will be a treat saved for the weekend. Schedule time to roll with the punches if you must!

Ultimately, when you sleep depends on who needs you and how much. Children need to get to school. Time cards need to be punched. Pilates starts at 6:00. The list goes on. Notice when you’re pressuring yourself and make sure it doesn’t happen too often. The stress of working at less-than-optimal times can put a real toll on your body and mind.

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Extra reading for more on sleeping patterns:

• Life’s Extremes: Early Birds Versus Night Owls (livescience.com)
• A Glossary of Sleep Terms (everydayhealth.com)
• The rhythms of 37signals (37signals.com)
• A circadian rhythm is a roughly 24 hour cycle in the… (neuropsy.co)
• 10 Tips to Reset Your Internal Clock (everydayhealth.com)