The Perfect Routine to Optimize Your Day

I’m going to start off by speaking to the word “perfect”. What a lovely little word that always seems to be ruined by the annoying reality that perfect does not exist. There is no perfect routine, so take a deep breath and let that shit go. But we can talk about an optimal routine that you can strive towards, and enjoy the process of continuously improving yourself—because that in itself feels pretty good doesn’t it?

Let's dive in.

Your body works on a cycle based on organ groups being more or less active. These organs are referring to the Traditional Chinese Medical concept of energetic organ systems. Based on the time of day certain systems are at their peak and your body's energy is focused there. So let's understand whats happening when so you can use those peaks to your advantage.

5am to 7am - Large Intestine time.

That morning poo? Yes these hours is the ideal time for that. Wake up, read, journal, pray and let whatever is not serving you go. Also did you know your large intestine LOVES water? Drinking lots of water during this time of day sets you up for success. Shoot for 2 glasses of water and of course some coffee and or tea. I’m not going to tell you you can’t have coffee in the morning, I’m not a monster.

7am to 9am - This is stomach time.

Now is the best time to eat breakfast. Try to incorporate as much protein into your breakfast as possible. Aim for 30 gram.

9am to 11am - Hellooooo spleen.

The spleen in Chinese medicine represents the body’s transformation and transportation of food. The stomach does the initial heavy lifting but the spleen is a big player when it comes to energy and nutrient assimilation. Brain power and spleen energy and best buds. Use this time to kick some ass. Knock out that big ugly assignment you’ve been low key putting off all week (or month, its ok we don’t judge).

Now is also a good time to get some exercise in as your spleen governs muscles and your body is at its peak physical strength now.

11am to 1pm - Its heart time.

This is a good time to reach out and connect with others. Great for building professional and personal relationships. Shoot a text to an old friend you haven’t talked to in a while. Schedule meetings and use this time to collaborate and connect with others. Also eat a good lunch. If your wondering if this is the green light to schedule lunch dates- yes, yes it is.

1pm to 3pm - Small intestine.

The small intestine is all about sorting. This has an emotional aspect as well as a physical one. Physically your small intestine is sorting out your lunch. Deciding what to keep and what to tell to “keep er moving”. This is also happening emotionally during this time. 1-3 is a good time to sort out problems. Take a walk, write it down, do whatever helps you “chew” on problems that need to be sorted. Your small intestine is large and in charge right now so take advantage of that problem solving energy.

3pm to 5pm - This is bladder time.

Good time to get work done and detox. Drink some tea, drink more water. Wrap up your day and get ready for your evening. Don’t act surprised that bladder time isn’t more exciting. Just do your work and drink some tea, ok?

5pm to 7pm - Kidney’s time to shine.

The kidneys are the foundation for your “jing” or essence. These little guys are basically your energetic savings account and they love a good dinner. Nourish your body during kidney time with not only good food, but good conversation, good company and good atmosphere. You will be amazed at the magnitude of the deposit you are putting into your life by carving out this time to nourish yourself with a good family dinner routine.

7pm to 9pm - This is pericardium time.

Your pericardium is the protective lining around your heart. This is a time to flirt, play, have sex and enjoy the sweetest parts of life with loved ones. Dance in your kitchen, make out with your husband, do whatever it is that makes your heart the happiest.

9pm to 11pm - San Jiao or Triple burner time.

Yes I know these are seemingly made up organs, and you're mostly right. The San Jiao or sometimes called Triple Burner is the cumulation of your bodies organs that regulate fluid and temperature. This represents your adrenals, thyroid and other lovely glands. This is the time to wind down, read, get your jammies on and get in bed. Do not eat or even have a stimulating conversation during these hours. Let your body and mind chill and get ready for quality sleep. Oh also, pleassssse put your phone away during this time.

11pm to 1am - Gall bladder time!

This may sound unexciting but this is actually one of the most critical organ times you want to follow. Your gallbladder has a lot to do with your sleep cycle. The liver and gall bladder are paired channels and deal with storage and regeneration of blood. Blood is what houses your shen, or spirit and what keeps you in a deep sleep. It's really important to fall asleep at or prior to 11 to let your body go into the deep gall bladder sleep.

1am to 3am - This is the liver time.

Remember how the gall bladder relates to blood, well that is because it's a paired channel with the liver, which is responsible for blood storage as well as the smooth flow of qi. I have a lot of patients that wake up between 1-3 am and that is indicative of an unhappy liver. There are lots of ways to approach this problem and without doing a full diagnosis the easiest place I can tell you to start is to exercise more. Moving your body moves stuck liver energy and can be helpful for restful sleep during these hours.

3am to 5am - Lungs time.

Last but not least this is the time when your lungs are most active. All you have to do during this time is sleep soundly. If you are having a hard time sleeping make sure to subscribe and check out my post: An Acupuncturists Guide to the Best Sleep of Your Life.