Productivity Gems From Nature

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I love watching nature documentaries. I find them so calming — and inspiring! We have so much to learn from the animal kingdom. Here are some of my favorite productivity lessons from nature:

1) Conserve your energy for what really matters.

Lions conserve as much energy as possible for the things that really matter: mating, hunting, and defending themselves and their families. The same should go for people (although our priorities look a little different). Once you decide what really matters, you can start saving energy for those things (and saying no to everything else). That’s key to avoiding burnout.

2) Get enough sleep.

Sloths and koalas are famous sleepers. They sleep 18-22 hours per day! They’re not alone — many animals sleep more than you might think. Lions sleep up to 20 hours per day! Animals need all that energy and they make it a priority to get enough rest. And so do we! Here’s an interview I did with a sleep expert on how to get more quality sleep.

3) Adjust your schedule to fit the season.

Bears are well known for taking winters off — they hibernate through the chilliest months of the year. So do other animals, including bumble bee queens, garter snakes, and bats. 

It’s not just winter that changes things. Lots of animals adapt their habits to keep cool and rest more in the hottest months of the summer. Crocodiles, turtles, snails, and hedgehogs all alter their behavior to stay cool and comfortable.

We can take a page out of their book! When the seasons change, what you need changes too. While it might not be possible to fully hibernate, we can always use the reminder to follow the seasons and adapt our schedules to meet our changing needs.

4) Relax to move forward.

I always say that rest is the new hustle. And jellyfish agree! They are the most efficient swimmers in the ocean. And relaxation is a big part of that. They move around by relaxing and contracting over and over. Without the relaxation, they wouldn’t be able to move around. The same goes for humans. It’s just not possible to go-go-go without taking moments to relax and reset. 

5) Be alert for opportunities.

Did you know that many animals sleep with one eye open? It’s true! Dolphins, seals, and peregrine falcons all sleep with one eye open (or with half their brain still alert). This is an important reminder that you can relax while also staying engaged with the world. It doesn’t have to be one or the other! 

What lessons do you want to take from animals to boost your productivity?

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BONUS FREEBIE: Want even more ways to stay organized, productive and less stressed? CLICK HERE to get access to my List-Making Starter Kit. It will boost your efficiency and get you back to doing more of the things you love.

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