Mood-Based Productivity: Working With Your Brain, Not Against It

How I Schedule My Days Around My Moods (and Why It Works for My ADHD Brain)

One thing I’ve learned about living with ADHD is that my productivity is deeply tied to my mood and energy level. If I try to force myself into the same routine every day, I end up frustrated and burned out.

So instead, I created a system that works *with* my brain, not against it. I plan my day based on my A, B, or C mood.

A-Mood: All Systems Go

This is the kind of morning where I wake up without my alarm, my brain is buzzing, and I’m ready to take on the world. These are my *high-energy, high-focus days*.

* I dive straight into big projects.

* I check off multiple to-dos without needing extra motivation.

* I use this energy to tackle anything I’ve been putting off.

B-Mood: Steady but Selective

On B-Mood days, I wake up with my alarm, but getting out of bed feels a bit sluggish. I know I can be productive, but I have to be strategic.

• I focus on my *must-do tasks* first.

• I choose **one extra priority** to accomplish outside my must-dos.

• If my week’s been intense, I make self-care a bigger priority—like a midday walk, a slower morning, or extra breaks.

C-Mood: Low Gear, Low Pressure

C-Mood days are when I wake up feeling foggy, drained, or overwhelmed. This is my signal to slow down.

• I reschedule whatever I can.

• I only do what’s absolutely necessary.

• I fill the rest of my day with things that recharge me—coffee with a friend, reading, writing, a long walk, or even doing nothing at all.

Why This Works

Instead of fighting my natural energy cycles, I work with them. It allows me to be more productive on my high-energy days, while still making progress (and avoiding burnout) on my low-energy days.

If you’ve ever struggled with inconsistent motivation, try rating your mood each morning and matching your schedule to it. You might be surprised how much easier it is to get things done when your day actually matches your brain.