Own Your Day: How to Design Focus & Flow for Sustained Productivity
In our hectic world, being busy is often mistaken for being productive.
But for high-performing women balancing leadership, family, wellness, and purpose, real productivity isn’t about doing more—it's about doing what matters most, with clarity and intention.
On my journey as a founder, wellness entrepreneur, and leader in the health and longevity space, I’ve learned this truth: your environment either supports your focus or slowly erodes it. To optimize energy and performance, start with your space and structure your day with intention.
Your workspace reflects your mind. When it’s cluttered, so is your thinking. But when it’s curated, it becomes a powerful catalyst for clarity and creativity. Natural light enhances alertness and mood. If windows aren’t an option, try a daylight lamp. I keep only what inspires or supports me on my desk—my laptop, a plant, and a meaningful item.
Sensory elements are powerful anchors. I often diffuse rosemary or peppermint oil to boost alertness. A soft playlist or white noise helps drown out distractions. And movement is essential. I rotate between my standing desk, walking desk, and a corner chair based on the energy of the task. Motion fuels momentum.
We’re not built for back-to-back Zoom calls or multitasking marathons. To stay sharp and creative, I honor the brain’s natural 90-minute ultradian rhythm: deep focus followed by renewal. I block 90 minutes of distraction-free work (phone off, notifications silenced), followed by a 20-minute reset outdoors.
To keep the day structured but flexible, I use a 3-block system:
☀️ Morning Creation: Deep focus work like writing, strategy, or visioning
🤝 Midday Collaboration: Calls, meetings, team conversations
🗂️ Late Afternoon Wrap: Admin tasks and planning
Rituals are the secret weapon of sustained productivity. They signal the brain it’s time to focus. I begin every session with breathwork or a quick stretch. I anchor each block with a familiar tea, candle, or playlist. At day’s end, I do a 10-minute brain dump: what’s done, what’s next, what needs space.
But productivity isn’t just mindset—it’s biology. If you’re not feeding your body, balancing hormones, and supporting your nervous system, focus fades.
Some of my non-negotiables:
→ Hydration before caffeine every morning
→ A mid-morning protein snack to stabilize blood sugar
→ Short walks between sessions (amazing for memory and circulation)
→ Midday light exposure to regulate circadian rhythm
We often think productivity means pushing harder. But true productivity is aligning energy with goals and designing your space and workflow to support your highest self.
You don’t need to burn out to get ahead. Optimize your environment, honor your biology, and lead with intention. Let your space reflect your vision—and watch your focus follow.
To your vitality,
Lizanne