Tori Uncensored

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to feel like time is controlling us, rather than the other way around. We constantly shift from one task to the next, reacting to urgent demands without stopping to ask:

• Is this the best use of my energy right now?
• Am I making an intentional choice, or just keeping busy?
• Does my schedule reflect what truly matters or am I just filling time?

That’s why time blocking isn’t just about scheduling it’s about control. It’s about deciding what to focus on and when, based on energy levels, priorities, and flexibility.

For me, this approach has been essential, especially as I’ve had to manage Chronic Fatigue. Structured time blocking gives me the clarity to prioritise my most valuable tasks, while remaining adaptable when energy levels fluctuate.

Why Productivity Requires Intentional Choices

In my previous blog, I talked about the importance of prioritisation knowing when to rest, adjust, and say no. Time blocking builds on that by ensuring we’re not just making lists, but making choices.

• Not every task deserves the same energy some require full focus, while others can wait.
• Working at the wrong time wastes energy forcing productivity when you’re drained leads to burnout.
• Choosing what’s most important not what’s most urgent is key to sustainable success.

For me, Chronic Fatigue has reshaped how I approach productivity. I can’t just push through exhaustion I have to intentionally structure my time so that I work with my energy, not against it.

How I Use Time Blocking to Manage Energy & Priorities

Over time, I’ve developed three core strategies to make time blocking work:

1️⃣ Aligning Tasks with Energy Levels

We all have natural high and low energy points throughout the day. Instead of forcing productivity at all times, I use time blocking to match tasks to my energy cycles:

• 🟢 Mid-Morning (High Energy) – Strategic thinking, deep work, problem-solving.
• 🟡 Afternoon (Mid Energy) – Meetings, admin, lighter tasks.
• 🔴 Evening (Low Energy) – Reflection, planning, winding down.

For me, this isn’t just about productivity it’s about survival. Managing Chronic Fatigue means I need to respect my energy patterns, ensuring high-focus tasks happen when I’m strongest, and lighter tasks when I need recovery time.

2️⃣ Protecting Focus Time & Boundaries

• Prioritising deep work sessions before distractions take over.
• Avoiding task-switching to preserve mental energy.
• Scheduling breaks before exhaustion forces them upon me.

Over the years, I’ve learned that if I don’t set boundaries, my energy runs out before I even get to my most important work. Time blocking isn’t just about managing time it’s about protecting energy.

3️⃣ Making Time Blocking Flexible, Not Rigid

• Some days, my energy isn’t there, and I have to adjust my plans.
• If unexpected priorities arise, I shift time blocks accordingly.
• If a task takes longer than expected, I move less urgent work elsewhere.

I’ve had to redefine success it’s not about doing it all, it’s about doing what matters, when my body allows it. Time blocking gives me the structure to be productive, without trapping me in a rigid schedule that ignores my energy limits.

Final Thoughts: Productivity is a Balance of Structure & Flexibility

• Time blocking isn’t just a scheduling tool it’s an intentional approach to working smarter.
• Balancing energy with priorities leads to sustainable productivity, not burnout.
• Making intentional choices instead of reacting helps reclaim control over time and focus.

If you’re interested in exploring productivity strategies further, I highly recommend reading:

• Getting Things Done by David Allen – A practical framework for organizing tasks and clearing mental clutter.
• 168 Hours by Laura Vanderkam – A powerful look at how we truly spend our time and how to make every hour count.

In upcoming blogs, I’ll be exploring my experience with Getting Things Done and 168 Hours, sharing how I’ve applied their principles in both work and personal life.

What do you think of time blocking? How do you structure your day to balance focus, flexibility, and energy?