The organ clock originates from traditional Chinese medicine and demonstrates that each organ has its own rhythm. Throughout the day, your body experiences peaks of activity followed by periods of rest. By aligning your workday with these peaks, you can not only be more productive but also experience greater balance. In this article, you'll discover how the organ clock works, how active and rest phases alternate, and how you can apply this to your daily work routine.
What is the organ clock?
The Chinese organ clock is an ancient system in which each organ functions optimally for two hours a day. During these peak hours, the organ is stronger and has more energy to perform its functions. Twelve hours later, the same organ enters a resting phase. It is then more vulnerable and less efficient.
By moving with this natural cycle, you can better plan your nutrition, sleep, and work schedules. It helps you understand, for example, why you more easily complete complex tasks in the morning, but more quickly experience a dip around three o'clock in the afternoon.
Read all about the different time slots of the organ clock here.
Morning hours: focus and strength
According to the body's internal clock, the workday begins with the stomach (7:00–9:00 AM). This is when your body is ready to absorb nutrients. A good breakfast before work gives you energy for the rest of the day. Afterward, the spleen takes over. During these hours, your absorption, concentration, and analytical skills are at their peak.
This makes morning the perfect time for focused work: studying, writing, planning, solving complex problems, or making important decisions. Think of it as your natural peak hours for getting a mountain of work done. So, leave emails and meetings aside and use these hours for the tasks that truly make an impact.
The end of the morning is the heart's focus (11:00 AM–1:00 PM). This is the perfect time to make your workday social. Instead of staying glued to your screen, you can consciously choose to connect.
- Schedule a team meeting to share ideas
- Take a walk with colleagues during lunch
- Use this time to show appreciation and strengthen relationships.
The heart represents openness and enthusiasm: you'll notice conversations flow more smoothly and collaboration feels more natural. Want to propose something new or get feedback? This is the perfect time.
Afternoons: processing and collaboration
After lunch, the small intestine springs into action. This organ not only helps digest food but also filter and organize information. These are productive hours for developing reports, structuring projects, or turning creative ideas into concrete plans. Mentally, this means you can more easily distinguish between what's important and what's not.
Note: the liver is resting during these hours, meaning you shouldn't make any major decisions or have difficult conversations. Your energy now is more supportive of analysis and structuring than of strategy or vision.
In the afternoon, the bladder becomes more active. Many people experience this as an afternoon slump, and that's not surprising: your energy drops, you need more fluids and a little rest. This isn't a time for heavy focus work. Use these hours for daily tasks, meetings, brainstorming, or practical tasks. Drink plenty of water or tea to support your system, and take regular short breaks to avoid overtaxing your resting lung energy.
Evening hours: rounding off and letting go
At the end of the workday, from 5:00 PM onward, the kidneys are at their most active. This is a time of stability and reflection. Finish your workday calmly by taking stock, updating your to-do list, and setting priorities for tomorrow. Instead of diving headfirst into new projects, focus on finishing.
Physically, this is also a time to choose light meals that won't overload your system. Emotionally, the colon is now at rest, meaning it's best to avoid heavy, emotionally charged conversations. It's wiser to conserve your energy for recovery and calm.
Later, energy shifts to the circulatory system and the pericardium. The body wants to recover and recharge. During these hours, you don't need to be productive—in fact, your performance will often suffer. Instead, focus on gentle, nourishing activities. Read an inspiring book, write in a journal, take a relaxing yoga class, or meditate.
The importance of rest phases
An organ's resting phase always requires gentleness and awareness. When the liver is at rest (1:00 PM–3:00 PM), you may notice that you get tired or irritable more quickly. It's not the right time for important decisions, but it is suitable for simple tasks or a short walk. During the lung rest phase (3:00 PM–5:00 PM), you have less breathing space and less concentration, making consultation and collaboration more suitable than deep focus work.
By aligning your workday with these natural troughs, you prevent yourself from exhaustion. You don't work harder, but smarter—and you'll notice that in your energy and mood.
Working in harmony with the organ clock
The organ clock isn't a straitjacket, but a guide. It provides insight into your natural energy and helps you understand why you feel better or more tired at certain times. By scheduling your heaviest tasks in the morning, using the afternoon for processing and collaboration, and the evening for rest and recovery, you can create balance in your work and your health.
At Yogi Essentials, we believe this rhythm is key to greater well-being, both at work and outside of work. Combine it with yoga, breathing, or meditation, and discover how to live your day in flow.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the organ clock help me better manage my workday?
The organ clock shows which organs are most active at what time of day, so you can better align your work with your natural energy rhythm.
What can I do during an energy dip according to the organ clock?
Energy dips, such as mid-afternoon, often coincide with resting phases of certain organs. Light activity, adequate hydration, or a short break can help you maintain a balanced energy level.
How does the resting phase of my organs affect my productivity?
During rest periods, organs function less efficiently, meaning heavy meals, intense work, or excessive stimulation can exhaust you more quickly. By consciously slowing down during these periods, you maintain focus and energy.
Can I adjust my eating and drinking times to my organ clock?
Yes, the organ clock advises eating when the digestive organs are active, such as the stomach in the morning and the spleen around late morning. Heavy meals during rest can actually cause fatigue.
How do I combine the organ clock with my modern work rhythm?
While not everyone can plan their day completely according to the organ clock, you can make small adjustments, such as scheduling breaks during rest periods or performing important tasks during your peak hours.