The Rhythm of Nature: Why Unplugging Restores Balance

We’ve explored the rhythms within us—our circadian cycles, the ultradian focus and rest patterns, and the importance of our first hour in shaping the day. But balance isn’t only about what happens inside of us. It’s also about the environment we step into and the choices we make about how we spend our time.

This past weekend, I spent time with family and friends walking the trails of a quiet state forest. Being outdoors reminded me of something I often overlook: the healing power of nature. A simple walk can do wonders, but when you fully immerse yourself—where trees stretch overhead and stillness replaces noise—that’s where the deeper reset happens.

Out there, my phone had no signal. No notifications, no emails, no distractions. Just the sound of leaves underfoot, the warmth of a fire, and the joy of shared laughter.

For a few days, I was fully unplugged. And it felt like pressing reset on my mind, body, and spirit.

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Inner Rhythms, Outer Harmony

Our internal rhythms thrive when they align with the world around us. Constant digital noise can pull us out of sync, but nature helps us reconnect:

• Morning Light resets our circadian rhythm more powerfully than any alarm clock.

• Fresh Air & Movement restore energy during ultradian dips better than caffeine.

• Stillness & Presence ground us in a way screens never can.

When you step away from constant notifications, your nervous system finally exhales. You notice birdsong, the sway of trees, the rhythm of your own footsteps—simple cues that remind your body how to find balance.

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The Power of Unplugging

Spending time in nature is more than “getting away.” It’s choosing to let your body and mind settle into a natural flow. Research shows that even short breaks outdoors reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and boost mood.

Unplugging also strengthens connections—with yourself and with others. Around the campfire, conversations run deeper without the glow of screens competing for attention. Smiles, stories, and shared silence become the new notifications.

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Bringing Nature Home

Not everyone can spend a weekend in the woods, but you can weave unplugged moments into everyday life:

• Take a 10-minute walk without your phone.

• Designate the dinner table to be an electronic-free zone.

• Create a “digital sunset” ritual—put your phone away an hour before bed.

• Bring nature indoors with plants, natural light, or calming sounds.

These small pauses realign your inner rhythms with the outer environment, creating a harmony that supports balance and calm.

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Your Invitation

Where in your life could you unplug—even for a few minutes—and allow nature’s rhythm to restore you?

If you’re feeling frazzled, consider it a gentle nudge from your body to step outside, breathe deeply, and let the world remind you: balance lives in both your inner rhythm and the environment you choose to nurture.

Breathe deep and reset,

Be well,
Mary-Anne

The Secret 90-Minute Rhythm Your Body Wants You to Follow

(Why working with your ultradian cycles can change everything)

Last time, we explored the ebb and flow of the circadian rhythm — our body’s 24-hour clock that shapes our sleep, energy, and focus.

But here’s a question… who here has ever heard of the ultradian rhythm?

I hadn’t either, until I started digging deeper into the science behind our body’s timing. What I found completely changed the way I work, rest, and recharge — and it might just change the way you structure your day too.

There was a time when I thought productivity meant pushing through. I’d sit at my desk for hours, convinced that the longer I stayed there, the more I’d accomplish. Coffee became my constant companion, and “breaks” were just trips to the kitchen for more coffee - or the bathroom!  LOL

But here’s what really happened: the longer I worked without stopping, the foggier my brain became. My focus frayed, my shoulders tensed, and by mid-afternoon, I was running on fumes.

Then I learned about something called ultradian rhythms — and suddenly, my dips in focus and energy made perfect sense.

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What Are Ultradian Rhythms?

You’ve already heard of circadian rhythms — your body’s 24-hour clock. But within that big daily cycle are smaller waves called ultradian rhythms.

These are natural biological cycles that run about 90–120 minutes. During that time, your body moves from a state of high alertness and focus into a period of rest and recovery — and then back again.

Think of them like the ocean’s waves: each one rises, peaks, and gently rolls back before the next one begins.

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The Natural Wave Pattern

Here’s how a typical ultradian cycle flows:

• First 90 minutes: Energy rises. Your brain is in peak performance mode. This is when you feel clear, focused, and able to take on your most challenging tasks.
• Next 20 minutes: Energy dips. Your body signals it’s time to recharge — maybe you yawn, fidget, feel hungry, or suddenly find yourself distracted.

These cycles repeat 4–6 times a day, creating natural “work–rest” rhythms inside your waking hours.

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Signs You’re Out of Sync

I used to think I could outsmart my dips with caffeine or sheer willpower — but when you override your ultradian rhythm, your body keeps the score.
Signs you might be ignoring your natural cycles:

• You zone out mid-task.
• Irritability or brain fog sets in after long stretches without breaks.
• You reach for sugar or caffeine to push through.
• Physical tension builds up from sitting too long.

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How to Work With Your Ultradian Rhythms

When I started honoring these micro-cycles, my days transformed. Here’s how you can, too:

1. Focus in Sprints – Schedule 90-minute work blocks for your most important or creative work.
2. Rest Intentionally – Take a 10–20 minute break afterward. Stretch, hydrate, breathe, step outside, or even close your eyes.
3. Listen to Your Signals – Fidgeting, daydreaming, or craving snacks are signs you’ve hit the “rest” phase.
4. Avoid Pushing Through – Skipping breaks may work short-term but over time increases stress hormones and drains your energy reserves.

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My Shift

Once I began following this rhythm, I was amazed:

• My focus was sharper without forcing it.
• My energy stayed steady from morning to night.
• Creative ideas flowed more easily.
• I ended my workdays without feeling wrung out.
• Plus...  I felt less resentful, and no longer felt overworked.

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The Takeaway

Your productivity, creativity, and health aren’t just about how much time you spend working — but when and how you use it, and of course how you choose the time you rest in between tasks.  

By honoring your ultradian rhythms, you tap into your body’s natural rise-and-fall pattern, moving with the current instead of against it.

The result? Less grind, more flow… and a daily rhythm that feels like a dance you actually want to join.

Embrace the flow...  Download your 90-Minute Flow Daily Planner HERE.

Be well,
Mary-Anne