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“Everything in the world flows and changes, Life follows rhythms and cycles. Tides follow the ebb, day follows night, joy follows sorrow.”

– Hermann Hesse

This rule reflects a universal principle of nature: everything in the world is subject to cyclical changes. The alternation of day and night, the seasons, tides, and the phases of the moon are all examples of natural cycles. This same principle applies to human life. We go through cycles of growth and decline, activity and rest, joy and sorrow. Understanding this cyclical nature helps us accept the inevitability of change and adapt to it more effectively.

A prominent example of research in this area is the work on ultradian rhythms, which were studied in detail by Nathaniel Kleitman, a pioneer of sleep research. Ultradian rhythms are recurring cycles of activity and rest lasting about 90—120 minutes throughout the day.5 Research shows that our energy and concentration naturally fluctuate according to these cycles. Periods of high productivity are followed by periods of decline when the body needs rest and recovery. Ignoring these natural cycles and trying to work at full capacity without breaks leads to burnout. This research perfectly illustrates that our physiology and psychology are subject to rhythms, and respecting them is the key to sustainable productivity.

In addition to daily rhythms, there are longer biological rhythms – infradian rhythms – related, for example, to seasonal changes. A well-known phenomenon is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which manifests as depressive states in the autumn and winter due to a lack of sunlight. This is a clear example of how natural cycles directly affect our psychological state.

This rule affects all areas of life: health, relationships, career, and creativity. For example, by observing your mood and energy throughout the day, you can notice that periods of high energy are followed by periods of fatigue.

In 2017, I planted a beautiful garden of my own design, where I can now observe all the seasonal cycles of nature. I love it very much. I love how it is beautiful in its own way in every season. Plants do not fight the elements; they accept their gifts with humility and reveal themselves to us in all their glory.

I learn from nature to accept storms and misfortunes by living through them. If sadness comes over me, I study it with sensitivity and attention, observing this part of myself. Instead of fighting it, I perceive it as part of a natural process that is constantly changing. This awareness helps me not to resist but to act in harmony with the cycles. It is important to understand: just as nature rests in winter before a new bloom, so too must a person learn to accept their difficulties and periods of rest.

To apply this law in your life, try the “Map Your Cycles” technique. This will help you better understand your personal rhythms and learn to live in harmony with them. You can use a scale, for example, from 1 to 10, to rate your state on key parameters:

Step 1: Daily Tracking (Data Collection)

• Physical State: Energy level, quality of sleep, appetite, physical activity (1 = complete exhaustion, 10 = high energy and vitality).

• Emotional State: Mood, emotions (joy, sadness, anger, fear), stress level (1 = feeling down/anxious, 10 = joyful/calm).

• Energetic State: Overall energy level, enthusiasm, motivation (1 = weakness, 10 = inspiration).

• Mental State: Clarity of thought, concentration, creativity (1 = brain fog, 10 = deep focus and mental clarity).

Next to the numbers, briefly note a key event of the day that could have influenced your state (e.g., “slept poorly,” “conflict at work,” “long walk”).

Step 2: Weekly Analysis (Finding Connections)

At the end of the week, analyze your records to find clear patterns. Ask yourself the main questions:

– “What gives me energy, and what drains it?”

– “During which days/hours am I most productive, and when do I need to rest?”

You might notice: “Intensive work in the morning exhausts me by the evening, but a 15-minute walk at lunch changes everything.”

Step 3: Conscious Planning (Harmonization)

Now, start planning your life in harmony with these rhythms.

• Schedule your most challenging tasks during your “peak” hours, and routine tasks and rest during periods of decline.

• Consciously prepare for energy-draining meetings by planning for recovery afterward.

This is what it means to live in harmony with your natural cycles – the wisest path to productivity and well-being.

Life is a dance of rhythms. By learning to move in time with them, you will find harmony and inner strength. Any downturn is part of the path to a new upswing. By accepting your natural rhythms, you can use your energy more effectively and achieve greater results.