You Can’t Hack Productivity If You’re Running on Empty

Day 10 of 30 – Why energy, sleep, and simple tracking beat any productivity tool

Selim Uysal
June 10, 2025

Hi friend,

We talk a lot about systems, tools, and deep work routines.

But here’s something I’ve learned the hard way:

You can’t “optimize” your way out of poor sleep, low energy, or chronic fatigue.

If your body is struggling, your mind won’t save you.

And if you’re not feeling well, no app, no AI, no calendar block will carry you far.

Productivity isn’t just about what’s on your task list.

It’s about the energy and clarity you bring to it.

As knowledge workers, we often live in our heads.

But the quality of your thinking is directly tied to the quality of your recovery.

Poor sleep → slow thinking.

Low movement → less focus.

Nutritional gaps → mental fog.

The systems that support your body are the foundation for the systems that support your output.

Here’s what I use to track my well-being—not to chase perfection, but to stay accountable:

SleepCycle and Rise Sleep → to monitor sleep quality (iPhone + Apple Watch)
Apple Health + built-in Steps tracker → to stay aware of my daily movement
Strava → to track my walks, runs, gym sessions, or general activity

They’re not always accurate. But they give me feedback I can use.

Yesterday? I skipped the gym. Today? I’m still not feeling great.

But I’m aware. I’m adjusting. I’m still writing this post.

Because consistency beats intensity, especially when it comes to your health.

🤖 Can AI Help Here?

Yes but only if it supports your awareness, not adds more pressure.

Here’s a simple prompt I use:

“Based on my recent work habits and energy levels, what’s one small physical habit I can add this week to boost focus or recovery?”

Or:

“Can you create a checklist I can review each evening to reflect on my physical well-being (sleep, food, movement, stress)?”

Small nudges, not big overhauls.

📬 Want more prompts like this?

→ Catch up on previous posts: productiveknowledgeworker.com

(You’ll also get my list of top productivity tools!)

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P.S. ✍️ Want to turn your ideas into a hands-off, high-leverage newsletter or educational email course?

DM me “energy” and I’ll help you design a writing system that supports your life, not drains it.

P.P.S. Want to start your own newsletter but not sure how to structure it?

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Onward,

Selim