Listening to your body

Some thoughts around productivity I had lately:

• Southeast Asia is nice but it can feel intense with all the noise and traffic, so I avoid staying in downtown.
• Standing desk, comfortable chair, good lighting. Those are non-negotiable.
• I’ve tried working in cafés — honestly, 60-70% of the time it just doesn’t work. Unless it’s really premium, it’s distracting.
• Forget working out of a hammock or a beach. If it’s too hot, you sweat and can’t focus. If it’s too loud or too busy, you’ll never get into deep work.
• The best thing is to have a nice little home base.
• Having basic living infrastructure supporting you matters: cooking at home, easy access to a gym, or calm places to move your body.
• Never stay in a place where you don’t have great walking spots.
• Sleep well.
• If my body says no, it’s no. When I feel the first signs of burnout, I immediately drop the ball and shut down my laptop. Whether it takes a day or two to recover, I eat, sleep, rest, and exercise, but I do not work.
• Even if it’s a weekday, I don’t have a specific rule. In fact, the only rule is to listen to my body.