[alinajaf]

I did the exact same while working full time and am trying to do the same as a freelancer now.

What I've found is that no matter how early I wake up I have about eight hours in me and then I lose the ability to focus. I have a feeling exercise and a better diet might help.

Don't get me wrong though, having an ultra productive 4 hours before 10am is awesome, and clocking off at 14:00 to read, play with my arduino or do other things is pretty good too. For me at least though it hasn't magically added any extra hard-focus time to the day.

[mikebridgman]

Diet has made a huge difference in maintaining my energy levels throughout the day. In the morning I make a vegetable + fruit smoothie, lunch I usually eat plain chili or some form of meat and vegetables. I try to reserve carbs for before/after exercise.

On days when I splurge and eat pizza or some heavy carbs for lunch, I usually crash pretty hard around 2pm. That's why I save lunch beers for Fridays only! :)