Determining Your Golden Hour

Giving yourself the time of day both you and your day deserve.

Morning, afternoon, evening, night…everyone engages with the different phases of the day in their own, unique way. There is a phase we naturally gravitate toward within a 24-hour period, creating a 'special place' in our hearts: our Golden Hour, where we find refuge to focus and be at one with ourselves.

Golden Hour, Defined

We refer to Golden Hour as a time of day you truly appreciate. It boosts your motivation to engage with the moment, making you feel alive and energized by simply being present. During this time, you are inspired to channel your energy in a meaningful, intentional way, even if it simply means ‘being’ with yourself. Your Golden Hour is uniquely yours—a time that feels rich with life and brings out the best in you.

What time of day can no one take from you, no matter what?

Days are structured according to our daily responsibilities, whether it be with work, with our family, or with school. Just as the sun rises to mark the start of the day and sets to signal its end, some people perceive this transition in reverse—as the conclusion of night and its beginning at sunset. Regardless of your perspective, there are moments in the day that we can exclusively claim for ourselves, deciding when the prime time arrives to engage and navigate the world in our finest, most optimal state.

Everyone’s day begins at different times, depending on what aligns with their biorhythm. For some, mornings are a privilege—a fresh start to a new day with few distractions, offering an ideal time to be productive. It is an opportune time to tackle difficult or challenging tasks first thing, whether it is exercising, working on a project, or finishing something that requires concentration. For others, the evening is when they feel most energized. The stillness of the night invites those who work best after dark, when their attention is sharper and more focused than it would be in the early morning hours.

Determining your Golden Hour involves tuning-in to what captures your attention and speaks to your senses. It is not about “when I have the time,” but a specific time of day that aligns with your ability to boost productivity and engage with life in a way that resonates with you. Ignoring that time, when you are most effective, can have detrimental consequences to your well-being.


If your Golden Hour happens to be at two o'clock in the morning, it is crucial to make adjustments to accommodate this sacred time to ensure you can perform and fulfill your daytime obligations. This may involve communicating with those who rely on you—with work, at school, with your family—requesting accommodations, if necessary, so you can perform at your best and feel good doing it. Dedicating this time to yourself is one of the most important commitments you can make, no matter what time of day it happens to be.

Here are some questions you might ask yourself, depending on what time your Golden Hour occurs. If it is in the early morning, how do you prepare the night before? If it falls in the middle of the day, what steps are you taking to protect that time for yourself? If it is late in the evening, how are you adjusting your schedule to accommodate the typical eight-to-five world?

The key is to understand what this concept means for you—the timing and structure of a day—and to find ways to incorporate personal time during the hours that suit you best. How you choose to create space and prioritize quality time for yourself will enrich your well-being and elevate your overall state. Establishing habits that align with your Golden Hour will create synergy in both what you engage in and who you interact with throughout your day.

Once you understand when your Golden Hour is, figuring out how to engage with it is the next step.

The Power of Rituals

Establishing a ritual has the power to engage you in a meaningful way, enhancing your creativity, focus, and overall well-being. When you align your passions with your Golden Hour, you enter a state of flow, effortlessly losing track of time as you become fully immersed in the activity at hand. Engaging in what brings you joy, coupled with the intentionality of your Golden Hour, fosters a deeper presence within yourself—one that others can easily perceive.

This awareness also helps you recognize areas of your life that may either support or hinder your growth. Actively pursuing what makes you flow is like responding to a spiritual calling—something impossible to ignore. By regularly doing what you love, you create a space for profound connection with yourself, one that feels deeply fulfilling, gratifying, and rewarding.

It is essential to reserve time for yourself and to show up consistently. Think of it as an investment of time and attention that you dedicate to your well-being—a commitment that will pay off for years to come. It should flow effortlessly, as natural as breathing…a ritualistic act in itself. We do not think about when to inhale or exhale, it just happens. It is a seamless integration of our being. Who you are is reflected in how you choose to spend your time and energy, eventually accumulating into a self-sustaining force, and becoming part of your identity.

Creating Value With Your Time

Engaging in an activity that deeply resonates with you will naturally hold you accountable, especially when it is scheduled during your Golden Hour. Creating intention is key to maintaining personal commitment. This synergy will motivate you to repeat it, as long as you recognize its value and purpose in your life.

There are two ways in which we can spend our time in a meaningful way, physically and mentally.

Being physically active is an essential component of maintaining good health that comes with numerous emotional benefits as well. For example, joining a workout class can help foster a sense of community, as you hold each other accountable and feel connected to a group of like-minded individuals. Scheduling regular meetups with friends, whether it is for a walk or a meal, is a great way to nurture relationships and show how much you value those connections.

Mental activities play an equally crucial role in maintaining a healthy mind. These activities can range from engaging in thought-provoking reading or expressing your emotions through writing, to having deep and meaningful conversations with friends. Taking time to challenge your brain with puzzles, meditation, or creative outlets such as drawing or coloring (yes, we said coloring) can also boost cognitive function and emotional resilience.

By blocking off dedicated time in your calendar at a time when you are optimal—during your Golden Hour—for these activities, you are intentionally creating space to refresh and expand your mental and emotional capacity, including meeting people who are potentially, regularly active at a similar time of day as you are. This habit not only sharpens your mind but also allows for deeper self-reflection and a greater sense of inner peace, ultimately enriching your overall well-being.

It is easy to get caught up in our daily responsibilities and overlook the importance of spending quality time for ourselves. However, what is being suggested here is not just about health—it is about carving out a special time each day that brings you joy. It is a moment you can look forward to, as in your Golden Hour.

A time that is yours to enjoy that no one, no matter what, can take away.

➤ About GlideView

GlideView Collective is a privately held company offering coaching programs designed to help individuals approaching milestone ages envision the next decade of their lives with clarity and intention. We offer small group programs and customized one-on-one coaching for those turning 30 and 40 years old. GlideView coaching programs empower individuals by providing content that enhances self-awareness and uncovers internal resources, enabling them to thrive organically and take progressive action as they navigate this momentous, inevitable period in their lives.