Start with the structure
The Tong Shu, the Chinese almanac, is a daily reading of the calendar's energy. For each day it names the ruling 'day officer', the animal it clashes with, the auspicious and inauspicious stars, and what the day favours or forbids.
Then read the interaction
You read the almanac by matching the day's officer and clashes to your intended activity and your own animal. A day that clashes your animal is one to keep light; a supported officer is a day to push.
Put it to use
Checking the day's officer before the inbox is an old strategist's habit: place demanding work on strong days and routine admin on weak ones, and let the calendar carry some of the load.
Try it yourself: The Chinese Almanac (Tong Shu) is free on FengMaster, computed to the letter.