Daily Guide to Maximizing Your Brain

From Prevention Magazine:

Your brain follows a specific energy cycle every day. Its rhythms are based on your sleep patterns, genetic makeup, and exposure to light. However, getting into a groove with your brain can make you happier, healthier, and more productive. So here’s your daily guide to maximizing your brain. This comes from Dr. Lynn Hasher, a psychology professor at the University of Toronto.

• The best brain time to work on tough tasks is: Lunchtime – basically between 11AM and 2PM. German researchers found that at midday, levels of the sleep hormone melatonin dip sharply, boosting your focus, and decreasing your reaction time. Which means, you can tackle projects faster and easier. So, it’s the perfect time of day to run errands, give a presentation, return voicemails, or patch up a spat with your spouse.
  
  
• What about the best brain time to take a break? That would be right after lunch - between 2 and 3PM. According to a study at Harvard University, early afternoon is when your body’s circadian rhythm – your body clock - slows down. After you’ve eaten, your body draws blood away from your brain to your stomach to help digestion. So, that’s the best time to relax, or read a book. If you need to be sharp for an afternoon meeting, take a brisk walk around the block or drink a glass of water. Both of them will get your blood moving away from your stomach and toward your brain, helping you focus.
  
  
• Finally, the best brain time to collaborate with someone is between 3 and 6PM. According to neurology professor, Dr. Paul Nussbaum, your brain is tired in the late afternoon, so you’re not as mentally sharp. Levels of the stress-hormone cortisol also drop, making you more easygoing. So, that’s the perfect time to work with others, and have a brainstorming session or a low-pressure meeting. If you’re already off the clock, pick an activity that’s as different from your job as possible – like exercise. Studies show that at that time of day, grip strength, manual dexterity and other physical skills are at their strongest.