LET YOUR BRAIN REIGN
Fun fact: Most people over 40 are morning people, so will do better on an IQ test at 9am than at 4pm. When you know your brain’s naturally sharp moments, you can do everything a little easier, better and smarter.
Your energy level isn’t the only thing about your body that varies over the course of a day. Your brain obeys its own rhythm too – based largely on your sleep pattern, exposure to light and genetic makeup. Getting in step with its tempo can make you healthier, happier and more productive. In fact, you can even burn more kilojoules from exercise, work more efficiently and also have better sex, just by learning how to sync up with your brain’s power hours. Here’s your daily guide:
7 to 9am PRIME TIME FOR BUILDING YOUR RELATIONSHIPS
Lots of research suggests that having meaningful relationships is good for your mind. One study published in the science and medicine journal PLOS One found that maintaining friendships might be the key to slower decline in memory and cognitive function. In order to make that happen, it’s important to find ways to genuinely communicate affection and appreciation towards your loved ones – whether that means your spouse, kids, parents, siblings or best friends. The perfect time to do so? In the morning. That’s because your levels of oxytocin (known as the “love hormone” to some) are sky-high upon waking.
Tap into it
Make love or cuddle
Remind your partner how much you love him or her
Call a family member (but not on weekends!)
Write a thankyou note to a friend or a relative.
9 to 11am PRIME TIME FOR CREATIVITY
Your brain now has moderate levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which in reasonable amounts can help your mind focus. It’s actually present at any age. A US study found that college students and retired adults were mentally quick in the morning – but among the older adults, sharpness declined in the afternoon. Use this hormonal uptick to its greatest advantage by taking on tasks that require analysis and concentration now. “From middle age on, you’re more alert early in the day,” says Carolyn Yoon, PhD, who worked on the study. Schedule discussions that involve personal or family matters, since others will be sharp during these hours as well.
Tap into it
Develop a new idea
Write a presentation
Brainstorm solutions to challenges large and small
Have an important conversation with your doctor.