Best Time Of The Day for Peak Mental Performance
Have you ever noticed that sometimes you feel very sharp and focused while some other times, even the simplest tasks feel like a challenge? It is because our brain doesn't work at the same level of efficiency, all day long. There are specific times of the day when our mental performance peaks. Understanding this can help you in managing your time and improving your productivity.
In this blog, we are going to learn about the best time of the day for peak mental performance and how you can use it to enhance your performance and productivity.
Understanding The Circadian Rhythms
Circadian rhythm refers to our body’s internal biological processes over a 24 hour period. It regulates our sleep wake cycle. It is governed by an area in our brain called suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) which responds to external cues like light and darkness. This part of the brain sends signals to other parts of the body that regulate processes like hormone release and temperature control.
Circadian rhythm influences our energy levels, alertness, and cognitive functions and thus affects our mental performance. It varies from person to person, which is why some people are morning people (larks) while others work better at night (night owls).
Here is how the phases of this rhythm affects your peak mental performance:
1. Morning | The Peak Performance Time For Some
After a good night’s sleep, our brain and body is well-rested and recharged. It is the time when our circadian rhythm promotes the release of cortisol, the hormone that helps us feel awake and alert.
During the first few hours after waking up our cognitive abilities such as memory, focus and decision making tend to be at their best. This is why many people experience peak mental performance in the morning.
According to research, tasks that involve short term memory are performed better earlier in the day.
2. Midday To Early Afternoon | The Afternoon Slump
After a morning peak, your body experiences a natural dip in the energy levels, typically between 1pm to 3pm. During this time there is a drop of cortisol and increase in melatonin which makes you feel more relaxed and sleepy.
During this time your cognitive performance may take a hit as your alertness and attention span decrease. This is why many people find it difficult to stay focused during this time.
3. Late Afternoon To Evening | Energy Surge For Some
Evening people may experience an energy surge in the late afternoon and evening hours. As melatonin levels remain relatively low and cortisol starts to decrease, your body may experience a second wind of energy.
However, this phase varies depending upon your chronotype (morning or evening person). Morning people may experience cognitive fatigue by this time while night owls are more likely to feel mentally sharp and focused at this time.
4. Night | Decreased Mental Performance
By nighttime the melatonin levels increase signalling your body that it is time to rest. This is the time of the day when mental performance tends to decline, especially focus, sharpness, and decision making.
Working late at night can disrupt your circadian rhythm and make it harder to fall asleep the next day, affecting overall cognitive functions.
How To Align Your Schedule With Your Circadian Rhythm
A good understanding of your circadian rhythm and aligning your tasks accordingly can help you increase your productivity, creativity and focus.
Here is how you can maximise your mental performance based on your circadian rhythm:
1. Identify Your Chronotype
Understand that whether you are naturally inclined to wake up early or stay up late. It will help you schedule your demanding tasks during your most optimal time.
2. Schedule Difficult Tasks For The Morning
If you are a morning person, schedule your complex and important tasks in the morning, especially the ones that require brain storming, problem solving and critical thinking.
3. Take Advantage Of Afternoon Breaks
During the afternoon slump don't feel bad for not being as productive as you were in the morning. Use this time to perform simple, light tasks and recharge yourself by taking a break.
4. Work With Your Body’s Rhythm
Listen to your body by paying attention to your energy levels and cognitive functions throughout the day. If you feel that you are more alert and focused in the evening, use that time to perform creative and challenging tasks. If you are a morning person, make the most out of your mornings by doing the most challenging tasks during that time.
Remember, these are all general guidelines and individual variations may occur.
You can also try these natural ways to improve your focus and concentration to help boost your productivity.
Final Thoughts
By understanding your circadian rhythms and individual variations you can find out the best time of the day for peak mental performance and optimise your productivity.