Our bodies follow a circadian rhythm that influences our mood and energy levels throughout the day. Consequently, certain tasks are more suited to specific times, aligning with our body’s natural rhythms. (See also: Finding Your Best Work Hours)
However, there is often little consensus about the best times for various tasks. For instance, while some famous authors like Hemingway preferred writing in the morning, others, such as James Agee, thrived during nighttime.
One thing is universally agreed upon: if you have to eat a live frog, do it first thing in the morning, as Mark Twain advised, because after that, “nothing worse will happen to you the rest of the day.”
Let’s explore what we definitively know about the best times for specific tasks throughout the day.
Best Tasks for Mornings
Kickstart your day with these activities when your mind and body are fresh and optimistic.
6:00: Send Email
Emails sent at 6 a.m. are more likely to be read. If waking up that early is challenging, consider using an email scheduling tool like Google’s Boomerang app.
8:00: Read Twitter
If you want to check Twitter, do so between 8-9 a.m. This timeframe tends to present more positive and enthusiastic messages. (However, save your actual tweeting for 3 p.m., when your posts are more likely to get retweeted.)
8:00: Memorize
The best time for quick memorization is at 8 a.m. when your immediate recall is at its peak. For longer-term retention, studying at 10 p.m. is more effective.
9:00: Make a Business Call
It’s best to make business calls as soon as you arrive at work. Since there’s always a chance the person you’re trying to reach may be unavailable, an early start allows for alternative plans.
9:30: Drink Coffee
Research indicates that cortisol levels peak between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m., making this an unnecessary time for caffeine, which constricts blood vessels and increases heart rate, subsequently delivering more oxygen to the brain. The optimal time for coffee is when cortisol levels are beginning to drop.
10:00: Thinking Work
After your coffee, tackle complex tasks. Adults typically perform best in cognitive tasks in the late morning as body temperature rises and alertness improves. Focus and concentration begin to decline shortly thereafter.
Best Tasks for Afternoons
We all know there’s likely to be a nap involved! (See also: 5 Surprising Benefits of Naps)
Noon: Learn
Research shows that the best time to learn is right before taking a nap, which allows your brain to process and store new information effectively. So, absorb new content between noon and 1 p.m., followed by…
1:00: Nap
The optimal time for an afternoon nap, termed “The Ultimate Nap,” is between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. This is when your rapid eye movement and slow-wave sleep cycles intersect, according to scholar Sara Mednick in her book Take a Nap!. You can use the “Nap Wheel” to find your ideal sleep moment.
4:00: Exercise
Strength and endurance peak between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m., along with a lower risk of injury due to heightened alertness and increased body temperature. Your lungs also perform at their best during this time.
Best Tasks for Evenings
Conclude your day on a calm and productive note.
7:30: Grocery Shopping
The best time to shop for groceries is from 7:30 p.m. until closing time, allowing you to avoid crowds while restocking your pantry.
8:00: Walk the Dog
Dogs enjoy companionship, so evening walks are ideal. This time is popular for dog walks, providing opportunities for both dogs and their owners to socialize.
8:00: Post on Facebook
While waiting for your dog to finish its walk, make your Facebook posts, as they tend to receive more engagement during this time.
Does this optimal timing align with your daily routine? When do you take your nap?
