MASTERING YOUR POWER HOURS

We all want to make our work day more productive. To enable this, we need to start watching our body clock. Where there’s chaos, there’s stress. Where there’s order, there’s beer. So why should we tolerate workdays that feel chaotic? Between meetings, phone calls and surprise parties, it’s almost impossible to stick to our well-intended plan. But if we can follow these simple guidelines all day, the payoff will be huge: less stress and more energy.

Best time to do the hardest thing you’ll do all day
Early morning. Your personal periscope isn’t the only thing to rise a couple of hours before you wake up. The stress hormone cortisol does. And this change triggers an increase in your blood-sugar level. As a consequence, this gives you the energy and momentum to manage difficult situations effectively. While too much cortisol can make you feel overwhelmed, it’s also what contributes to the ‘fight-or-flight’ ability to finish that project that’s hanging over your head—or to storm into your boss’s room and ask for a raise.

Bonus: The morning is also the time when you’re least likely to activate ulcers.

Best time to make a presentation
10 am Morning is the time of day when your voice is most rested. And by nine or 10 am, you’ve surely had got at least one chance to drink some water; a good dose of hydration will help eliminate early-morning raspiness.

Best times to stretch at office
10.30 am, 2.30 pm and 4.30 pm

Stretch every few hours to avoid back and shoulder tightness that comes from hunching over a keyboard. Here’s how you can stretch your muscles even while at work: clasp your hands behind your back and lift them straight up; hold for 10 seconds. This will open your chest and relax your shoulders and back. If you want to stretch your glued-to-the-chair glutes, cross your left leg over your right, resting your left ankle on your right knee. Bend forward at the waist and hold the stretch for 10 seconds. Then switch legs and repeat.

Best time to read reports with lots of numbers in them
Early afternoon
Our vision is often a bit blurry in the early morning and sharpens over a few hours.

Best time to make major strategic decisions
Late morning
This is when your body temperature is rising, your alertness is up, and your brain’s ability to process information is at its best. Most people also find they’re best at problem-solving around now. Scientists think your rise in temperature keeps your mind more aroused. And why we keep asking for a transfer to the Caribbean islands.


Best time to drink coffee or take a walk
3 pm
While other people rely on the caffeine method to jump-start their central nervous systems in the morning, you can use it to get you through the afternoon slump. Drink 250gm of a caffeinated drink about 30 minutes before a meeting and you’ll feel more alert. Sworn off the stuff? Take a brisk 15-minute walk around the halls. It’ll help re-stimulate the hormones associated with alertness.

Best time to make or return calls
3.30 pm
Waiting for that caffeine to kick in? Do some mindless tasks meanwhile (ones that won’t get you fired). Some person-to-person stimulation— even over the phone—can help revive you enough so you can finish the day strong.

(Extract from Men's Health Magazine)