Tips to structure a more productive work day

WASHINGTON — It may be difficult to sync your schedule with your body clock, but it could lead to more productive days.

You may already know some of the tips for structuring the ideal work day from The Wire, such as getting seven to nine hours of sleep each night and waiting to inhale a cup of coffee until waking up naturally.

But there are others, too.

For example, wait to dive into emails that don’t need an immediate response until later in the morning. Also, having coffee or tea between 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. will provide the best pick-me-up, as that’s when cortisol levels start to dip, The Wire reports.

For a smile or a positive note, check social media around 8 or 9 a.m. That’s when the Wall Street Journal reports more people post uplifting messages and news.

Tackle the biggest task of the day right when you get to work. The ability to focus starts to wane after noon, according to Wall Street Journal. And getting the most daunting item off the list first will likely create a feeling of accomplishment that will catapult people forward to the next task.

Take a think break during lunch and try brushing your teeth around the 2 p.m. slump.

Starting to feel tired? People should let themselves zone out and have some creative thinking time — maybe ponder ideas for an upcoming project or presentation, Wall Street Journal says.

And finally, consider working out in the evening. Muscles and lungs are at the highest capacity for it around 5 p.m. Fitting in a few 10-minute sessions of cardio or strength training can help with balance and well-being, according to Quartz.

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