The Best Time Of The Day To Get Things Done (According To Neuroscience)
Work smarter and maximize productivity by scheduling complex tasks during ‘peak performance’ hours.
The 40-hour workweek was introduced by Henry Ford in 1926 when most people performed physical labor in factories.
Back in those days, productivity was linear:
- 1 hour worked = x amount of goods produced
- 8 hours worked = 8x amount of goods produced
But in today’s knowledge economy — where most of the work is done with our brains — productivity is no longer linear.
Today, our productivity depends on our level of focus, mental clarity, energy, and creativity. These factors aren’t constant — they fluctuate throughout the day.
That’s why we are highly productive during some hours, but can’t seem to get anything done during other moments of the day.
Although it can differ from person to person, multiple studies found that the late morning tends to be the most productive time of day for more than 75% of the workforce.
The afternoon, especially the two hours after lunch, is usually the least productive time for most people.
