Challenges
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Quick Win
Noting the times when you are most productive, and saving hard tasks for that hour, can help you stay attentive and alert.
Try This Today
- Write down what you do throughout the day — and when. For example: 8-9 a.m. powered through paperwork, 9-10 a.m. cleaned the kitchen, 10-noon volunteered at library, etc.
- Review your schedule and see what times you were unproductive. Cross out these hours.
- Note the chunks of time when you accomplished a lot and think about scheduling tasks that require focus during those times. It may take a few days to see patterns emerge.
Why
Older adults were more attentive during the morning, while younger people peaked at midday, in one study reported in 2013 in Experimental Aging Research. Figuring out the time when you are the most productive, and saving hard tasks for that hour, can help you stay attentive and alert while getting through your to-do list.
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