Best Time To Do Healthy Things
There is a growing amount of research on knowing ideally “when” to do certain daily events.
These times are dictated by the bodies internal clock known as the circadian rhythm.
The circadian rhythm is based off the bodies natural response to the rising and setting of the sun, which regulates gut bacteria, body temperature, hormone levels, and blood flow. The more we are in line with the flow of this cycle’s prime times the more we can boost long term health.
Here would be a recommended way to plan your day.
Early Morning: Think Creatively
Sleepiness takes away from the ability for your mind to filter distractions and will cause your mind to wander. Your brain moves new information from short-term to long-term memory during the final hour of sleep which allows any new information you have learned to be more readily available. Therefore, the best time to brainstorm ideas is the moment you wake up. Having a voice recorder by your bed can help to capture those creative thoughts before they disappear.
Before Breakfast: Sex
Let’s face it, some things work at any time of the day, but we are talking optimization right now. While we sleep testosterone levels rise due to having to repair and build muscle for the coming day. When we wake testosterone levels are at their peak. Best time for sex. The worst time to do it, and when most people are having sex, is between 11 pm and 1 am, when melatonin levels are high and testosterone levels low.
Midday: Eat
Studies have shown in a group of dieters that ate their largest meal before 3 pm lost 25 percent more weight than people who ate their largest meal at dinner. This can be due to the idea that your body grows more insulin-resistant after 3 pm.
Between 4 pm and 7 am: Work out
Morning workouts can have some benefits, but when you have a choice it is ideally left for later in the day. This window is when body temperature is higher, joints are more supple, blood flow is enhanced, and certain hormones that break down muscle are decreasing.
Obviously kids, work, spouse, life, can get in the way of our outline of what we have planned for the day and by far the most important thing is to just get the good things done, ideal time or not. Getting that little extra boost from hitting the ideal time can be a nice little bonus.
Info taken from article “Like Clockwork” from Men’s Journal, January/February 2017, vol 26, No. 1
Dr. Aaron Cain has spent his life researching everything there is to know about health and maximum human performance. While earning his Doctorate of Chiropractic he also earned a Masters Degree in Sports Chiropractic, and the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist certification offered by the National Strength and Conditioning Association.
As the CEO of Fish Creek Chiropractic, a family chiropractic office, Dr. Cain has created a program that has helped thousands in the Calgary community to optimize their brain-body connection, eat better, move more and create a healthier state of mind. He maintains a busy family chiropractic practice, and finds time to implement the principles and practices of Life By Design in his own life.