Abdelrahman
We’ve all experienced the morning rush: arriving at the office by 9 AM, feeling energized and ready to conquer the day. We enjoy a nutritious breakfast, complete an array of impressive tasks, and maintain a friendly rapport with our coworkers.
However, as the clock strikes 3 PM, our mood shifts dramatically. We become irritable and distracted, often heading to the vending machine for a snack. This mid-afternoon dip not only hampers our productivity but also makes concentrating on tasks challenging.
Although this experience feels like a relatable tale, it’s actually grounded in research. A 2013 study indicated that mornings are when we tend to perform optimally. By the afternoon, after burning out from our earlier efforts, we’re more susceptible to deceitful or lazy behaviors.
Studies reveal that afternoons are prime times for ethical lapses.
According to the research conducted by Maryan Kouchaki and Isaac Smith at Harvard’s Edmond J. Safra Center for Ethics, “Daily life demands continual self-control from the moment we wake up.” Decisions—such as what to have for breakfast or how to engage with others—require us to manage our impulses and desires.
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They also noted that “Commonplace experiences throughout the day can drain our ability to resist moral temptations.” Essentially, we are more likely to act ethically and resist temptation during the morning hours compared to later in the day.
This 2013 study, published in the journal Psychological Science, further supports previous findings indicating that self-control is not an endless resource.
By the afternoon, our self-control has considerably waned.
The researchers evaluated this concept through straightforward experiments, allowing students to answer questions for cash rewards, and found that those participating in afternoon sessions responded dishonestly.
In another scenario, when given a choice between reading an intellectually stimulating publication (The New York Review of Books) or lighter content (People magazine), nearly 60% of respondents in the afternoon opted for the latter, while only 40% chose the gossip magazine in the morning.
What are the implications for you? Awareness of our afternoon weaknesses is essential.
To optimize your productivity, it’s beneficial to structure your day thoughtfully. Schedule complex or morally demanding tasks for the morning when your focus is sharper, and reserve less intensive tasks for the afternoon, when the risk of slumping is higher.
Perrie Samotin is an independent writer covering fashion, beauty, and lifestyle topics.
