Lynn Hasher, professor of psychology at the University of Toronto, headed up a study that shows how different people hold on to information at different hours, due to “attention regulation”, which is the times reserved by the brain for absorbing what you read and hear.
“For college students,” she says, “the best time to retain information is between four and five in the afternoon.”
“Due to changes in circadian rhythms, adults over the age of sixty are more likely to remember what they learn early in the morning.”
It is sobering to realize that you are placed in the category of people “over sixty”. But, as my husband would say, “It is what it is.” True. But often “what is” really stinks.
With (mustered) grace, I will accept the science that I best retain information early in the morning.
There are some things I actually very much prefer to do in the AM, though, my reasons may not be scientific.
One is exercise. I wash my face, throw on a little moisturizer (okay, a lot of moisturizer), put my hair in a pony tail and don my Yale (thank you, eldest son), baseball cap. No shower, no makeup, no cleanup.
If I am being 100% honest, I admit that if I have an errand afterward or a grocery store run, I often dab on a little mascara and lip tint. That way, if I run into someone I know, I can (with honesty) say: “Oh my goodness. I am always afraid that I might see someone I know when I am out without my face done.” Which is true. My FACE is not done. My eyes simply have on a touch of mascara. Voilà. They think I awaken with long, dark lashes. Perfect.
Another reason for morning workouts is just to get it done. As I have mentioned in previous blogs, I do not love to exercise. I simply know it is an important habit to form. It is kind of like flossing and brushing my teeth every night. I wouldn’t call it ‘fun’ but it is necessary.
I also enjoy morning quiet time; bible reading, prayer, meditation. Part of this enjoyment is because it always involves a cup of hot coffee. I don’t think the Lord minds me saying that. After all, He created coffee. Praise be.
If there is any information I want to retain, it is how to be filled with all of the things I want to be, especially at 60+. Those are: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
I may need to start arising at 3AM. Just sayin’.