Stress We can't live without stress - but, what we need is right type of stress in proper quantity and at right time. When mental (adrenal) skills are high sensory sensitivity is low and vice versa. We were designed to concentrate on physical or mental - but not to peak perform in both at same time.

Stress causes our internal rhythms to lose synchronicity. It subverts our natural circadian rhythms into a dis-ease progression which affects sleep, eating and all functions.

A full stress response is same as if you were physically wounded and losing blood. This in turn breaks down immune system and leads to weakness to new diseases as well as injuries healing more slowly.

Physical stressors include temperature, sound, vibration, movement and humidity.

Physiological stressors include sleep disturbance, irregular eating, alcohol and nicotine (depressants) and caffeine (stimulant).

Psychological stressors: fear, frustration, social and work or business pressure.

Generally adults operate in ninety minutes activity cycle - while under stress cycle shortens to a one hour cycle (the same as in infancy). The natural activity cycle we are programmed for is made up of 30 minutes rest followed by 60 minutes activity followed by thirty minutes rest.

Being at rest doesn't mean sleeping! It means alternating kinds of activities you do every day for a little physical and mental variety.

The perfect ten-minute break is to drink a glass of water and walk around in sunlight for ten minutes – wear a hat but, no shades. You want your eyes to pick up light without glare. It is remarkably refreshing to both mind and body.

Did you know an aspirin taken at seven am lasts for 22 hours but, taken at 7 pm it lasts only 17 hours? Here's why.

Our mental abilities and physical functions coordinate with our body temperature which goes through a daily cycle of warming up in morning and cooling down at night.

No matter what time it is, colder you are slower your senses function. Our ability to multiply quickly and accurately varies directly with body temperature, too. This is one of reasons why cold is a strong stress factor.

Around 4 AM we settle into our lowest body temperature and pituitary and adrenal glands start sending out wake up hormones. Our temperature begins to gradually rise until awakening around 5 AM - 7 AM.

This also gives your body opportunity to discharge chemicals that keep you paralyzed during dream state (so you don't hurt yourself). Then, you can get up and move about without stubbing all ten toes.

You can trade in your morning cup of coffee for a quick warm shower because it wakes you up by increasing your body temperature, blood circulation and your breathing rate deepens.

Both men and women's hormones flow more quickly as body temperature rises and peaks out around mid-morning.

Mornings Memory works best up til approximately noon. So for most any kind of testing mornings are best.

11AM body temperature reaches its daily plateau and remains with slight variation throughout day.

Midday mental skills both speed and accuracy in mathematics and cognitive projects peaks out in early afternoon and then gradually declines through afternoon.

After lunch performance level dips along with a slight temperature drop while digesting.

Heavier meals (high fat, more than 4 ounces of meat, etc.) more physical lethargy and deeper loss of mental focus. Plus, longer it takes our after- lunch fade to lift because digesting uses oxygen that would otherwise be available for brain functions.

Afternoons Once body has reached it's daily temperature of 98.6 degrees, motor skills remain steady throughout day with mechanical skills peaking in afternoon.

All five senses (seeing hearing, feeling, touching, tasting) peak in afternoon as well. This is one reason why an enjoyable spicy dinner tends to be an unappetizing breakfast.

Pain sensitivity takes until mid-morning to reach its daily peak and is highest between 10am and 6pm. Then, our pain threshold falls off after dinner meal and into night.

So by late afternoon our abilities have peaked and our temperature begins to drop at night before we sleep. This is especially true after 10PM. Then, it's "good morning", and cycle starts over again!

You'll only find out if it makes a difference in your performance to align your activities with time if you try it out and notice improvement!

For more time-saving tips go to http://www.organize.com Copyright by Eve Abbott. All Rights Reserved

Let glowing crown (your dream) in distance inspire you to persist with courage and determination.

And when each dragon tries to breathe fire on you, simply use your shield to protect yourself. Imagine yourself being invincible as you continue to walk towards brightly shining crown. Even though you feel intense heat all around you because of fire coming from dragons, it doesn't bother you or make you retreat. You simply keep moving forward...with confidence and conviction that nothing can get in your way.

Remember, you are a knight with absolute courage and unshakeable resolve. You are determined to get what you want...and absolutely nothing can stop you! In fact, nothing will stop you! The golden crown is as good as yours.

(Tip: As each dragon comes before you, you can label/name each one as a particular fear you may have. For example, as you look at dragon before you, you can say, “Come on, rejection, let's see what you've got.” Then without hesitation, strike dragon with a quick swing of your sword...“POOF”...smithereens...like it was nothing. Or if a voice keeps playing in your head, telling you that you won't succeed because you're simply not good enough, bravely meet dragon flying towards you and say, “You think you can stop me, negative critic? Well, you're wrong! Take this!” Then drive your sword into dragon's body...“POOF”...smithereens. And continue to do this with each of your fears.)

Then after you've slain all dragons, walk up to golden crown and reach for it. Claim it. Hold it proudly with both hands and place it firmly on your head...knowing you deserve it. And as you do that, smile and experience great feeling of victory.

Do this regularly or whenever you find all kinds of doubts, fears, worries, etc., creeping in. Then you will notice a difference in your attitude towards them...in real world. You will feel like nothing can get in your way as you pursue your dreams.

So, now, I say to you, “Rise, knight. Slay dragons in your path. Then claim golden crown.”