Book Freak #18
The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing
In this issue of Book Freak we present tips about how to best use your time, from When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing by Daniel H. Pink.
The ideal length for a nap
“While naps between thirty and ninety minutes can produce some long-term benefits, they come with steep costs. The ideal naps—those that combine effectiveness with efficiency—are far shorter, usually between ten and twenty minutes. For instance, an Australian study published in the journal Sleep found that five-minute naps did little to reduce fatigue, increase vigor, or sharpen thinking. But ten-minute naps had positive effects that lasted nearly three hours. Slightly longer naps were also effective. But once the nap lasted beyond about the twenty-minute mark, our body and brain began to pay a price.”
What to do with a spare minute
“If you’ve got an extra minute left, send someone—anyone—a thank-you e-mail.”
Take a break
“Vigilance breaks prevent deadly mistakes. Restorative breaks enhance performance. Lunches and naps help us elude the trough and get more and better work done in the afternoon. A growing body of science makes it clear: Breaks are not a sign of sloth but a sign of strength.”
Earlier this year we interviewed Daniel for the Cool Tool Podcast about some of his favorite tools. Listen to it here.
Book Freak is one of four newsletters from Cool Tools Lab (our other three are the Cool Tools Newsletter, Recomendo, and What’s in my bag?).
07/31/19When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing by Daniel H. Pink 268 pages, 2018
