Men's Health: Power Hours

Oct. 19 -- Think of the things in your life that don't run on time — trains, dentists, your mother. Now think of the things that actually stick to their prearranged schedules — ball games, The Sopranos, happy hour.

Common theme: Where there's chaos, there's stress. Where there's order, there's beer. So why should we tolerate workdays that feel as chaotic as January at O'Hare? Because, between meetings, phone calls, and surprise gorilla grams, it's almost impossible to stick to your well-intended plan. But if you can follow these simple guidelines throughout the day, the payoff will be huge — less stress and more energy, which means bigger raises and earlier quitting times. No, we can't tell you how to do your job better. But your body can.

BEST TIME TO DO THE HARDEST THING YOU'LL DO ALL DAY Early morningYour personal periscope isn't the only thing to rise a couple of hours before you wake up. The stress hormone cortisol does, too. And this change increases your blood-sugar level, giving you the energy and momentum to manage difficult situations effectively, says Norbert Myslinski, Ph.D., an associate professor of neuroscience at the University of Maryland. While too much cortisol can make you feel overwhelmed, it's also what contributes to the "fight-or-flight" ability to finish that project that's hanging over your head — or to storm in and ask for a raise. Bonus: The morning is also the time when you're least likely to activate ulcers.

BEST TIME TO MAKE A PRESENTATION 10 a.m.Morning is the time of day when your voice is most rested. And by 9 or 10, you've had a chance to drink some water; a good dose of hydration will help eliminate early-morning raspiness. Avoid milk, though. For some people, dairy products can increase mucus production, says Dr. Clark A. Rosen, director of the University of Pittsburgh voice center. Phlegm impresses first-graders, not the board.

BEST TIMES TO STRETCH 10:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m.Stretch every few hours to avoid back and shoulder tightness that comes from hunching over a keyboard, says Keith Cinea of the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Clasp your hands behind your back and lift them straight up; hold for 10 seconds. This will open your chest and relax your shoulders and back. To stretch your glued-to-the-chair glutes, cross your left leg over your right, resting your left ankle on your right knee. Bend forward at the waist and hold the stretch for 10 seconds. Then switch legs and repeat. Don't forget to close the door first.