According to a new book, there's a best time for everything © RexEver wondered when’s the best time to book a doctor’s appointment for? Or when to put your car in for its MOT? Or even to ask your boss for a promotion?
Nine am, Monday morning and January are the answers to those common questions, which author Mark Di Vincenzo has revealed in his new book, Buy Shoes on Wednesday and Tweet at 4.00.
The former investigative journalist has researched the best time to do everyday tasks that will see you save money, improve your health and make better choices in your career.
So when’s the best time to…
Go shopping?
December is the best month to buy – especially for TVs, but you can get good deals on second hands TVs in March and April.
Start a new habit?
First thing in the morning is the best time to start a new habit, whether it’s starting a training programme or stopping biting your nails, as you prioritise it before anything else.
[Related article: Lose 9lbs by taking more time in the supermarket]
Service your car?
Monday morning is the best time to put your car in for its MOT as other people don’t want to be late for work and so the car repair shop is less likely to be busy then. Car repair shop owners also say Thursday is another slow day so you’ll get a quicker service.
Get your hair done?
Tuesday is the best day to get your hair done as hair salons are often quietest then and the hairdressers don’t feel rushed to get you out of the door. Don’t visit on a Saturday, when they say they’re the most stressed and busy.
Go to the doctors?
Wednesday and Thursday are the best days to see your GP as it’s the least busiest. Mondays tend to be full of people who should have gone to A&E over the weekend, while doctors are busy on Fridays when people want to get seen before the weekend.
Go for a job interview?
10 am, 11 am or 3 pm are the best times to be interviewed for a job, as interviewers feel rushed at 9am, sleepy after lunch and want to go home after 4pm – but choose a time when you feel most awake as this will make you feel more confident.
[Related article: Adults warned not to avoid their GP]
Book a hotel?
It’s best to book a room at the end of the year, as hotels need to reach their quotas and are more likely to be flexible on price. Also, try ringing up the hotel directly and asking them when they offer discounted rates as they know their busy periods in advance.
Eat lunch?
11am and 2pm. Doctors advise eating four small meals a day rather than three, so have a big breakfast, a low calorie lunch at 11am – to raise your blood sugar and boost your metabolism - and another lunch at 2pm – to boost your energy levels and combat tiredness, before eating a light dinner at night.
Buy a pet?
Summer is the best time to buy a pet as you’re likely to have the most time then, and new pets need a lot of guidance, training and attention in your first few months with them.
Get a gym membership?
Summer is the best time to sign up for a gym membership as gym owners are trying to lure people in with the sunny weather, and are more likely to negotiate membership prices.
Ask for a promotion at work?
January is supposedly the best month to ask for a job promotion as companies are less likely to worry about their budgets, especially if the fiscal year ends in December.
[Related article: Average woman spends nearly two decades on a diet]
Dye your hair?
It’s best to dye your hair when it’s slightly dirty as our scalps are covered in a thin layer then that protects it from hair dye.
Do housework?
Start cleaning at 4pm as you’ll have the most energy and more likely to be in a better mood, in other words you won’t get as annoyed with the Hoover and the washing up!
Lose weight?
Try and diet in the winter as good fat is more likely to be burned off than stored as it works harder in the winter.
Move house?
December is the best time to sign a tenancy agreement or mortgage as most other people are busy running Christmas-related errands at this time. Estate agents still need to reach their targets though so they’re more likely to offer you a reduction at this time.
Teach your kids?
You should start teaching maths to your children at the tender age of 14 months, as children that are exposed to numbers at a young age are more likely to do better at school.
Tweet?
The most users are on the micro-blogging site at 4pm so it's the best time to get maximum exposure for your brand or business.
What do you think? Useful advice or common sense?
Buy Shoes on Wednesday and Tweet at 4.00 is available to buy from Monday, RRP £8.99.
