Should I go for a run or do my homework first thing in the morning?

According to Andrew Huberman, the first 0 to 8 hours after waking are optimal for engaging in activities that require high focus and overcoming obstacles. During this time, your system is naturally inclined towards action and focus, thanks to elevated levels of norepinephrine and dopamine. This makes it a good period to take on tasks with high 'limbic friction,' or those that require significant effort and motivation to start 1.

Additionally, exercising early in the day can provide a significant energy boost and enhance mental clarity due to an early peak in cortisol, a hormone that aids focus and metabolism. This boost can be further amplified by exposure to sunlight and caffeine, among other factors 2 3.

If your homework is a challenging task that you find difficult to get into, it may benefit from being tackled first thing in the morning when your ability to focus and overcome inertia is naturally high. On the other hand, running early can set a positive tone, increasing your energy and possibly improving your mental performance for subsequent activities like homework 2 4.

Thus, consider whether the physical boost from a run or the mental acuity for homework will most effectively kickstart your day.