Our brain - basically put - consists of three main parts: the brain-stem, often referred to as the "reptilian brain" (responsible for instinctive and reflex-based actions), the limbic system (responsible for our emotions) and the neo-cortex and cerebral cortex. This is the most evolutionarily recent part of our brain. One could say: It is the part that makes us as humans, that makes sets us apart as homo sapiens. It allows us to understand, analyze and assess. it is responsible for that which we consciously remember and is capable of regulating and moderating both underlying developmental stages of the brain, the centers for emotion and impulses.

The seat and source of our attention

A special relevance arrives for thee prefrontal cortex, also called the frontal cortex. It is part of the cerebrum and includes - simplistically seen - the following functions: Attention, action planning, working memory, impulse control, assessment of the consequences of behavior, ethical behavior and social norms. The prefrontal cortex does need a lot of fuel in the form of glucose and oxygen. Indeed, science has even revealed that conscious thinking consumes more glucose than any other bodily function. For this reason, we have only limited resources for activities such as decision-making and impulse control. One can even say that we should not trust our rational thinking when our blood sugar is very low.

Glucose for better decision making

A study by Shai Gdańsk in 2011 documented an interesting seet of circumstances. The scientists examined 1,100 judicial rulings issued by eight judges, which gave the basis for the decision as to whether someone on probation will be released. These judges made a meal break twice per day, dividing the day into three decision-making sessions.

The study showed that benevolent judgments in the course of one such session reduced from approximately 65 percent to almost zero and then then increased after the dinner break immediately to 65 percent overall increase. This demonstrates the effect of glucose on our rational thinking and our decision-making - and that even experienced judges are not immune. if you are ever standing trial, then you should try to get an appointment after lunch break.

Important decisions after the meal

Applied to a typical situation in the business world: Imagine, you have worked all morning with your gremium and are now about to make an important decision. Regular breaks have been neglected during the meeting and the air is also stale. All are experiencing hunger and have low sugar levels. Based on the findings of the above study, we might want to suspend the meeting and make a lunch break so that we can  make decisions together thereafter.

Optimal thinking power

In summary, this means that our optimal thinking is available only for a limited time. Just like a muscle, the prefrontal cortex performs much better after a period of rest. If you wake up fresh and rested after a good night’s sleep, then you can make a difficult decision, as possible, within seconds. If you are exhausted and tired, it can be almost impossible to make a decision.