George Smoot, 62
Experimental astrophysicist, co-winner of the 2006 Nobel Prize in physics
"Recovery regimens" are Smoot's mental sharpening method. During a recent one—a two-week getaway to Mexico's Cabo San Lucas—his days included waking up to "watch the sunrise over the Sea of Cortez and the fishing boats head out," a workout (20 minutes of strength training plus 30 minutes of aerobics) followed by a Jacuzzi, long walks, a bit of TV after a great dinner, and going to bed early. "It is the rest and quiet time to think after being exposed to many new things that allows ideas and creativity to flower," he says.
