The attractive thing about the new year is the word “new”--new start, new beginning, new chapter. After the merry holidays finish, we begin to feel a sense of hope and excitement for the year ahead as we make a list of the things we want to change or improve in ourselves. Some say they’d start eating healthier, some promise they’ll save more money, while others make a resolution to be more productive.

If you’re one of those hoping for a more productive 2018, here are some hacks you might want to try.

Get inspired, get motivated

Inspiration and motivation drive people to become more productive while actually enjoying the things they do. Kick-start this year with positive energy and enthusiasm. Listen to inspiring talks, list down your purposes and passions, and remind yourself the reasons you get up each day. Take a deep breath, and seize the day!

Work AND take a break

Marathon work sessions, all-nighters, and longer hours don’t always equate to better productivity. When we work for long, uninterrupted hours, our brain gets tired from repeated and prolonged stress, just like any other muscle. To increase productivity in work, it is ideal to strategically include breaks in between work hours.

Stop multitasking

Another popular belief is that doing multiple tasks simultaneously improves productivity. But while we think that we’re being work efficient, what actually happens is that we prevent our brain from focusing on one thing. According to science, multitasking decreases our sharpness, reduces our productivity and increases stress.

Always leave room for development

Even with a high educational attainment or a high position in the office, there will always be something new to learn every day. Enrolling in classes for a specific competency not only adds to your skills and makes you more effective, but also exposes you to new things and stimulates your intellect.

Get fit, get happy

In the middle of long hours seated in the office, stressful deadlines and demanding quotas, allotting 10-15 minutes of exercise every day helps you keep a healthy body while reducing stress. Take time to jog in the open, enjoy the fresh air, and re-energize yourself. You’ll find yourself feeling reinvigorated, at ease, and with better focus.

Achieve more, laugh more, and live more. This 2018, it’s time to leave the old habits behind and start the real road to productivity. We’ll be cheering for you!

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