A Neuroscientist Shares 5 Ways to Hack Productivity

Most people have little pockets of time throughout the day, between meetings and calls and emails, with 15 minutes here, and 30 minutes there. To perform at your best depends on simple time management hacks.

• Set aside one or two times a day to check and respond to all your messages and emails, then close your inbox.
• Try and structure your day in one-to two-hour chunks of focused work.
• Introduce a clear protocol for colleagues to contact one another in case of an actual emergency.

Our brains are continually changing and learning, making it possible to change and manipulate depending on what we're exposed to.

Think strategically about what environment you work best in and protect yourself from any other distractions that could decrease your performance. Intentionally create an environment to do specific types of activities. That way, your mind has a preset expectation associated with each situation.

Self-care is vital for proper mental function. 

• Get plenty of rehydration, a healthy diet, and regular exercise to keep blood flowing to your brain.
• Eat healthy snacks throughout the day to keep your energy levels consistent.
• Get enough sleep.
• Work hard and play hard. Work hard at work, but then have intentional off-periods where you're relaxing and rejuvenating.