Before you settle in to tackle a project, study session, meeting or any task that requires your attention, spend a few minutes strategically stimulating your brain in order to improve your ability to focus and increase your productivity.  By stimulating your prefrontal cortex you essentially prime the part of your brain that supports activities like working memory, problem-solving, attention and task-management.  These tasks, commonly grouped as executive functions, play a key part in how quickly and effectively we work.  

Motion and music work to prime your brain for improved executive functioning.  Try a few minutes of physical exercise like squats, pushups, a walk up a few flights of stairs or dancing.  Listening to music for a few minutes also works to hone your focus.  Try some music or motion or both before the next time you prepare to get to work and see how it improves your focus and productivity.

Read more about increasing focus and productivity:

• Increase Your Productivity by 20% by Scheduling Your To-Dos
• Download and Backup Your Brain to Increase Productivity
• How to Increase Focus and Productivity with a Houseplant