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I do not consider myself as very productive (and still try to learn from others). Some things that has helped me are

1. Increased water intake/Eat Well. I drink 1st bottle (300ml) with black tea (usually Oolong) and then refill with hot water. I make sure I am drinking water while I work. I am vegetarian and I take almost no sugar. I have replaced sugar with raw honey in my chai :-). I try to have more plant-based diet.

2. Take breaks. When I am stuck with the problem, I take either water-refill break/pee break/short walk to get me away from the problem, but possible solutions find me where ever I am.

3. Start day early. I usually like to start my day between 5.30AM-6AM. But I do not jump on emails/office work. I have a separate to-do list to learn/read different things (mostly technical). I start my day with it. That's my kick.

4. Less scanning. I use Asana in the Calendar view. As soon as I reach the office, I make sure the world is not crashing. I add tasks that need my attention and close the email. Then I add things I like to do (and aren't listed in my today's task). I start hunting these tasks. If I have some dependency on others(Ops for example), I create tasks/email them and move on with my agenda

5. Exercise. Not doing very much these days, but try to run for 20-25 minutes every evening, to have physical workout > mental workout (This is a key to good sleep)

6. Sleep well. I try to get somewhere between 7-8 hours every night. I need to learn to improve this area.

At the end of the day, I prefer a fulfilled day -> A day where I produced value to my company Plus I learned something new. That produced happiness which leads to productivity. Iterate.



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