3 underrated productivity hacks -to finish off the year strong

Nowadays the internet is overflowing with advice on how to be most productive. That is why in this article I’ll share 3 science-backed hacks to increase your productivity to finish this year strong. 

1. Do schoolwork near natural light (or outside!)  

Now that we’re reaching summer, we can leverage natural light hours by either working near a window or even if possible, work outside! A study in 2014 proved that office workers that had more natural light exposure, did the work better, slept better, and even had a better mood.  

2. Exercise Before Studying to Boost Focus 

A short workout before diving into schoolwork can supercharge your brain. Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain and enhances the release of neurochemicals like dopamine and norepinephrine both of which are linked to improved attention span and focus, A review published in Frontiers in Psychology found that just 20 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise improved attention span and cognitive performance immediately afterwards. 

3. Use the “One Thing” Rule to Prioritize 

Multitasking kills focus. Instead, focus on one high-priority task at a time. Productivity expert Gary Keller popularized this strategy in The ONE Thing, supported by research showing that cognitive switching (multitasking) reduces accuracy and speed.  

Works cited:  

Boubekri, Mohamed, et al. “Impact of Windows and Daylight Exposure on Overall Health and Sleep Quality of Office Workers: A Case-Control Pilot Study.” Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine : JCSM : Official Publication of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 15 June 2014, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4031400/.  

The Effects of Acute Exercise on Cognitive Performance: A Meta-Analysis | Request PDF, www.researchgate.net/publication/223962303_The_effects_of_acute_exercise_on_cognitive_performance_A_meta-analysis. Accessed 10 May 2025.  

Executive Control of Cognitive Processes in Task Switching, www.apa.org/pubs/journals/releases/xhp274763.pdf. Accessed 10 May 2025.