Being busy does not necessarily mean you’re being productive. What differentiates the two is your ability to streamline your work and give quality output in a reasonable amount of time.

This year, create new habits that will ensure a more productive 2018. Get a headstart with these tips and tricks!

Lessen Your Distractions

Keep your focus solely on the work you need to finish.

If social media sites and online articles prove to be too much of a distraction, temporarily block them out with StayFocusd. This extension for Google Chrome blocks specific websites (that you pre-program into the extension) so you can focus on the task at hand.

Photo courtesy of Aaron Couch via Makeuseof

Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated not only keeps your metabolism regulated, but also helps control your energy levels, allowing you to go about your day without feeling burnt out.

Monitor how many glasses you drink with the Plant Nanny app, a simple reminder app that lets you grow plants every time you drink a glass of water.

Photo courtesy of Google Play

Study a Foreign Language

Studying a foreign language keeps your mind occupied and helps to improve both memory and attention span.

Busy individuals no longer need to worry about fitting their schedules around sit-down classes. Duolingo is a mobile app that offers short courses on the basics of several foreign languages (such as Chinese, French, and German) that can be accessed anytime, anywhere.

Photo courtesy of Thinslices

Create a Travel Plan

Allow yourself some time to relax and unwind. Create a travel plan with your friends, or by yourself.

Save time planning your itinerary with Klook.com—an online platform that helps you book tourist attractions, services, and tour packages anywhere in the world!

Photo courtesy of Klook

Make More Home-Cooked Meals

Take the time to learn how to cook quick, easy, and healthy meals from scratch. Not only can it help you save money, but it can also help you eat healthier.

Kitchen Hobbies Cooking Center offers weekly cooking classes ranging from basic to advanced gourmet-style cooking.