Increasing motivation/productivity for work and university

I can't believe it is September already, this year has flown in super quickly. Bitter-sweet, but I am so happy that Autumn is finally here - even though I am currently loaded with the cold due to the slightly colder weather!
Anyways, as you are all probably aware, I feel like this I have had a constant battle with finding motivation this year and last. I have been researching endlessly looking for techniques to keep me focused, so today I thought I would write about what has and hasn't worked. Hopefully, it will help some of you, particularly those who work from home or go to university.
+ Plan and organise This is probably the most obvious one, plan, plan, plan. I invested in the Filofax earlier this year and whilst it took me a good while to get used to it; I have finally come up with a way that works for me. Personally, next year I will look into buying the day per page layout as you can fit more in, but the miracle for me was the check list stickers! I found these online, and as someone who loves ticking off  to do lists I am now able to do the same in my planner. It helps keep me so much more organised. I am also still loving my today's activities pad from Sighh Designs, I really love the style of it.

I have an idea of what needs to be completed in that day and then with the checklist stickers I tick them off as I complete them. Some people, however, plan their day by the hour; this isn't something I have ever done, to be honest, but I will be giving it ago when the new weeks starts to see if it is any better.
+ Switch off technology Social media is such a distraction and it is sometimes hard to switch off if you are the Queen of Procrastination. In the past, I have found that I'd say to myself I would just quickly check my Twitter feed, and then one hour later I am still on Twitter! There is a plug-in on Chrome called StayFocusd and it allows you to temporarily block sites. This avoids you getting distracted.
+ Listen to music I love listening to the 'work' playlist on Spotify. The playlist is an accumulation of calm music that apparently helps you to focus better - I personally think it works. If you don't have Spotify, there is a 'work playlist' on youtube - just search for it.
+ Take breaks This won't apply to those who work for other people, but if you work for yourself or are still in education it is so incredibly important to take multiple breaks. I have quite a short attention span as much as I hate to admit, so for me breaks are vital. If I work around 20 minutes straight I normally then have a short 5-minute break. It helps refresh your mind allowing you to concentrate when you recommence your work.
+ Set goals I love setting goals, long term or short term they are a way of providing motivation. I have a section in my planner where I keep both and again, once completed I tick them off. If you are passionate about something, you will be determined to complete the tasks required to achieve that goal.
+ Eat healthy The biggest bane of my life, probably. Eating the right food is so important. I notice if I eat something heavy, I feel sleepy and de-motivated and that's no help at all. I came across an infographic here from Citrix GoToMeeting which shows a few healthy alternatives you can snack on. I have personally found fruit smoothies, trail mix and wholemeal toast with avocado increases my productivity. 
I hope you enjoyed this post, I really hope it helps some of you guys! If you have any other tips, do let me know.
♡ *sponsored post all opinions my own