Between the bitter cold and the lack of daylight, keeping productivity levels high during the winter months can be quite challenging. Although the temptation of plopping down on the couch for an eight hour Netflix binge will always be present, these tips will help you to keep your spirits high and stay motivated well into the New Year.

Keep moving

Getting out of bed during the warmer months is hard enough, but during the winter? Nearly impossible. However, avoiding the snooze button and getting in at least 30 minutes of exercise before you head to the office is the best thing for you. In fact, morning exercise has been shown to improve your focus and mental abilities throughout the day.

Put down the cookies

With more sweets around than usual, it’s not uncommon to overindulge during the winter. But eating poorly can not only affect your physical health, but also do some hefty damage to your mental well-being. Instead, opt for sensible choices that contain large amounts of fiber and protein that are guaranteed to keep you full for longer.

Make a list, and check it twice

Can’t keep things straight during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season? Make a habit of keeping a running to-do list both at home and at the office. Oftentimes, seeing what you have to accomplish in writing not only motivates you, but also gives you less of an excuse for not checking something off of your list.

Reach for the stars

Just because it’s the end of the year doesn’t mean that you should forgo setting goals. Even if they’re lofty, having goals to work towards will help you to stay motivated and on track amongst all of the wintertime distractions. If you don’t manage to hit them, keep them in place for the New Year.

Stay social

While buckling down and cutting out all of the distractions may seem like the best way to be productive, it actually can have the opposite effect. Instead, carving out time to spend with friends and family will help to give your mind the refresh that it so desperately needs, and in turn allow you to look at your tasks with a fresh set of eyes.

While an end of the year break is always well deserved, it doesn’t mean that it should derail your productivity. Holding yourself accountable will help you go out with a bang.