I use sensory cues that get me into the correct mode for each situation. The most simple examples are music and environment. If I'm starting a challenging task,

I use sensory cues that get me into the correct mode for each situation. The most simple examples are music and environment. If I'm starting a challenging task, I'll listen to particular tracks and lock myself away. My brain then "knows" to get into gear. Same with relaxation, I reserve some particular music and locations that I use strictly for relaxation. It works like the flick of a switch. The other thing is lists of tasks to complete in a particular day. I keep it really simple, just a text list. I tell myself "when I get through this list, I can relax and do something I enjoy". It's important for two reasons, first is that it minimizes the costly context switch between completing tasks and high-level planning, second is that my brains "knows" that the sooner I complete the tasks, the sooner it'll get that dopamine rush which the human brain craves. Overall, I find it very important to have my brain chemistry working for me rather than against me!