A combination of these have often worked for me. 1) Stop drinking alcohol (after about 3 weeks I find my thinking is a lot clearer and more I'm interested in l

A combination of these have often worked for me. 1) Stop drinking alcohol (after about 3 weeks I find my thinking is a lot clearer and more I'm interested in learning/working). 2) Change your work location - drastically if you can but often the next room will do. 3) If you're working alone find a space where you can work with others in the room, even if the tasks are completely separate. (or vice versa) 4) Get those big tasks that weigh on you out of the way. Realize how much better not having them around will make you feel, and that should be enough incentive to get them done. 5) Tutor somebody. 6) Stop thinking about work/study all the time, clear your head by listening to stories, I like radiolab from WNYC because it's not too tech. (Something like this would be in lieu of meditation which would probably be better long term.) 7) Wake up earlier. 8) Reward yourself for tasks. For me this used to be ciggies, which then transitioned to cups of tea. 9) Start your day with small easy tasks. If you're thinking about a productive day in terms of 10-12 hours you are likely scaring your sub conscious. Success is 20 minutes of work early in the day. Make that your goal. Everything that comes after is a bonus, and fun. 10) Switch careers (this is what I eventually did)