Is there anything harder than going back to work following a weeklong vacation? Of course there is, but most people would concede that doing so is no easy task. I went on a trip to Boston with my wife last week and had a great time. So great, in fact, that I dreaded having to go back to the office today. It was a miracle I was even able to get up on time! No, it's not that I disdain my job. Sure, there are things about it I wish I could change, but I like certain aspects of it. It's just difficult to get back in a working groove again after having spent several days sightseeing and soaking up as much history possible. And it isn't as though my brain was on vacation during the trip; I spent a great deal of time reading descriptions on exhibits and buildings. The bottom line is that most of us would gladly prefer sauntering around a city and hitting up popular sites and attractions to being holed up in a cubicle for eight hours every day. Somehow, though, we...

I'd like to take this moment to take a poll: What is it that helps you be more productive throughout the day? Here are a few options from which to choose, but feel free to mention not one on this list -- it is by no means exhaustive. Coffee Energy drinks Music Exercise (whether in the morning or afternoon) Taking short breaks to read Walking around Doing something on your phone or computer (playing games, etc.) Aside from the obvious (writing and blogging), I find that music keeps me productive. The work day goes by so much quicker with music! Think about it: Assuming that each song is 3 minutes on average, that means that once you've listened to 20 songs, a whole hour has gone by.  If you really love the songs you're listening to, and assuming you encounter slow periods at work, music can definitely be a blessing. While listening to music, I seem to get more work done, too. I love exercising as well, but only when I can have my iPod at full blast. T...