IGN’s 2026 Back to Work Game-plan

You know that part of the year between Christmas and New Years when you have no idea what day it is, time loses all meaning, and guiltless gaming binge sessions run rampant? Well by now you’re probably frighteningly aware of what day it is and it’s probably a work day. Not to worry, I’m going to help you out.

I’m Jess McDonell and I’m a content creator and Twitch streamer, which is kind of like a real job. Here are three easy tips I’ve used to smooth out that rough back to work transition and get more productive in the new year. Brought to you by HP and the HP OmniBook X Flip.

Tip 1: Just Getting Started

First, commit to doing just five minutes of a task. Before you know it you’ll be stuck in, it’s just about starting. By just beginning a single task you’re getting the hardest part over and done with and even doing a little bit more than you originally set out to will get those reward chemicals firing in your brain so you can take on the next part of the task and the one after that.

Big jobs don’t seem so daunting when you break them down and finding a realistic but efficient division of tasks throughout your day can help you cross off even the most dread-inducing projects. For best results try interspersing your work stints with well-earned breaks and rewards of the self-care and self-indulgent variety. There’s nothing wrong with taking your lunch break with a little gaming or TV on the side. With the HP OmniBook X Flip’s all-day battery life and hardy Gorilla Glass 3 display you can even take yourself outside to work or play to your heart’s content without compromising on performance, or having to go back inside

It can be easy to get disheartened and overwhelmed by the mountain of work you still need to get done but it’s important to celebrate your victories and checked boxes, too. Whenever you cross off a task, even a small one, give yourself a pat on the back. Acknowledging your accomplishments will go a long way to keeping you motivated and ready to tuck back into the next part of your project.

Tip 2: Reply To The Most Important Email In Your Inbox

Starting any old part of any task is much better than not starting at all but getting on top of that email in your inbox that you’ve been putting off is a great way to settle you into a steady flow of productivity. And stamp out that nagging voice in the back of your head telling you you really need to have taken care of that one already.

So go ahead and find “That Email”. You know the one. Not the one from your Mum telling you your aunt will be staying in your house for the next three weeks, or the shipping update letting you know the Christmas present you needed two months ago has now arrived in a city you’ve never heard of.

Not those, the big one.

I can almost assure you that it feels like a far larger task in your head than it is in reality and once you’ve handled it you’ll find you’re all set to tackle another one with a renewed sense of freedom and accomplishment. Until, of course, they email back and you need to repeat this step.

In the meantime, you can go back to that crucial “treat yourself” part of the equation and exercise the HP OmniBook X Flip’s Intel Core Processor with a little gaming binge to celebrate that two productivity tips in (if you’re following this game-plan to the letter), you have begun one task and sent a single email. That’s a big day. You’ve earned it.

Tip 3: Use A Focus Timer

If you’re still struggling to focus between all of the breaks I keep recommending you take then consider using a focus timer to dedicate even twenty minutes to deep work. Once you’re done you can take a five minute break and then follow that up with another twenty minute stint of working.

In essence, this is the Pomodoro technique and has proven results in increasing productivity and the effectiveness of your ability to work and focus on your chosen tasks over time. This legitimacy paints it in stark contrast to my personalised tips which largely suggest you do a bit of work so you can feel better about using the HP OmniBook X Flip to play video games and watch Netflix.

Then again, you can totally do exactly that while following Pomodoro. So, in a way my deeply uneducated “new year, new you” productivity tips are identical to that of a legitimate expert in the field. I am going to consider that a personal accomplishment and treat myself to some video games. You’re welcome to join me on the HP OmniBook X Flip 14 - sure, I need it for work, but whether it’s for work or play, it’s unbeatable at both.

You can check out the HP OmniBook X Flip for yourself at your nearest JB Hi-Fi (head to the link: https://w2buy.net/8i2d188u) or via the HP online store.

via IGN’s 2026 Back to Work Game-plan
by PatchIGN