[vladfr]

This is a remarkable point you're making. Everything is relative to one's own reality. Thanks for the comparison with runners, I will use it, it's a telling example of what recovery means.

I'm a programmer, and I don't know how it relates to what I do, but I've already set my mind on finding out.

--edit

Imho the core of this idea is that "recovery" applies to many things: how early can you get another 4-hour coding session? How much did the first one tire you out?

How well do you recover after a failure? Bug in my code? I jump on that immediately and don't think twice about it; an argument with my girlfriend / co-worker / boss / parents? Not so much.

I believe you can train both your body and mind to get better at this; get better sleep, see a therapist.

Even more, you can tweak life's settings to work in your favor: a stable relationship, better/quieter housing (or job), savings etc.