[boryas]

For this reason, take home exams are evil. Also, get rid of the fourth strategy

[stcredzero]

I think the fourth is crucial.

[boryas]

After a point, but I think a large part of getting a problem is committing maximal time and energy to solving it or "dying"

[mfukar]

Taking your (conscious) mind off a full day's work allows your subconscious to process it, let your conclusions "sink in". That's why people often have the solutions in our sleep.

[arethuza]

I don't think I've ever solved a difficult problem while actually focusing on the problem.