[philk]

Distractions.

The internet[1] being the major one, occasionally video games or books. Somewhat unpleasantly I seem wired to seek new distractions whenever I don't have one currently occupying my mind.

I've been thinking of forcing myself to spend half an hour each day without stimulus, just thinking and writing on a paper notepad to get around this.

[1] I find posting on the internet much more distracting than surfing, because there's the constant desire to check back and see what responses you got.

[lionhearted]

> I've been thinking of forcing myself to spend half an hour each day without stimulus, just thinking and writing on a paper notepad to get around this.

This is good. If you find a cafe with the right ambiance for you, that's a great way of doing it. Then you make that place your "thinking cafe" - I travel a lot, and that's one of the first things I look for if I'm getting stuck or distracted at my apartment or hotel. Change of environment, for whatever reason, changes my thinking quite a lot. It's trial and error to find the right sort of environment for your thinking, but very useful when you find it.

[eegilbert]

This is why I like to walk to work. It's not possible for everyone; I understand. If you can do it, and don't bring along any devices, you have forced yourself into thinking time. This is usually when I have my best ideas.

[jgilbert]

riding my bike to work is good.

i find i do my best thinking in the shower. nice hot water and no distractions.

[zebra]

You may consider visiting a doctor. I was unable to code a single line because I was only looking to distract myself, not to work. I got diagnosed with light form of OCD and after taking some medication I am feeling better and working more.