[reggieband]

Take some time out of problem solving and put it to other uses.

For example:

- document systems

- write tests

- improve automation (build systems, helper scripts, etc.)

- clean your desk

- talk to a coworker

- read / watch material online related to your work

- go for a quick brisk walk

- any activity to further a long-term career plan

I know that feeling of short-term daily burnout. It is often I get to 4:30pm and I feel my concentration lagging. The trick is to give yourself permission to set aside the work you are doing. You can do this by finding some other activity that is useful other than facebook/reddit.

As an engineering manager I use that time to shift focus from short term (e.g. a feature I am implementing) to long term (what kind of stuff do I want the team to focus on within the next 6 months).

[im_down_w_otp]

At least 5 of those 8 require problem-solving. Arguably 7 of them do.

I'm not sure I understand how doing those things would ease mental fatigue? Perhaps by at least breaking up the monotony?

[steve_adams_86]

I think sometimes some of these can be great strategies for relieving your mind from more difficult tasks. For me documenting or writing tests isn't a real mental break, but it sometimes feels like one if I've been hacking away at a tough problem for 4 hours.

It isn't complete relief like going for a walk but it can be a better use of your time.

I found working in labour jobs the same. Say you're packing sacks of cement up a hill for 2 hours to a lot with bad access, and you're burnt out. You've got another 2 hours of hauling sacks to go, or you could take a break and paint some siding. If you push through the cement job you're going to be really burnt out today and probably tomorrow too, and if you paint the siding, you'll recover a little and feel way better today and tomorrow. Work will still get done though. If the job is urgent and taking a walk isn't really an option, painting the siding is your best bet.

[reggieband]

I'm not sure how talking to coworkers, going for a walk or cleaning your desk could be classified as problem solving but I admit everyone sees things differently. I feel quite relaxed while reading online technical articles, it feels to me nothing like problem solving. If it does cause you stress or mental fatigue then please consider another activity.

The real point is there are many things one can do while in the office that can provide distraction from mental stress while still being valuable. I would argue against a definition of "problem solving" as literally anything that happens while within the walls of an office.

[alexeiz]

> brisk walk

This is what I do. And it works wonders. Sitting the whole day in front of a computer can literally fry your brain. But I take a quick walk, and it resets. I start seeing things clearly. New ideas come to mind. If my coworkers see me they probably think I'm slacking off. But the fact is, it's often the most productive time of the day.

[pkulak]

I routinely send Amazon packages to a locker downtown instead of my house so I have someplace to walk to mid day when I really need it.