[wrinklytidbits]

I get this natural high when I find a breakthrough in a problem. My brain gets amped up and I literally can't focus and finish because of the buzzing sensation. I know it's my cue to get up from my desk and take a walk, usually a 10 to 20 minute walk until my brain settles down.

So having had this happen so much I've come up with an analogy. I love riding my bike and where I live it's really hilly. The best part about hills in this case is that fits the stopping when the going gets good: I change gears when I first climb a hill, making it easier to climb; once I'm close to the top the consistent effort I put into hill climbing pays off. This is where I get to stop pedalling.

Likewise, when working once the answer is there before you, stop, take a break and let your brain coast as it rewards itself with sweet dopamine for doing a good job.

To continue with the analogy, finishing a hard problem is like letting the potential gravitational energy do the work for you. It gives you chance to recuperate and focus on the next hill in front of you.