[deadlast2]

Try playing a video game. So stop working for a while and just play a game. I stopped working and started playing Diablo IV. The idea was to get to level 100. My reasoning was this I wanted to remember what it felt like spending a long time doing something I enjoyed. It is repetitive like coding can be but I enjoyed it. Got to 100. Then did a few more characters and then wanted to get back to work.

[illuminant]

I find it best to do play a game, only STOP PLAYING before you get tired of playing the game. Just when you realize how much fun you're having, stop playing and get back to work!

Or you'll just play the game until the game burns you out.

[interbased]

This is a good point. I have a similar system with reading books. I only allow myself a chapter or two, and I’ll still want to keep reading it when I get back to work, so the reward mechanism is still there.