[AndrewKemendo]

This is the right answer I think

I did this a few years ago after the layoff wave and it was transformative

[ecalifornica]

I agree with Andrew, side projects are a great way to rediscover joy. From my own experience:

- Decompress and seek fun, instead of aiming to "get a project done". Follow whatever excites you. If nothing excites you, step away from the keyboard. Go for a walk, bring a notebook.

- The Artist's Way is great for processing burnout, and self-discovery. One does not need to consider themselves an artist to find the book useful. ( https://juliacameronlive.com/book/the-artists-way-a-spiritua... )

You mention hardware, have you made a silly hardware thing recently? I can recommend running Rust on an esp32, lots of fun.

[ultrasounder]

Thanks for the book recommendation. Seems like an interesting book. Have seen it recommended a few times here in HN already

[leakycap]

Be aware it is extremely god-based in an unnerving way if you're not into religion. There are many alternatives if you don't want to go through a faith-based reboot.

[sph]

Care to share these non-religious alternatives?