[collyw]

Reading your post you sound like me at "unmotivated" times in my life. (I would say I go through cycles, but nowhere near as extreme as your description).

When I start getting to the stage you are at, I make a point of doing some outdoor sports (a few people mentioned climbing. My personal preference is whitewater kayaking, or mountain biking - something that requires full focus and involves a bit of adrenaline).

I used to do a lot of outdoor, sports (worked as a river guide for a few years, and kayaked nearly every day). Now I have an office job, and see the difference. Something that gives you a bit of adrenaline helps you achieve the same feeling, as others have described with climbing, but not associated with coding.I think this helps you bring more balance to your life. If you don't do a lot of exercise, just getting fit will make a big difference as well.

At first it might be difficult to motivate yourself, but once you get into a habit you will find it easy, and you may even get annoyed the days you don't get to do your sport.

Anyway, that's what I find helps me. (Promising myself to start riding my bike on the trails on my way home from, now the weather is getting better).