Ask HN: How to relax after coding for too many hours?

Coding for too many hours straight isn't actually very productive. Take more breaks while coding, and stop working after a decent number of hours: you'll do better at coding and you won't be as exhausted at the end.

See https://codewithoutrules.com/2016/08/18/productive-programme... for more.

You probably haven't had enough physical exertion in your day to drain off your energy, and your brain interprets mental focus as a sign that there's something to be anxious about. Sure recipe for tons of nervous energy.

The suggestion to exercise to physical exhaustion is a good one. I usually don't have to go that far, though. Even walking a couple miles usually takes the edge off and gives the brain a chance to wander into other paths.

Doing something else that's almost entirely physically oriented can also help - a craft project, cooking, etc.

Strenuous exercise. Forces your brain to shift out of the coding context.

Read easy genre fiction until you start nodding off into the book.

Take a walk, work out, or read fiction.