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Comment by akeck | Hacker News Reader

I've used one or more of the following for a quick fix:

o Force 8h+ of sleep (or at least lying flat) for a 1-2 weeks, if not permanently.

o Force daily exercise mix for 1-2 weeks, if not permanently. Each day: either short and intense OR long and slow. I avoid short and intense on consecutive days.

o Really good teeth and gum care to enhance QOL and sleep.

o Fasting (water only) while at work.

o Active vacation: 2-4 days at a resort/camp where you can simplify your day to "move or eat" for all waking hours, and sleep in a decent bed for 8+h. Might want to go "screen free" as well.

Good luck!

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I just did 5 days at a resort with no working of any kind. Didn't even check email. Came back, went to the office for a day and now feel as terrible as I did before leaving.

5 days always worked for me before. Is there such a thing as permanent burn out?

Unfortunately, I've seen some people get burnout that really sticks. Some found success with a much longer break (3 weeks - 6 months). I've also heard that certain types of talk therapy can unravel the burnout drivers, so one can address them "on the fly," without interrupting work too much. Finally, something else may be going on, so you may want to check in with your personal doctor or a psychiatrist. For example, a hidden vitamin deficiency can do all sorts of wacky things to quality of life.

I can confirm, a couple months long break always does wonders for me. That's why I prefer to be a contractor, as such breaks are not compatible with full-time employment.

I sure do miss contractor life right now.

Thanks for the advice! I'm due for an annual physical this month and will be sure to discuss.

At least there is hope that this may not be permanent

Mens sana in corpore sano: a healthy mind in a healthy body

thanks for a good advise!

I've discovered the hard way that there's good reason for some doctors to call food, sleep, and exercise, "The Big Three," with respect to quality of life.

Which is almost impossible when you are geek or even worse - software entrepreneur aka. startup founder. I feel like we lost something very important in our lives when the computer has been invented.

I think it's especially doable as a programmer. You only get ~5 productive hours a day, so why not take a long lunch break and do some exercise in between?

Couldn't disagree more. Under those circumstances it's critical to maintain the big three. Even if you're working 16-hr days having reasonably healthy food, doing some form of exercise between pomodoros, and resting is doable.

I'd argue it's the most important thing you can do in order to sustain that level of effort for any amount of time. You can't take care of anything else if you don't take care of yourself, physically and mentally.

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