Problem Solving and Burnout

One thing I have been having a difficult time with this term is feeling burnt-out, especially while being stuck on a difficult problem I am having difficulty solving. Maybe I’m stuck on a coding assignment that I just can’t find the solution to, or maybe I’m having a difficult time coming up with the right answer for a quiz or homework set. This difficulty can lead to burn-out and how I solve this problem is multi-faceted.

The first part of my solution is giving myself plenty of time, if I am pushing myself to make a deadline and am unable to take breaks, that is going to lead to burn out really quickly. The ability to pause from thinking and take breaks is huge to aid in problem solving. Albert Einstein supposedly used breaks from problem solving to come up with solutions. He apparently liked to play the violin as a break.

As paradoxical as that might sound, giving yourself time away from thinking hard about a problem can be exactly what you require to find a solution. Multiple times this term I employed this strategy. I personally really enjoyed going on walks. If I was ever stuck on a coding assignment, I would take a walk, and more often than not, on my walk I would come up with the solution. One time I even came up with a solution while mindlessly washing dishes. If I employ this type of strategy it’s really helpful and it helps prevent burn out too because I don’t push myself to find answers.