Software Engineer Combats Mental Fatigue with Focused Vacation Habits

A software engineer shared his experience of mental fatigue and decreased cognitive sharpness after years in the profession. Early in his career, he found work mentally exhausting but stimulating, often returning home too tired to do anything but rest. Over time, however, the novelty faded, and daily problem-solving became less challenging, leading to slower and less engaged thinking. The easy availability of digital distractions like social media, video games, and streaming content further contributed to a decline in deep focus and reading habits. Recognizing this shift, he sought to counteract what he describes as "brainrot" by adopting new habits such as handwriting, side projects, and blogging. Yet, he felt his mental acuity was still diminished compared to eight years earlier. During a recent vacation spent in the countryside with family, he intentionally slowed down and embraced activities aimed at stimulating his mind. He read several books, including Mary Beard’s "SPQR" and Francisco Claro’s "De Newton a Einstein y algo más," which rekindled his interest in history and physics. This led him to explore mathematics more deeply, revisiting calculus and trigonometry through textbooks and online resources. He found joy in learning for its own sake, similar to how he approached programming as a hobby before his professional career. While uncertain about how this renewed interest might influence his future career—especially given the evolving role of AI in software and data engineering—he values the intellectual engagement and hopes to eventually grasp advanced physics concepts and research. This approach highlights the importance of intentional mental rest and active learning to combat cognitive stagnation, particularly in technology fields where rapid change and routine tasks can dull creativity and critical thinking.