To me: If I'm behind schedule in important work, obsessed with a problem etc. NOT engaging with work feels a lot worse than working on it in reduced capacity. I

To me: If I'm behind schedule in important work, obsessed with a problem etc. NOT engaging with work feels a lot worse than working on it in reduced capacity. If I take a break, call it a day etc. my mind keeps working on it, I feel anxious etc. Working on the problem though, feels just fine. I'm just tired, but probably having fun. Also the "gambler" instinct is there. I have solved hairy problems when I'm tired (because when you are out of ideas, you tend to consider creative options) though it is rare. But you seek the "rush" of solving it, finishing something that will give you a "high" for hours after you leave the desk.