> ...The diffuse mode shuts down when we're stressed. There's no time for dreamy big picture thinking during crunch time... I'd add also that the focused mode

> ...The diffuse mode shuts down when we're stressed. There's no time for dreamy big picture thinking during crunch time... I'd add also that the focused mode often gets you stuck even more under stress. Both approaches are complimentary. This kind of problem solving needs thinking pace, just as if mind were a CPU with a program being weaved in real time, morphing constantly, seeking patterns, eliminating choices. - Hey, Jim, are you sleeping at your desk? - No, Mr. Stone, my mind is thinking! Just be patient and please don't interrupt... On a serious note, under the stress or not, it's important to recognize when one's own mind got stuck. Getting other people involved (as listeners or active participants) is often the only way to get through without exhausting oneself. I wish this was more encouraged in teams, instead of my task must do kind of approach.