I've learned that "down time" actually isn't. It's when I disengage from a problem, and start doing something unrelated, be it outside, or a hobby, etc., that

I've learned that "down time" actually isn't. It's when I disengage from a problem, and start doing something unrelated, be it outside, or a hobby, etc., that my subconscious has a good chance to mull things over and try to fit the pieces together, and generate new insights. Deep intellectual work takes a completely different form of engagement then just putting in the hours. Stop, smell the Roses, take a break, relax. Work is what you do to enable the rest of our life to happen, not the reason you're here.