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I have seen that some activities tire you out, while others do not. Reading, slowly but steadily, tires me. I might then need to doze off for a few minutes to

I have seen that some activities tire you out, while others do not. Reading, slowly but steadily, tires me. I might then need to doze off for a few minutes to resume. Certain other activities, on the other hand, keeps me awake, like mindless browsing, programming (especially at the beginning of a project), OS installation, and even (please do not laugh at this) filing taxes. Why is it so? (This question in my mind has been long unanswered, so any inputs or suggestions are welcome).

verisimi 2y ago
Surely the answer is the level of emotional engagement you have? Eg dissatisfaction, excitement, engagement with authority, etc.
- kherud 2y ago
  I think it's more about invested work vs. reward. Mindless browsing is one of the lowest work activities, but the influx of information is highly rewarding for the brain. That's why it's so addicting. Programming and OS installation are more work, but there is direct progress. Filing taxes is just work, but at again it's a very direct way to feel productive. All of these activities are immediately rewarding. Reading on the other hand requires a lot of concentration, without much immediate reward. And I think the ratio here is highly subjective for most people.
  - canistel 2y ago
    Thank you! I have seen that I read the last chapters with increased focus and at times rush (while trying not to skim) through. Finishing the book must be perceived as a reward by the brain, unlike completion of a page or a chapter or even a section.
  - GeoAtreides 2y ago
    > Reading on the other hand requires a lot of concentration, without much immediate reward. Depends on the book. Also, the act of reading and being immersed in a new story is instantly rewarding for most readers.
    - richie_adler 2y ago
      Thank you, I wanted to express this but you did well already.
hamandcheese 2y ago
When a book puts me to sleep, I consider it a job (unintentionally) well done by the author.
hasbot 2y ago
Might it be activities in which you get into the "flow" state? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flow_(psychology) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flow_(psychology)
- canistel 2y ago
  Hmm... But reading too falls in the "flow" category, I feel...
  - otteromkram 2y ago
    I agree with your initial assertion and would note that things you mentioned seem more "active" than reading. You're more engaged with the activity than just flipping pages. I've read a lot of stuff in life (like you, I'm sure), but it's still rare that I'd make it through more than a few pages of something without nodding off. Even with books that I couldn't put down, I'd only make it through a chapter or two before calling it for the day; I need more engagement in my life, so don't feel alone if that's the same for you.
GeoAtreides 2y ago
If one starts running a marathon without training, they will tire out quickly. Doubly so if they do it on a mountain.
huijzer 2y ago
Doesn't it depend on the book? Some captivating "hard to put down" detective could work. I agree on thought provoking books that they can be tiring (but worth it of course).

verisimi 2y ago

Surely the answer is the level of emotional engagement you have? Eg dissatisfaction, excitement, engagement with authority, etc.

kherud 2y ago
I think it's more about invested work vs. reward. Mindless browsing is one of the lowest work activities, but the influx of information is highly rewarding for the brain. That's why it's so addicting. Programming and OS installation are more work, but there is direct progress. Filing taxes is just work, but at again it's a very direct way to feel productive. All of these activities are immediately rewarding. Reading on the other hand requires a lot of concentration, without much immediate reward. And I think the ratio here is highly subjective for most people.
- canistel 2y ago
  Thank you! I have seen that I read the last chapters with increased focus and at times rush (while trying not to skim) through. Finishing the book must be perceived as a reward by the brain, unlike completion of a page or a chapter or even a section.
- GeoAtreides 2y ago
  > Reading on the other hand requires a lot of concentration, without much immediate reward. Depends on the book. Also, the act of reading and being immersed in a new story is instantly rewarding for most readers.
  - richie_adler 2y ago
    Thank you, I wanted to express this but you did well already.

hamandcheese 2y ago

When a book puts me to sleep, I consider it a job (unintentionally) well done by the author.

hasbot 2y ago

Might it be activities in which you get into the "flow" state? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flow_(psychology) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flow_(psychology)

canistel 2y ago
Hmm... But reading too falls in the "flow" category, I feel...
- otteromkram 2y ago
  I agree with your initial assertion and would note that things you mentioned seem more "active" than reading. You're more engaged with the activity than just flipping pages. I've read a lot of stuff in life (like you, I'm sure), but it's still rare that I'd make it through more than a few pages of something without nodding off. Even with books that I couldn't put down, I'd only make it through a chapter or two before calling it for the day; I need more engagement in my life, so don't feel alone if that's the same for you.

GeoAtreides 2y ago

If one starts running a marathon without training, they will tire out quickly. Doubly so if they do it on a mountain.

huijzer 2y ago

Doesn't it depend on the book? Some captivating "hard to put down" detective could work. I agree on thought provoking books that they can be tiring (but worth it of course).