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Very interesting, my experience has been slightly different this year. Normally my brain is thinking 10 different things at one time. It is fairly difficult f
by paperwork 14y ago
Very interesting, my experience has been slightly different this year.
Normally my brain is thinking 10 different things at one time. It is fairly difficult for me to focus (more so since I work at an office that has 5 TVs that I can see, and a couple of channels I can hear). The first few days of fasting, I was surprised how easily I was able to focus. Frankly I was far more productive than I normally am. Unfortunately, I've since reverted to the natural state of affairs -- I can no longer tune out TVs, youtube clips, etc.
In previous years, the first few days would actually be extremely difficult. I now realize that I was getting what is often called the "carb flu." This year, before Ramadan, I was on a low carb diet (Tim Ferriss' Slow Carb). Perhaps because of that, my body was already used to fewer carbs.
Hunger is not debilitating and if I could have water, I could probably 'fast' for 48 hours pretty easily (such fasting is actually recommended by the likes of "East Stop Eat" author Brad Pilon).
- stcredzero 14y ago> The first few days of fasting, I was surprised how easily I was able to focus. Back in olden times, the occasions when you haven't been eating are precisely the times to focus.
- tejaswiy 14y ago> Normally my brain is thinking 10 different things at one time. It is fairly difficult for me to focus (more so since I work at an office that has 5 TVs that I can see, and a couple of channels I can hear). I think a part of the reason why programmers prefer working late hours (late as in after 12 in the night) is that the brain is sufficiently tired as to not be able to jump all over the place. You'd focus on one thing : Your code.
- enqk 14y agoOr you think you are focusing on code, and just are too tired to notice context-switches or general slowness.
- ralfn 14y agoThe illusion of productivity can actually increase productivity. The feeling of gettings things done motivates. Even when that feeling is an illusion. So what if it actually took 4 hours: if it feels like 30 minute, its easy to invest another "30 minutes".
- latch 14y agoYou believe that the "illusion of productivity" brought on by fatigue can actually make you more productive than rest/sleep?
- ralfn 14y ago@latch Yes. I believe it helps with motivation, which for some people, like myself for example, is often the bottleneck of productivity. Off course, others may have more intrinsic motivation, or just more discipline. But if you are lazy like me, it helps a lot. Whenever i reach that point, i get into a zone, and just keep going and going. Im not working better, or more effectively, im just more motivated, and end up investing more time and effort.