I don't program in my 9 to 5, but I do program a lot in my free time. Recently I have noticed how my programming patterns have at time been been bipolar. Bipo

I don't program in my 9 to 5, but I do program a lot in my free time. Recently I have noticed how my programming patterns have at time been been bipolar. Bipolar as in period of Mania (hyper-productivity, coding late into the night) followed by periods of depression (lapse of complete inactivity). (Note my mood isn't depressed, just my productivity, although I think I do feel happier during the "manic" parts.) This is a very poor pattern to get into. I think the key is to even it metaphorically take so Lithium and even it out. * Don't stay up late, get good sleep, don't sleep in. * Regular diet. Regular exercise. * Just before bed, make a mental list of what you think needs to be done tomorrow. * Human contact daily. Don't go hide in your bat cave. We have all experience the zone but if you over do it you will go Manic and then burn out. Your goal should be consistent, sustainable productivity and not mania.