If I get into that sort of zero-to-negative flow state, I travel, go to a conference, do something to actually transplant myself away and rekindle ideas. On a m

If I get into that sort of zero-to-negative flow state, I travel, go to a conference, do something to actually transplant myself away and rekindle ideas. On a more local level you can just change scenery. Go to starbucks. Whatever. I know what you mean about the 'zone' issue. I found that happening when I worked from home a lot. I still do find it happening if I stay at home. It depends a lot on what you define as work, and what you're doing to fill the time before you settle in. Things like the pomodoro technique or other "look, I'll just do it for 5 minutes, then I can get back to reading HN" carrot/stick approaches to oneself can help -- if, like me, once you actually start doing something, you're fine. Changing your diet and exercise routines to revitalise your energy levels can also help. I started running a few weeks ago and it's really helping me find time where I don't do anything but run. Turn my brain off, almost. When I'm done, ideas come flooding in.