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Ask HN: How can I get over my lethargy, lack of focus, and other problems?

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Re: Ask HN: How can I get over my lethargy, lack of focus, and other problems?

#21

Post by floatingatoll »

hitsurume wrote: post #4

What exactly are you doing when you get to starbucks? Are you trying to follow a tutorial? Read a programming book? Watching a video on programming? If so, try doing the same thing you're trying to do but with any other topic, like reading a fantasy book, or watching a documentary on the laptop. If the latter is more interesting then the former, then really you're interests aren't as strong as you'd like yourself to…

Does the fog remain if you try places other than Starbucks, right then, when you're feeling foggy? Local library quiet room, different coffee shop, living room chair.

Re: Ask HN: How can I get over my lethargy, lack of focus, and other problems?

#22

Post by boingboingboing »

arrrvalue wrote: post #11

When you wake up, do you sense you've had vivid dreams? Or do you just have a blank mind and headache? Do your teeth bite together normally? Can you breathe clearly through both sides of your nose throughout the night?

Just curious, what is it to do with breathing clearly through both sides of the nose throughout the night?

Re: Ask HN: How can I get over my lethargy, lack of focus, and other problems?

#24

Post by dek0de »

arrrvalue wrote: post #11

When you wake up, do you sense you've had vivid dreams? Or do you just have a blank mind and headache? Do your teeth bite together normally? Can you breathe clearly through both sides of your nose throughout the night?

That seems to be a very directed line of questioning. Mind If I ask why you seem to think sleep deprivation is the issue? Your last 2 questions trouble me a little, as I exhibit both of those conditions, rather irregularly.

Re: Ask HN: How can I get over my lethargy, lack of focus, and other problems?

#25

Post by tcbawo »

I'm not sure if you are fighting procrastination. But, in the last some of the things that help me is to have a keep a list and keep knocking off the #2 item. A lot of times, when I introspect, I realize that I was procrastinating due to fear (sometimes failure, sometimes losing a purpose). But, I think lists are habit-forming and will help you get and stay organized.

Also, seek out a mentor, coach, or someone to be accountable to. This will help keep you on track.

Re: Ask HN: How can I get over my lethargy, lack of focus, and other problems?

#26

Post by shaunxcode »

afarrell wrote: post #3

1) How much are you sleeping each night and what is your environment when sleeping? Do you wear a sleeping mask or play rain noises? Do you go to sleep at a consistent time each night? Do you use your bed for things other than sleep/sex? 2) If you record audio of yourself sleeping, do you snore loudly or stop breathing for periods of time followed by sudden snorting or rasping? 3) Do you have low Thyroid Stimulating…

What is #4 a symptom of?

Re: Ask HN: How can I get over my lethargy, lack of focus, and other problems?

#27

Post by cbanek »

First off, realize that pushing against a wall takes effort, but neither you or the wall go very far. If you aren't feeling it, and aren't productive at all, don't force it. Take a break. Do you feel better when you do other things? If you feel this way doing everything, it might be time to seek more help (I know you said it's hard because of reasons, but trust me, you're worth it.) Try to shake it up a bit, maybe a change of scenery (like library instead of Starbucks).

If the short term things don't work, I agree with other people's suggestion about journaling. Taking stock of your daily condition might provide clues, and at least gives you the feeling of doing something to take control.

The solutions you're talking about are good ones, but have you stuck with all of those? Sometimes these things take weeks or months to really kick in and help mood. Even most medications take a while. Give yourself some patience. And stick with the exercise, good diet, and routines - they certainly aren't hurting you!

Re: Ask HN: How can I get over my lethargy, lack of focus, and other problems?

#28

Post by dsnuh »

dek0de wrote: post #24
arrrvalue wrote: post #11

When you wake up, do you sense you've had vivid dreams? Or do you just have a blank mind and headache? Do your teeth bite together normally? Can you breathe clearly through both sides of your nose throughout the night?

That seems to be a very directed line of questioning. Mind If I ask why you seem to think sleep deprivation is the issue? Your last 2 questions trouble me a little, as I exhibit both of those conditions, rather irregularly.

My guess is sleep apnea.

Re: Ask HN: How can I get over my lethargy, lack of focus, and other problems?

#29

Post by xupybd »

Hi there. Really simple one that you may be missing, hydration. I don't know why but I don't really get thirsty very often. Instead I get the symptoms you described. Normally it hits me the next day. I'll go a day forgetting to drink enough water and the next day I'm smashed. It took me a long time to notice the correlation.

Also you probably know this but coffee and alcohol don't hydrate very well. I used to think I was getting plenty of water, but as it was mostly coffee and the occasional after work beer, I wasn't really.

Re: Ask HN: How can I get over my lethargy, lack of focus, and other problems?

#30

Post by natch »

tcbawo wrote: post #25

I'm not sure if you are fighting procrastination. But, in the last some of the things that help me is to have a keep a list and keep knocking off the #2 item. A lot of times, when I introspect, I realize that I was procrastinating due to fear (sometimes failure, sometimes losing a purpose). But, I think lists are habit-forming and will help you get and stay organized. Also, seek out a mentor, coach, or someone to be…

Why the #2 item?
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