Switching off problem-solving by reading books

Recovery is an important part of physical training, and it is also crucial for intellectual and creative work. However, turning off mental problem-solving is quite challenging. Tim Ferris, the author of the famous “4-Hour Workweek” mentioned in his podcast that he read fiction for an hour before bedtime to change his mindset. I have been trying to do the same, although even a leisurely pursuit like this apparently requires some discipline.

The book I am currently reading is “Reamde” by Neal Stephenson. I am enjoying it quite a bit, even though I cannot help constantly comparing it with his, very different in many respects, cult classic “Cryptonomicon.”

I find that another good way to re-focus mental activity is to look at the photographs on 500px. Doing so is very refreshing not only at the end of the day, but any time there are a few minutes that cannot be used otherwise, thanks to a smartphone or a tablet that I almost always have with me. In fact, I am looking forward to enjoying both photos and e-books on the great screen of my shiny (and huge) new iPhone 6 plus. At the first glance, the reading experience is much improved, compared to the old iPhone 5. Stephen King suggested to always have a book handy, and thanks to the ever-evolving technology, I have many of them in my (largest) pocket.