Thoughts in the abyss

"Time is an illusion, lunchtime doubly so."

Time is an interesting dimension. As with other dimensions, we have distributed it into portions, or quantities. Usually, we have more of it than we require, deadlines are but light at the end of the tunnel. Only too late do we realize that while it may be at the end of the tunnel, the tunnel is a terribly short one. So our productivity suddenly shoots up right before the deadline, after which it slumps to the ground.
This is the case most of the time. Sometimes people keep pushing, keep being productive no matter how far deadlines are. It is awe-inspiring to see some people constantly doing their best. Surprisingly enough, they make it look easy. In a way, it is easy, because it is something they've been doing for a very long time. Being proper is a kind of thing one can get used to.
Constant work is by no means an exclusive club, anyone willing can join. Even if you are lazy and have only done as much as is necessary but as little as possible, it will just take a bit more willpower. And the transition is not easy, not with so many possible options of procrastination at your fingertips at every second of the day. And that is why you need a hobby.

A good hobby is work that you do when you feel like it, or you have set down some certain time when you do it. Many people have chosen jogging, gymnastics, or really any sport. Stamp collecting seems to be a thing of the past. Some play computer games that keep their minds sharp and active, from amazingly detailed and mind-training 4X games to newer, more reflex-based mindless carnage games (LoL and the ilk). To each his own. But there is one hobby that I've grown fond of lately. Thinking.
Now, it might sound a bit strange, but it is actually rather good. You do some work, you study or whatnot, then you get tired of it, you stress your mind even further by simply thinking. You can think of the stuff you just read about, you can think of some things that you read about months ago, or you can think of the world, of economics, or you can simulate a 3D journey, flying through the streets of a neighborhood you know, or can imagine for yourself. Create imaginary people or use people you know and create visual images of them to talk to, to philosophize with, or create flying cars and ponder about how they can function. In your mind the only limits are the ones you set for yourself. Wouldn't you like to have a lucid, controllable daydream about working in a different country, in a different environment? Wouldn't you like to dream up something to strive for in real life? After all, "As long as my mind is free, I can never get bored" applies. If you don't believe me, just think about it.
And once you have stressed your mind enough, do something creative to relax. Draw. Dance like nobody is watching (while hopefully nobody is). Sing like nobody is listening (but do it quietly so that the neighbors won't complain). Cuddle with somebody. If you can, try composing. Break your Android or iOS devices so that they would work properly (sadly, this actually works). Clean your computer for once, if you can (if you have pretty much anything but a MacBook). Work out. Again, the possibilities are nearly endless, and each person can find one's fancy.

Whatever you choose to do to keep you from overheating or overworking, make sure it works, and that it does not take too much of your time. The work still has to get done. Just slow yourself down a little to go even faster than before. Because if you think about it, work is like a marathon. You have to pace yourself.