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Re:Ask HN: Losing all interest in programming, what now? by Argish on Thursday December 10, 2020 @10:07AM (#25374411)
You can also buy a motorcycle. It's cheaper that therapists in the long term.
Re:Ask HN: Losing all interest in programming, what now? by fsloth on Thursday December 10, 2020 @10:15AM (#25374503)
I'm fairly sure a motorcycle could have not had the discussions with me I had with my therapist.

The whole point of therapy is not that they are superhuman who can fix the world. The point is having another person, whom you trust, and who has experience of how to help people, to take a good look at you. They discuss with they see, and suggest simple things you could do. The thing is - nothing is stopping you doing those things without a therapist. But you likely are not aware what the specific single things to help you are. Otherwise you would be doing those, and not needing a therapist.

Re:Ask HN: Losing all interest in programming, what now? by croh on Thursday December 10, 2020 @10:45AM (#25374894)
Riding motorcycle is kinda meditative atleast for me. I can ride hours (with slow speed). I don't plan trips ahead, just start with map and keep exploring green areas. On ride, I love to observe everything without involving also I like to feel my bike and listening its engine.

I guess gist is, do something you enjoy for hours without any goals or any pressure. It should make you tired at end of day. And then you will start feeling good.

In covid-era, luckily I picked up cooking as hobby and survived.

God, they should make a work week of 4 days. I am really jealous of europeans (spicifically scandinavian countries ) where work-life balance is highly prioritized

Re:Ask HN: Losing all interest in programming, what now? by falcolas on Thursday December 10, 2020 @10:15AM (#25374517)
As someone who has motorcycled in the past...

Naw. It ain't going to be cheaper. More adrenaline causing perhaps, but not cheaper. Between buying accessories, upgrades, and different styles, you'll be paying them off for awhile.

One a more serious note: Riding a motorcycle won't cure depression. Depression, on the other hand, can make you not want to motorcycle anymore.

Re:Ask HN: Losing all interest in programming, what now? by _huayra_ on Thursday December 10, 2020 @01:20PM (#25376635)
I think people substitute a lot of these "flow-inducing activities" (require attention and alertness, often adrenaline-inducing too) because it temporarily stops the mental habit loops that fuel depression. It's hard to think about all the "should'ves" while dodging Escalade-driving, phone-distracted people on the highway or struggling on a crux move on some climbing route knowing your last piece of gear is 3-4m below you.

It's a nice escape, but I definitely think dealing with these feelings directly by talking them out with a therapist / journaling / meditation is the only way to deal with them effectively (although it's still hard)

Re:Ask HN: Losing all interest in programming, what now? by colecut on Thursday December 10, 2020 @10:18AM (#25374562)
This is better advice than most will admit. If it's still too expensive, maybe try a Onewheel =)
Re:Ask HN: Losing all interest in programming, what now? by cultus on Thursday December 10, 2020 @02:52PM (#25377741)
Most people only need therapy for a few months. Very few need long-term therapy.