How to switch brain out of "programming mode"?

Experienced

I WFH in a CS-adjacent field, and have started to take on a lot of coding responsibilities over the past year. I enjoy my role and my team, but I'm noticing my brain struggle to get out of building the "logic" of coding mentality outside of working hours.

I used to be a little more creative and open to dumb chit-chat with friends, and I find it hard to get out of work mode after drilling in an intense work ethic. I have social hobbies with friends but my head is so focused on work that, honestly, I don't have much dumb chit chat to discuss with friends.

Anyone familiar with this struggle and have suggestions on "breaking the mold"? I've noticed it ramp up as I've done more complex code.

Posted Oct 28, 2025, 4:49 PM UTC

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