There are also low tech solutions that provide periodic distractions, such as pets, kids, or other time sensitive responsibilities. I’m speaking from experience, i.e. my smart watch no longer has to remind me to take a break.
> low tech solutions that provide periodic distractions, such as pets, kids, or other time sensitive responsibilities
The problem with those is that the frequency and randomness of the distractions makes is that the very possibility of being distracted by them prevents me from doing any work at all[0]. Unless I structure my environment to isolate myself from such distractions for extended periods of time, certain types of work (including all software work) just don't happen.
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[0] - Like, why I'm up and on HN at 3AM now? Because my little one woke up and can't decide if she's going back to sleep or not; in case of the latter, I need to react quickly, or else she'll wake up her older sister and we can all kiss rest of the night goodbye.
