I’ve noticed something about myself since I started working with AI agents.

If I let it, it’s all-consuming.

I give an agent a task. While it works, I start another. Then the first one finishes, and I’ve already thought of a third.

There’s something about it that gets me into the zone.

Every finished task is a small hit of dopamine.

And then I want the next one.

It’s addictive.

Thankfully, I have kids.

Kids don’t care that an agent is halfway through something.

Dinner is ready. Someone needs a ride somewhere.

So I’m forced to put the laptop down.

I’ve collected a few additional stopping points.

• I run a mile every day.
• I take regular walks around my neighborhood.
• On Sundays, I try not to use AI at all.

That one seems to help a LOT.

Because when I use AI agents too many days in a row, something starts to feel off.

It’s hard to describe.

The closest I’ve come is something Bilbo Baggins says to Gandalf:

That’s exactly how it feels.

The intentional stopping points are what keep me from getting there.

Kids. A mile a day. Walks around the neighborhood. A day off each week.

That’s what’s working for me right now.

I know I’m not the only one feeling stretched.

What things have you tried? What’s working for you?