"...How do you maintain a balance between routine and novelty?" Absolutely, I think one has to to stay sane :-) Work tends to be a routine for many of us, but I think to have a clear cut where the work ends is important. Say shutdown your laptop at 5 pm and have another life, come what may. Me personally I need me my Harley time (weather permitting) I consider that as antidote , find a new road, in da hood or go further and explore... etc. YMMV