When I experience burnout, I usually assume it’s due to monotony and that I need to take a break, but that might be looking at it from the wrong perspective. Marissa Mayer put a new twist on things:

I have a theory that burnout is about resentment. And you beat it by knowing what it is you’re giving up that makes you resentful. I tell people: Find your rhythm. Your rhythm is what matters to you so much that when you miss it you’re resentful of your work.

Maybe boredom isn’t why taking a break helps. Maybe the break helps because I’m able to start focusing on something I care about more.