How can programmers use incubation to solve a problem after hours of effort?

Taking a break to refresh one's mind is an effective strategy because it allows for mental incubation—the process where the subconscious continues to work on a problem while the individual is not actively thinking about it. This can lead to a sudden insight or solution when the person returns to the problem with a fresh perspective. Incubation capitalizes on the idea that stepping away from an issue can lead to relaxation and less focused thought, often resulting in creative breakthroughs that may not have occurred through concentrated effort alone. This method recognizes that cognitive processes can work behind the scenes, sometimes even leading to an "aha!" moment after a period of disengagement from the problem.