why change who you are? If quilting requires energy and heavy mind work, reserve the activity for a time when you don't have that in other areas of your life. I enjoy the mind=work, so don't have the same problem you do, but there are definitely times when I can't look at my machine, and at those times I find other things to do that I enjoy...and I don't feel guilty about leaving the machine to rest. Or you could find a part of the quilting process that does help you relax and do only that part when you're tired...saving the rest for a better time.