I'm confused as to why you need to do a math problem in the morning if math is your job.

I'm an engineer by degree and my specialty is blending control and optimization. My day job very often involves math between advanced and very advanced. I also find solving math problems rewarding, and engineering problems in particular rewarding.

In your bullets at the start, you say, "Successfully solving a problem generates an endorphin hit and provides you with a confidence to start your day." What if you are not successful? Sparring with an easy opponent will not give you the endorphin hit of having a good sparring session (I'm also an amateur boxer). Not solving my morning homework would have the same effect.