You definitely are on the right track. There is no way that having time off from anything could help you focus more while spending time playing. A solid exercise regime will only help that too. Do you think there is much lost over taking weekends off as a poker player? I know your friends are always going to have weekends off, and you may be more successful by stopping the grind and taking time to be with them if it's important, but how much can be lost from not playing Friday, Saturday and Sundays?