Time. I think stepping away may mean longer than a day. I do focus on other things like my horses, etc.
When I had the major diatom outbreak that killed so many of my favorites I wanted to just get rid of it too. The daily water changes really got to me. Around that time we went to Corpus for a few days. That was a nice break.
Oh and I turned off the main lights and only ran it on actinics. It helps to not see the mess in great detail.
What's the deal with the Finnex?
I can honestly say that I have other hobbies that don't bring me the same misery as this one and are cheaper and are just as enjoyable! Not sure why I am stuck on the reef thing. lol

Oh and during the worst of times it's the pet aspect that keeps me going. I got some frags at the fragging meeting and Marcus told me in the parking lot to take good care of his Duncans. That gave me the energy for a few more daily water changes. Lol. Got to stick with it once the critters depend on you.