Methods that can access a shared computing resource are provided. One method includes determining, by a processor, a level of stress for a shared computing resource during each increment of time in a predetermined period of time, determining an optimized block of time within the predetermined period of time to perform a set of background operations on the shared computing resource based on the determined level of stress, and performing the set of background operations during the optimized block of time. Apparatus and computer program products that can include, perform, and/or implement the methods are also provided.