Debugging to Unplugging: 5 Powerful Ways to Unwind After Hours of Coding
Hello World!
It is all about relaxation today but not the kind that comes to mind!
Many developers often spend extended periods intensely focused on coding projects.
Although the work can be fulfilling, taking a break at the end of the day is essential.
This downtime is crucial for recharging your mind, reducing stress, and achieving balance in your life.
However, taking a break doesn't necessarily mean indulging in passive activities like binge-watching Netflix or scrolling through social media.
I am attending a course designed by Cal Newport author of Deep Work on developing deep-focus habits. They mentioned an important point about the idea of a tired mind.
Your mind is not tired as you think about it. It only needs a variation of activities.
Scrolling on the phone gives you short-term dopamine hits but it is not satisfying.
It is like junk food you sometimes stuff yourself. It feels good the first 10 minutes and then you feel bad about doing it.
Here are 5 enriching ways to relax that not only recharge your brain but also uplift your mood and make you go to bed happy.
Play a sport
Joker from Batman: Why so serious?
Playing a sport for 30-60 minutes and you come back a different person. I play tennis a couple of evenings every week and I realize I have so much energy after a full day of intense coding or sometimes draining calls.
Exercise is an alternative if you cannot find a sport to play. It changes the way you think.
By the way, I do get aha moments on the problem I was solving or sometimes I get a very different view of the problem.
Enjoy Nature
Going for a walk or even attending your garden is one of the simplest way to relax. It doesn’t take much time and it is invigorating.
Meet Friends
This is one of the reasons why developers go for a drink at the end of the day. Your mind craves human connection after hours of solo work.
Meeting friends is a great way to satisfy your mind and you feel good as you can relax in a comfortable atmosphere.
Read fiction
Sometimes, curling up with a book on fiction is the only thing you need. The book takes you away from your reality to places unexplored and unknown.
There is again a ton of research on the benefits of reading. But forget the research and just go on a wild ride to a different place through the book.
Do something with your hands
Away from the screens, create something with your hands. It could be doing a simple sketch, painting, writing on paper, or even fixing something broken. You realize you are not tired as much as you think when your brain starts working on a different type of problem.
My daughters like drawing so I spend some time drawing alongside them. It is a lot of fun with them as I get a ton of instructions from them.
TLDR
All the above 5 ways talks about active relaxation. The human mind likes active creation. But scrolling on the phone or watching Netflix is passive consumption.
Even reading is active as it takes your mind to different places through imagination.
Unwinding after-hours of coding is not only crucial for your personal well-being but also essential for maintaining productivity and long-term success as a developer.
In fact, I've often found that engaging in these activities can provide me with a fresh perspective or even a breakthrough moment on a problem I was working on.
Remember, finding the right combination of unwinding techniques is a personal journey. Experiment with different activities and discover what works best for you.
Prioritize self-care and make time for activities that bring you joy, relaxation, and a sense of fulfillment.
By incorporating these five different ways of unwinding into your routine, you'll not only recharge and rejuvenate but also enhance your overall well-being and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
So, take those necessary breaks, prioritize self-care, and find your own path to unwinding after hours of coding.
Your mind, body, and code will thank you!
Weekend Reads
Event-Driven Architecture Using Serverless Technologies: 101 Guide to Event Driven Architecture and Serverless Computing
Daily Standups May Not Improve Your Team’s Agility: Sometimes it is useful to re-think following a tradition.
Think the Tech Bubble Is Bursting? Not in America’s Second Cities: It is not doom everywhere. There are always fountains of hope in places you least expect