Ariya said:
I follow a forced focus/break method like Pomodoro. Staying focused for long stretches can be tough. Frequent short breaks help me avoid burnout by checking my overthinking.
+1
Sometimes stepping back from the code helps you see the solution you’ve been missing. Pomodoro works well for this throughout the day.
I find motivation in seeing the success of others doing what I should be doing.
I remember that I might get fired if I don’t do my job.
That usually motivates me.
I waste time on Twitter.
Kai said:
I waste time on Twitter.
But seriously, if you’re not feeling productive, don’t force it. Go for a walk, play some Mario Kart for 20 minutes, or do something else while half-thinking about the problem. Come back ready to solve it.
To-do lists usually work for me. Make a list of high-level goals, then break down one goal into smaller tasks. Repeat until you find something small you can accomplish easily. Once done, tackle the next task. Don’t be afraid to toss the to-do list if you need to. It’s for finding what needs to be done.
Why do you think I’m reading this?
But ideally, step away from the computer, take a walk, do some chores. Think about the problem from new angles. Find motivation, like sending out invoices.
All these tips don’t really help after years of programming.
Reading is such an underrated hobby. I think it’s just as good as watching TV or a movie, and I enjoy it much more. I wish discussing books was as common as chatting about shows or movies.
Wolf said:
Reading is such an underrated hobby. I think it’s just as good as watching TV or a movie, and I enjoy it much more. I wish discussing books was as common as chatting about shows or movies.
Totally! People should be open to reading for entertainment.
I make a plan and prioritize my tasks.
First, I take a break away from screens; even casual screen time doesn’t let your brain rest.
Then, I go outside for a walk or exercise. Spending time with friends is also refreshing. Just do something real.
Later, I make tea, grab a snack, and then get back to work.
I added VSCode-pets and play with them so it looks like I’m coding if anyone looks over my shoulder, while really, I’m just playing with the pets.
It’s important to get away from screens regularly. Being in sunlight has many benefits. If you can walk barefoot on the ground, do that.
Don’t watch YouTube while you work (trust me). Listening to music without words works better for me.
Go for a walk or do some light exercises like push-ups or use dumbbells, then take a refreshing shower.
Sleep, walk, shop, eat.
Coding is mostly thinking or jotting down ideas.
I read documentation.
Code something else that’s more enjoyable.
A small snack, a quick walk, then a brief nap usually gets me through the day unless I’m facing a big existential crisis.
I probably play some sports or listen to music. Otherwise, my mind races with thoughts about work.
I read documentation, check out other code, and work on other skills.
Poetry, drink water, and take a shower.