The Non-Tech Side: Balancing Code with Real Life, Self-Care, and Mental Wellbeing
Once upon a time, in my dimly lit room, amidst the thick of my coding marathons, I came to a profound realization. The most intricate and complex code I've ever written wasn't on my screen—it was in my daily life.
Hello, fellow code enthusiasts, long time, no write, but hey! I'm back, and today I'll share a piece of my non-tech life. A life where the variables aren't just in JavaScript but are the everyday challenges, and where the loops aren't only in Python but the routines that can sometimes trap us.
Early on in my coding journey, I found myself caught in an endless while(true) loop. The thrill of solving problems, building things from scratch, and seeing my ideas come to life digitally was electrifying. Hours turned into days, days into nights, and nights back into days, and just like an infinite loop, it started consuming my resources—my energy, my sleep, my social connections, and generally my mental well-being. The signs of burnout began appearing, but I brushed them aside, thinking, “One more line of code, one more bug to squash, and you'll be world-class.” This was my motivational wake-up call. But the underlying question here is, "Can you really be world-class without the balance?"
One day, amidst this coding frenzy, I faced a system crash. Not on my computer, but within myself. Fatigue draped over me, irritability became my default setting, and the passion that once fueled my late-night coding sessions started dwindling. More alarmingly, I found myself grappling with overwhelming feelings of isolation, stress, and a mental fog that wouldn't lift. Relationships suffered, family bonds were strained, and the weight of unspoken emotions bore heavily on my heart.
It dawned on me that this wasn't merely about finding a work-life balance but understanding the profound connection between my mental health and overall well-being. It was time for some essential debugging on myself.
Bringing in the Non-Tech Algorithms
The quest for balance led me to rediscover passions and hobbies that had been eclipsed by lines of code. I started implementing some non-tech algorithms:
The Pomodoro Technique: Instead of marathon coding sessions, I started coding in intervals. 25 minutes of focused coding followed by a 5-minute break This kept my mind fresh and less prone to silly mistakes and burnout.
Digital Detox Sundays: On most Sundays, I stepped back from all screens. No emails, no social media, just real-world experiences. Embracing the outdoors became my new reset button—I ventured into exploring the vibrant art scenes in my city (Abuja, Nigeria). Every visit to an art gallery was like a journey into diverse minds and cultures, reminding me of the vast tapestry of human creativity beyond the digital domain. Recreational centers offered another escape, a place where I could just be, soaking in the ambiance and momentarily detaching from the digital world.
I also unearthed a newfound love for content creation. Making videos became not just a hobby but an expression of my identity, a medium through which I could narrate stories, share insights, and connect with a wider audience. This creative outlet became a refreshing break from my usual routine.
Books became my silent companions. Diving into a good book offered an escape, transporting me to different worlds, times, and perspectives. And then there was music, the universal language. Every note and rhythm resonated with my emotions, offering comfort, energizing me, or simply letting me drift into a world of melodies.
Exercise Routines: Physical activity started becoming my daily “code review” session. I signed up for the gym. This sort of became my safe space where I could think, de-stress, and come back to my desk with renewed energy.
The Output: A Balanced Life
Incorporating these practices not only made me a better developer but also a more fulfilled individual. The importance of nourishing the soul became crystal clear to me, and then, away from the computer, I found peace in the simple act of just being me.
In essence, while writing codes formed a significant part of my life, it's these moments of simplicity, passion, and connection that bring me true fulfillment. Software development might be my profession, but living fully is my life's main directive.
So, to all the coders out there, while you care for your code, don't forget to care for yourself. And remember, while coding can build amazing things in the digital world, it's the non-tech side that crafts the experiences in the real one.
Happy coding and happier living!