Programming Benefits of programming outside



image (c) Steven Duerinckx – image (c) Steven Duerinckx – www.darkink.be

Developing quality software requires a lot of mental effort. The concept could be difficult to grasp for people outside the field, those who associate work with physical labour — movement, assembly, typing up reports. Though when it comes to writing software, a bulk of effort goes into thought. So much in the same way how one needs to take a break after lifting heavy boxes, it’s also a good idea to give one’s mind a break after a mental workout.

Personally, I like to go outside for short walks.

While distracting yourself with reddit takes one’s mind off actual work just the same, there are a number of additional benefits to going outside:

Get some fresh air — the brain is very sensitive to the levels of oxygen. Assuming that the quality of air is actually better outside, it is very refreshing to recharge with a fresh supply. Reduce eye stress — walking away from your screen reduces the stress on your eyes. Preventing the buildup of stress on the eyes is very important for their maintenance. Refresh the mind — when stuck at a problem, going outside puts things into a new perspective, one away from all the lines of code. Sometimes I come up with new ideas to try, but more often I just let my mind drift and sort itself out, in a zen line state.

During one of my work terms, even as a student, I have gotten a few senior developers to regularly join me for coffee breaks across the street from the office. It was a much needed opportunity for the mind to take a break from the programming and refresh itself in the afternoon, so the idea quickly caught on. As an added bonus, we were keeping up with each other’s progress much better than the weekly meetings ever could facilitate.

What do others do to keep their mind from burning out after long programming sessions? Leave a comment!

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