Mental Wellness in Tech

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HOW TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR MENTAL HEALTH AS A SOFTWARE DEVELOPER

Probably about 80 percent of software developers have faced burnout at one time. Let's be honest with each other, this is real. Imposter syndrome is one of the catalyst that propagates burnout that leads to unproductivity, if not carefully addressed leads to undone projects and sometimes depression. There are times I would go for weeks without coding, I knew I was supposed to
be doing something, but was unbothered- unmoved.

 Like a virus this can affect different areas of our lives. Personally it lead to procrastination, doubt about my skillset, the road ahead was blurry, things were really tuff. Until one day I came to an awareness about what was happening. Mental Health in general is one of the complex issues that needs attention. When one is sound, they are productive, creative, innovative, work without being supervised. Although this blog post address software developers, it can also be used as reference for other careers too.

TAKE A BREAK YOU NEED THAT. 

Too much of something is poisonous; now before you crucify me on this hear me out. How much time do you spend working on projects ? When you get glued for long hours maybe debugging, or testing and implementing new features which seem not to be working out, you'd probably run of energy. Now the problem comes in when you continue to do that hoping you achieve your goals. Most of the time little is achieved, you will probably increase your frustrations. This in turns leads to a thinking pattern which leads to burnout. When you become aware of your own patterns and begin to change by actually listening to what your body is saying; is the beginning of overcoming burnout and self mastery. This is what I'd do when faced with onset of burnout: 
  1.  Do some workouts.
  2.  Go out and treat myself i.e buy food or watch a movie
  3.  Socialize with friends
  4.  Read a book or listen to a podcast
  5. Go hiking and spend time with Nature.
  6. Call a friend or family.
  7. meditation
NOTE: you can do what best works out for you or add this to your list.


EVERYTHING TAKES TIME (MASTERY)

Slow down and take it easy. Little actions compile to big and cemented outcomes with time and thereafter comes mastery. Understanding this simple Truth is the doorway to improved learning, acceptance, and growth. Unlike any other craft software development isn't different. Keep on building ,same time celebrate your progress and small wins. Where you were once when you started out is not where you are NOW. It's okay not to know everything after all there much to be known.

BUILD ON YOUR HOBBIES TOO.

Being a software developer shouldn't rob you of your hobbies. Remember to keep a healthy mindset, you should have a balance between work and your life. I find myself attending to my skills in music, swimming and even hiking. I love music and poetry so when am not working this is what I do. Someone once said that if we are scrapped off of our jobs and titles then who will we be? He surely was exposing us to the awareness of building on ourselves .

MENTOR SOMEONE AND GIVE BACK TO COMMUNITY.

I think so far this has been the best therapy. Where else to start than the community? When you take it to yourself to mentor someone be it in your domain or other field a shift happens. It gives you a sense of fulfillment and purpose which is good for your mental health. Besides spending time on developing software have time to give talks or blog about your experiences . Take time to invest in someone today.

READ A LOT ESPECIALLY BOOKS ON MENTAL WELLNESS

Invest in yourself by reading articles and books. Away from the screens and lines of code. You'd be surprised of what you are capable of by tapping into your core. By reaching here I hope you change your life by keeping a positive mindset.

 


"before you dream, live"- h.k

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