I've been deep into coding since I was 18, and now at 25, it's been a constant grind of side projects and late-night coding marathons. I'm pretty much glued to my chair all day at my 9-to-5, only to spend another 4-5 hours on my laptop afterward. My weekends? They can stretch to 14-16 hours in front of a screen. The downside? I wake up with numb hands and random muscle aches, and I've even had to take meds for digestion issues. I realize this lifestyle isn't healthy, but I can't seem to break the cycle. I'm seeking advice or gear suggestions on how to improve my physical health. Any thoughts? Sharing is caring!
5 Answers
Exercise is non-negotiable! I go to the gym regularly and try to get up every hour to stretch or do light movements. It’s been a game-changer for my mental and physical well-being. And honestly, try different activities until you find something you enjoy—like rock climbing or team sports. They can keep you motivated and accountable while getting you off that chair!
One of the best things you can do is get up and move around! I recommend going for a walk every day—even just around your office or home. I got a SmartDesk 5 that lets me switch between sitting and standing with a button. Trust me, when you break up those long hours of sitting, it makes a huge difference in your overall health. You might think those late-night coding sessions are essential, but they won’t matter if your health deteriorates!
I know someone who uses a treadmill desk and codes while walking—sounds like a fun way to stay active!
You really gotta ask yourself whether you're living to work or working to live. Sometimes people just enjoy coding, but if it's taking a toll on your physical health, you need to prioritize better. Start scheduling exercise in your week—at least 3-4 times a week. You’re still young, so it’s the perfect time to change your habits without making drastic life changes.
For real! I also find that balancing work with personal time has helped me advance my career.
Compromise is key here. Decide whether you're okay with sacrificing your health for more dev time. Building a healthier routine is possible, and it doesn't mean giving up coding. Just start by forming small habits—like taking a short walk every lunch break or doing quick exercises between coding sessions. It’ll lead to bigger changes over time!
Honestly, the answer is pretty straightforward. You need to cut back on your screen and work time significantly, then start incorporating exercise into your routine. Set fixed days for workouts and treat them as non-negotiable appointments. Even simple things like walking can work wonders to balance out all that sitting you do. Don’t stress about how intense it needs to be—just start moving!
Going outside or finding an active hobby really helps too, even just walking my dog makes a difference!