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Taking Care of Your Mental Health as a Software Developer 🧠

Alex Hyett on May 14, 2023

Next week is Mental Health Awareness Week, so I thought I would take this opportunity to talk about our mental health. Software development is mos...
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Anthony Fung

Great write-up, Alex.

I'd also agree that taking a break from your desk for lunch is essential. For a short time, I used to work near a chapel where they'd have free music recitals once a week. Some were better than others, but it was nice to just disconnect from work for a while.

At other places I've worked, I would often just walk around the block, or go with friends to the shops where they'd buy their lunch (even though I already had my own).

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Alex Hyett

That sounds like a great way to spend your lunch break.

One of the worst places I worked was in a big office building in the middle of nowhere off of a busy main road. I used to walk around the building as it was the only option.

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Anthony Fung

I know what you mean - you end up not know if the walk is actually doing you worse from inhaling fumes from lots of traffic.

Another thing I forgot to mention for mental health is slow/deep breathing exercises - they can help to build up resilience against stress too.

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Vyacheslav Chub

Alex, thank you for your article. This topic is super important because developers with mental health issues could cause software with software health issues (it's more than bugs, btw). I mean hidden logical mistakes and messy ideas implementation.

Let me add one additional factor that involves developers' mental health drastically. The fact that every software is a child of two parents. The first is a team of developers or a developer, and the second is a customer. That's why I'm so skeptical regarding the paradigm when the customer looks like a spectator. Moreover, if the customer neglects the developer's work when the customer doesn't want to collaborate with the developers' team, then it also causes the developer's mental health.

As a result, an exhausted developer will:

  • Staying inactive
  • Increasing screen time
  • Has issues with sleeping
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isolderea

Really nice article.
Will try to follow along with some of the suggested actions.
I also try to watch and post some videos to help with my menthal health

youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNQq42p...

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Scott Rallya

Fantastic advice, and absolutely true. The consequences of not taking care of your mental health can be severe. I encourage everyone to have a proper mental health care regiment. Activities like writing, mindfulness meditation, creative pursuits like drawing, listening to music, exercise, and healthy eating are all great ways of improving and enhancing one's overall mental health. Ask if your company has a mental health day policy, and if you need one, don't be afraid to ask to take a day off to recover and recuperate. Neglecting one's mental health can have long term consequences, and recovering from poor mental health can be a long and slow process. Never take your mental health for granted.

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Alex Hyett

Yes that is very good point about the mental health day policies. Although sometimes a day is not enough!

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Jessica williams

Very nice article Alex,

Taking care of your mental health as a software developer is essential for maintaining overall well-being and ensuring long-term success in your career.

Finally someone thought of this as well, keep write article like this.

God Bless You!

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Alex Hyett

Thank you Jessica!

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Sheriff S

Hi Alex! I came across your article on taking care of mental health as a software developer, and I have to say it's one of the best resources I've found on this topic. Your insights and tips are incredibly valuable, and I appreciate the emphasis you've placed on self-care and well-being in a demanding field like software development. Your article resonated with me deeply, and it's refreshing to see someone addressing the importance of mental health in our industry. Thank you for shedding light on this crucial aspect and providing practical strategies to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Your content truly makes a positive impact on aspiring developers like me. Keep up the great work, and I look forward to reading more of your insightful articles!

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Luigi Pesce

Great post, indeed, thanks for sharing
I agree that "walk" is one of the best actions to stay healthy during the day.
I also follow the "pomodoro technique", taking pauses every 25 minutes; it helps me to stay focused and lower the pressure

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Natali

Great Alex, thank you for your words

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pookiepats

Walking and stretching, so simply and effective; 1 hour a day has turned my energy levels around!

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Alex Hyett

That's awesome. I definitely need to do more stretching. Especially now that I am the wrong side of 30.

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pookiepats

lol mannn i'm right behind you.

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Anja

Awesome read! Also the quote do the weirdest thing that feels right is inspiring 💡😊

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Bora Karaca

Really enjoyed reading this. It's really important to give your mind and body a rest after sitting in front of a screen for so long. Exercise does this for me.

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BeingOptimist

Thank you for your information