If you checked my profile recently, you probably noticed my page has been completely quiet since March 12th. No project updates, no new posts, and zero commits.
To be completely honest, I hit a wall.
I was burning out. Balancing my university studies with endless personal projects and trying to keep up with new tools finally caught up to me. The pressure of school assignments and exams, on top of coding in my free time, became too much to handle. My brain felt like a browser with fifty tabs open, and I could not figure out which one to close.
So, I did something that used to scare me: I stepped away completely.
First, I shifted my full focus to my studies. I needed to make sure I was staying on track with school without the extra pressure of creating content or building side projects.
Then, once school allowed for it, I packed my bags and went on a much needed holiday. For the first time in a very long time, I closed my laptop and left it behind. I decided to stop worrying about code, stop checking tech news, and just rest.
What Happened When I Stopped Coding
At first, taking time off felt a bit strange. It is easy to feel like you are falling behind when you are not constantly building.
But after a few days of good food, actual rest, and exploring new places on my holiday, something amazing happened. My mind cleared up. I spent my trip talking to new people, enjoying the view, and letting my brain breathe.
Without forcing it, my creative spark came back. I started noticing simple everyday problems and thinking of fun ways to solve them. I was not thinking about coding out of pressure anymore. I was thinking about it because I genuinely missed it.
Why Breaks Are Essential
We talk a lot in tech about consistency and working hard, but we rarely talk about the importance of powering down.
Taking a break is not a sign of giving up. Just like a system needs downtime for updates, your brain needs rest to operate at its best. Stepping away to focus on school and enjoy a holiday gave me perspective, fresh inspiration and ideas.
I Am Back!
I am refreshed, full of new ideas, and ready to write and build again.
If you are currently feeling tired, stuck, or overwhelmed by your studies and work, this is your sign to take a breath. Step away for a bit, go on a walk, or take that holiday you have been putting off. The code will still be here when you get back.
It is great to be back!
Top comments (2)
Welcome back Maame! I was wondering where you have been all this time! As @dannwaneri mention, a LOT has happened on this platform and a lot of changes happened overtime as you already know.
A lot new people join the community and few returning. People come and go, but glad you are still with us!
Let me be the first to say this. Welcome back, Maame. The community has changed a lot since you were last here.
March 12th to now is a real stretch to step fully away for. My year went the other way, I kept building through the low points instead of stopping.
I do not think either choice is more right. What made you trust that stepping away would help more than pushing through would have??