Most engineers are careful about technical debt, but surprisingly careless about physical debt.
We’ll refactor a function before it becomes unmaintainable, yet ignore posture, movement, and discomfort until pain forces us to stop.
The problem is that physical strain compounds quietly. Poor posture, static sitting, and repetitive movements don’t hurt much at first. Then one day they do, and by that point, the fix is no longer simple. Chronic pain affects focus, energy, and patience in ways that directly impact your work.
Good ergonomics aren’t about buying the most expensive chair or desk. They’re about neutral posture, proper screen height, relaxed shoulders, and frequent movement. Standing up, stretching, or walking for a few minutes every hour does more than most gear upgrades ever will.
There’s also a mental aspect. Discomfort drains attention. When your body is tense or in pain, problem-solving becomes harder and mistakes become more likely.
Taking care of your body is not separate from being a good engineer, it’s part of sustaining a long, effective career.
You can write great software for decades, but only if you’re physically able to show up and do the work.
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