As developers, we often dedicate countless hours to honing our skills and building successful careers. However, it's crucial to remember that our physical health is just as important. Neglecting our bodies can lead to serious consequences, as my friend recently discovered.
David
For the purpose of this post, let's call him David.
Yesterday, David, a highly motivated and successful programmer who has been a mentor to me, called complaining of chest pain and a lack of energy. We decided he should go to the clinic for a checkup.
You see the funny thing about this guy is that despite his impressive achievements as a developer, he had always been neglecting his physical health. His typical day consisted of waking up, eating breakfast, showering, and then spending the entire day sitting at his desk with his laptop.
No matter how I had cajoled him, David had refused to workout. Before relocating, I had made him join a gym and we went together a few times. He paid for two months subscription. However, after I relocated, he stopped going. Whenever I bring up the topic of exercise, he claims to lack motivation and cites his busy work schedule as an excuse.
I haven't met anyone as passionate as David when it comes to programming. All he talks about is how programmers are real-life superheroes. I love our discussions as he inspires me to think crazy and big, but I dislike the fact that he neglects his physical well-being.
While David's dedication to his work is inspirational, it's essential to strike a balance between work and personal well-being. One of the greatest benefits of being a programmer is the flexibility of working from home, or anywhere so long as we have access to our laptops and internet connection but this can also lead to a sedentary lifestyle.
By incorporating regular exercise into your routine, you can significantly improve your overall health and well-being. Exercise boosts energy levels, enhances focus, and supports better mental health. It can also help prevent chronic diseases and improve your quality of life.
Specific Benefits for Developers:
Improved Cognitive Function: Regular exercise has been shown to enhance cognitive function, including memory, problem-solving, and creativity. This is especially important as we rely on our mental abilities for our work.
Reduced Stress: Exercise is a natural stress reliever. By engaging in physical activity, you can help reduce stress and anxiety, which can improve your overall mood and productivity.
Increased Focus and Concentration: Regular exercise can improve your ability to focus and concentrate on tasks. This is essential as we often need to work on complex projects that require sustained attention.
Additional Resources:
Workout Routines: Check out online resources for workout routines tailored to our needs and schedules as developers. Websites like Nike Training Club and Peloton offer a variety of workouts, including strength training, cardio, and yoga.
Healthy Recipes: Fuel your body with nutritious food by exploring healthy recipe ideas. Websites like Pinterest and Cookpad offer a wide range of healthy meal options.
Fitness Apps: Use fitness apps to track your progress, set goals, and find workout motivation. Popular options include Strava, Fitbit, and MyFitnessPal.
The key to successful habit formation is consistency. Start small and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts. Find activities that you enjoy and make them a regular part of your routine.
I've never heard David sound as scared as he did yesterday when he returned from the clinic. He was diagnosed as being significantly overweight for his height, weighing in at 95kg.
David's recent health scare serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of a sedentary lifestyle. His diagnosis of being overweight highlighted the importance of taking care of our physical health, as developers.
He has vowed to renew his gym membership and prioritize his health and fitness henceforth.
Please take a proactive approach to your health. Don't wait until it's too late. Dedicate some time each day to physical activities. Whether it's a brisk walk, a yoga session, or a workout at the gym, find an exercise routine that you enjoy and can stick to. Your body and mind will thank you.
Remember: A healthy body is a happy body. By prioritizing your physical well-being, you'll not only improve your overall quality of life but also enhance your productivity and success as a developer.
Happy coding ❤️
credit: Cover Photo by Gabriel Alenius on Unsplash
Top comments (1)
I love hiking and trail running. At my last job, I had a couple coworkers with a mini treadmill they'd use during Zoom meetings, and others regularly walked around our building next to the Terre Verde golf course in Scottsdale. Even walking has health benefits.
Mainly, I run a few days a week, and do stretching/core weekdays. Fitness is like coding, the key is consistency and recovery. Another part of my staying healthy is emotional health, and adapting diet and exercise to stay in a healthy range. When coworkers would ask how I was doing, I'd often say I went running today so I feel great! One said that was due to endorphins. Sounds legit. I'm still working on the successful developer part, tho.