Why is rest so important in a developer's lifestyle?

Do you take a break because you're out of energy?

Or do you do it intentionally as part of a healthy lifestyle?

Long hours spent in front of the computer can be tempting, and sometimes necessary for demanding projects. Many programmers treat programming as their hobby and enjoy spending their free time doing it. However, free time and rest are essential to stimulate creativity and find new solutions.

What happens when there is no time for rest?

Lack of work-life balance can cause burnout, even among programmers by vocation. It is a state of work-related physical, emotional and mental exhaustion. The IT workforce is one of the hardest hit and it's important to take steps to avoid it.

According to Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith, an experienced physician, researcher and speaker from the US, there are 7 types of rest. Physical, mental, sensory, creative, emotional, social and spiritual rest are necessary to recharge our batteries. 

In this article, we focus on 5 steps that are particularly important when working with code. Take a deep breath and read along 😊

Step One: Physical Rest

Sleep is rest for the body, but that's not the only reason it's important. It also helps us consolidate knowledge, embrace creativity, and regulate our emotions. Make sure you get at least 8 hours of sleep a night to keep yourself healthy and at best mental state.

Extra points for: Physical activity such as stretching or yoga

Read more about why sleeping is so important for developers in our previous blog post.

Step Two: Mental Rest

When we are under the influence of the hustle culture, it feels like we have to be productive all the time. But in reality, our mind stays in shape when we give it a break. Find time to do things just for fun that don't require too much concentration.

Extra points for: Reading books unrelated to work, taking a walk, meditating

Step Three: Sensory Rest

Maybe you already know the feeling of overstimulation, when your body can’t process any more information from the outside. To prevent this, calm your senses and unplug from time to time. Stop scrolling. Try to take a break from stimuli like screens, lights, or noise.

Extra points for: Spending time in nature, digital detox, mindfulness

Step Four: Emotional Rest

Workplace stress, toxic environments, and micromanagement are things that take a toll on you emotionally. At their worst, they can lead to burnout, depression, and other health problems. Check your emotional state regularly and try to improve the draining factors. Spend time with close friends and family, and don't hesitate to ask for help when you need it.

Extra points for: Spending quality time alone, journaling, attending therapy sessions

Step Five: Creative Rest

This means developing your creativity, which is related to each of the steps above. You can find a new hobby that helps you get away from work or use tools you already know.

In the Stack Overflow 2022 Developer Survey, nearly 80% of developers said that their employer gives them time to learn new skills. Despite this, many developers still code after work, treating it as a hobby.

Extra points for: Making art, trying something new, daydreaming

5 more tips for better work-life balance

• To reduce stress, use relaxation training. Breathing exercises, body scanning and Jacobson's relaxation technique are some examples to start with.
• Maintain healthy sleep hygiene for better physical rest. Set regular bedtime and wake-up times, and avoid caffeine and blue light in the evening. Relaxing before bed will also help you get a good night's sleep.
• If you feel mentally overloaded, do a digital detox to cut out unnecessary noise.
• Try to make a clear distinction between work and home. Do it in terms of location (e.g. a dedicated office) and time (clear working hours) - to stop feeling like you're working 24/7.
• Treat rest with intention. Don't just take a break when you don't have the energy to do other things - plan it into your schedule

Conclusion

Hopefully, you now have a better understanding of how to take a break to boost your creativity and energy. If you are interested in learning more about developer wellness, check out our other blog posts.

FAQ

Why is rest important for developers?

Rest is essential for developers to maintain creativity, focus, and overall well-being. Without adequate rest, developers risk burnout and decreased productivity. Intentional rest helps recharge both the mind and body, leading to better performance and job satisfaction.

What are the five types of rest recommended for developers?

The five types of rest are:

• Physical Rest - Adequate sleep and physical activities like stretching or yoga.
• Mental Rest - Engaging in activities that don't require intense concentration, such as reading or walking.
• Sensory Rest -Taking breaks from screens and noise to reduce overstimulation.
• Emotional Rest - Addressing workplace stress and spending time with loved ones to recharge emotionally.
• Creative Rest - Exploring new hobbies or creative outlets to stimulate innovation.

How can I incorporate these rest types into my daily routine?

Start by setting boundaries between work and personal time, ensuring you have dedicated periods for rest. Engage in activities that promote each type of rest, such as practicing mindfulness for sensory rest or journaling for emotional rest. Consistency is key to reaping the benefits of intentional rest.

Disclaimer: All content on this platform is provided for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.