In the world of software programming and coding, there’s a lot of thinking, there’s a lot of sitting and staring, and there’s lots and lots of typing. Most of these activities involve a lot of creative energy expenditure, but not a whole lot of physical movement. And that simple statement can lead you to wonder about productivity, with respect to software engineering and design, and nutrition and energy.
There are tons of obvious connections between physical health and circumstances and more physically-oriented jobs, but what about people in the computer industry? Consider things like energy spikes and dips, posture and productivity, sunlight and computer monitors, movement and stasis, and even muscle cramps with association to error correction. There’s a lot of connections to make there!
Using Energy Spikes and Dips
Lots of coders and programmers are big on caffeine because it helps them regulate the amount of energy that they have to do a job. It’s sometimes difficult to be awake and aware for long stretches of time, so coffee and energy drinks power that boost of thought productivity that push you over a hump of frustration. However, you also have to deal with withdrawals if that becomes too much of a habit, and then there are other consequences that you’ll deal with later. Balance is going to be a big key with caffeine, especially if the dreaded headaches start affecting work flow.
Posture and Productivity
And it’s hard to overestimate the importance of good posture when sitting at a computer as well. The monitor, keyboard and mouse have to be at the right levels and in the right places, and you have to have the right basic posture as well. If any of the physical characteristics are too for off of optimum, your work is going to suffer, and that will directly translate to bad workflow or even bad coding processes!
Sunlight and Computer Monitors
It’s not really feasible to work on a computer outside in the sun (talk about overheating!), but it’s not mentally or physically healthy for programmers and coders to spend too much of their time in front of monitors. It affects sleeping patterns, vitamin production, and even just a sense of well-being. So even if you’re a hard-core coder, take breaks regularly and get away from the glowing screen to get some fresh air and sunlight!
Movement and Stasis
There are various thoughts about sitting and standing at your coding desk as well, but eventually people seem to come to the conclusion that it’s less about what you do when you’re not moving much, and more about the fact that you should shift, walk, adjust, change your arrangement, or stretch far more often than originally thought. It’s movement that’s the key to a healthier mind and body.
Muscle Cramps and Error Correction
And think about how obnoxious it is to get muscle cramps in your hands and fingers from typing too much! That will truly and honestly affect any programmer’s or typist’s workflow, so even doing hard stretches during your breaks will improve your overall output.
