Software engineering is one of the most mentally exhausting jobs on the planet. People working on these projects are forced to use their brains every single moment while also having to deal with tight deadlines. Companies take advantage of the fact that they pay their software engineers high salaries, often treating them as modern-day slaves.
“These experts often suffer burnout and even mental breakdowns,” according to Belleisle, online psychotherapy services in Ontario. “According to one recent survey, 15% of software experts suffer from a mental ailment.” To make matters worse, many of them aren’t even aware of their issues because they’re so immersed in work.
Unfortunately, the issue isn’t talked about enough in the programming community. This is why we want to draw attention to this enormous problem and offer a few suggestions that would help improve your mental state.
Tackle the Imposter Syndrome
Imposter syndrome is a common issue software engineers have that causes all these issues. Basically, you “persuade” yourself that you don’t have the necessary qualifications or skills to perform a job you’re given. You start thinking that you’re inferior to your peers and that you don’t deserve everything you have.
The reason why this issue is so common among developers is that their job changes all the time. Software engineers tackle all sorts of projects related to different industries, which is why they often think their solutions could’ve been better.
So, what do you need to do in these situations? The best way to escape the self-damaging loop is to have a diary and mark all your achievements. Here are a few other things you can do, as well:
- Introduce stress-relieving activities and sports into your life.
- Whenever you do good at work, get yourself little something.
- Keep in mind that the profession requires a lot of sacrifice and flexibility and that your peers are going through the same things as you do.
- Be aware of the tricks your mind is playing on you, and look at things around you objectively.
If you start thinking that you’re spinning wheels, take a moment to revise everything you’ve done in the last few months or year. Go through all the past projects and analyze the knowledge you’ve accrued.
Prioritize Your Body and Health
No matter what you’re doing in life, you should always put yourself first. Having access to all these opportunities often gets into people’s heads, and they unknowingly start this endless rat race. While buying a new house and achieving other financial goals is all well and nice, you still have to consider the impact on your body.
Whenever you feel blue or exhausted, ask your boss for free days. Don’t worry that you’ll be fired; it usually doesn’t pay off for companies to have a significant employee turnover. Once you go past year 35, start with regular doctors checkups (especially important for hereditary conditions).
Most importantly, remember to use all this money you’re getting to prolong your life and increase its quality.
Learn to Say “No”
Many programmers grew up as obedient kids who have done everything right in their lives. While this helps them finish school and land good jobs, it can cause all sorts of issues during interpersonal relationships. Their bosses often take advantage of this fact, forcing them to work long hours and take on hard tasks.
If you wish to preserve your sanity, you need to learn how to say “No” to your boss and also other people surrounding you. Although you should be a hard worker and a team player, there’s a thin line between playing ball and being used by your colleagues and managers.
Take Breaks
Developers require immense mental acuity and focus to perform the most basic tasks. Like professional athletes, they have to be at the top of their game at all times. Unfortunately, as the daily frustration with bugs and other errors sets in, you start making bigger and bigger blunders, which helps no one.
Taking breaks is an essential part of your self-care cycle. In the end, all these software companies have lounges and cafeterias for a reason. If you have that option, you should also consider taking a short walk during your work breaks.
Taking breaks might be even more important after work. Many software engineers bring their work back home. Even when you have a week off, you keep on obsessing about the latest project. The best way to avoid this vicious cycle is by organizing fun activities with your friends and family, and escaping this damaging cycle.
Mind Your Diet
Software developers are a group of people that have one of the worst diets out of all the professionals. Energy drinks and high caffeine intake have been normalized in this industry as a way of helping programmers keep up with their deadliness.
And while that boost of sugar and caffeine might increase your productivity temporarily, it takes an enormous toll on your body and mind over time. Specifically, caffeine acts as an A1 receptor blocker, which allows you to stay awake for a longer time. This might help you keep up with work, but sleep deprivation will eventually affect your biological clock and mental well-being.
What’s worse, you develop a higher and higher tolerance to these drinks over time. Instead of one coffee a day, you’ll start drinking three, which puts enormous strain on your heart. Other potential issues include diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
Last Thoughts
Software developers are at the forefront of innovation. When we talk about high-tech nowadays, we usually refer to various apps that make our lives much easier. Unfortunately, many people aren’t aware of the issues programmers go through to conceive such game-breaking products.
As a software developer, you must be aware of your limitations. No matter how rewarding your work might be, you should place more emphasis on your health and personal life. Learn when to say no, and find a company that will respect you as a human being.
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