A programmer's guide to living a healthy, active, and safe lifestyle

"Sometimes it's better to leave something alone, to pause, and that's very true of programming."

Software developers spend their time developing software that users can use to perform tasks on their phones, tablets, or other smart devices.

When most people think of software, they think of computers, but software is used in more than just devices around us, or even laptops and phones.

The most part of this programming entails sitting in front of computers for long periods of time, writing code. So it's a good idea to make time for exercise and find some great tools to help keep you healthy, safe, and fit.

According to studies, people who exercise are more productive in their jobs than those who do not. Extracurricular activities away from your workplace help to reboot your mind, making room for new ideas to emerge.

This is a list of the things I do to keep myself healthy and safe in both mind and body.

Everyday walk

Exercise was not something I enjoyed doing. Mostly because I wasn't the type of person who spent her entire day indoors. In my previous job, I would leave the house in the morning and return home exhausted in the evening. My body was fatigued from all of the outdoor activities I had participated in. Then, in November 2019, I decided to start coding. After about a month of sitting at my desk for long hours, especially because I was so determined to finish my freecodecamp course, I began to feel tired in my body.

It was a different kind of exhaustion. Not the one I'd been experiencing after a long day’s work. No, not at all. This one was my body's request for something other than rest. So I got up early one morning, put on my sports shoes, and went for a walk around the neighborhood before returning to my normal routine. I didn't feel weary at the end of my four-hour session of sitting and writing code.

So I drank a cup of tea, took an hour off, and continued coding for a few more hours before calling it a day. for the very first time since I began coding I was still worn out, yes, but it wasn't as exhausting as usual. That slight difference was how my morning walking routine began. It started with 20 minutes, then 30 minutes, then an hour, and finally I settled on steps. especially since the exercise app I was using worked well with this option.

I'm thinking at some point when youre writing a code a bug must have annoyed you so much you almost lost it trying to find it. I have had those days personally. Screaming at my screen and my roommate giving me the side eye thinking nerd gone mad.

Walking helps in keeping your heart rate, and blood pressure levels improved.

Walking first thing in the morning will also help you clear your mind. A breath of fresh air in the morning is all you need to improve your mental health.

Invest in a good pair of glasses.

I had to learn this the hard way. My eyes began to tear for no apparent reason one week into my programming journey. At first, I assumed it was because it wasn’t a habit to look at my screen for long periods of time, so I assumed my eyes would adjust. They never did. I had to see an optician, who advised me on the best non-lens glasses to wear while working on my laptop.

Computer glasses may or may not have lenses. Personally, I preferred ones without them because I don't have any vision problem. The anti-reflective coating prevents light arrays from entering the lens from the front and back. So you can work on that awesome software for as many hours as you need without fear of losing your sight.

A suitable work table, chair, and space

A good working environment will give you a good working spirit. When your surroundings are unpleasant, your work appears to be more difficult than it is. Make an effort to create a dedicated work space in your home. This will also help you to disconnect from the computer when you're not working. Some people code while standing, while others code while sitting. Purchase furniture that will not cause you to strain your back while at work. Long periods of sitting or standing, among other things, are known to cause poor blood circulation, back pains, and excess fat around the waist.

So, when programming those computer languages, make sure you create a comfortable environment for your body.

Rest and take breaks as needed.

If you're a self-taught developer working from home like me, you know how easy it is to get carried away with work. Working without the structure of the 9-5, it's easy to keep going without realizing how long you've been working without a break.

It doesn't help if you're trying to meet a deadline and a bug won't leave your code alone. As a result, you exhaust your body by working long hours. Make a note of your schedule and keep it somewhere open where you'll see and remember it all the time. Keep in mind that out of sight, out of mind. However, if you stick it on a wall or on your desktop where it will be visible to your eyes, it will be difficult to forget to adhere to your timetable.

Be faithful to your body and give it breaks at the scheduled hours. Make certain that you get enough rest. Sleep is restorative. Blood pressure fluctuations, heart rate, and breathing rate are all important factors in cardiovascular health. The mind relaxes and catches up on the day's activities, allowing for good focus throughout the day.

Exercise and coding have some similarities. That is to say, they are practices that necessitate your patience. Every time you take on a new challenge, your endurance is put to the test. Challenging yourself to your full potential is a trait that one learns to appreciate.

When I first joined Freecodecamp, I saw the first Javascript problem to solve. I switched to HTML right away. Writing "Hello World" didn't seem quite as difficult as declaring variables, but I accepted the challenge as I went along and eventually got the hang of it.

Remember to always treat your body with respect because it can only serve you as much as you serve it. Everyday practice makes perfect, both in coding and exercising. Rest is not just an API for computer programming. Apply rest on your body too. Lol…

Do you want a clean body and a clean code? Easy. Every day, practice health, safety, and fitness.

What are some of the measurements you use to stay fit, healthy, and safe?