Dealing With Burnout

Explore effective strategies to combat burnout and maintain well-being while juggling coursework, coding projects, and part-time jobs as a student developer.

July 29, 2024 • 3 min read

Burnout is a prevalent issue among student developers who juggle coursework, coding projects, and part-time jobs or internships. Addressing burnout early is crucial for maintaining your mental health, academic performance, and passion for coding. Here’s how you can tackle burnout effectively, including integrating traditional methods like pen and paper, alongside tech-centric strategies.

Recognize the Signs of Burnout

Understanding the signs of burnout is the first step in addressing it. Common symptoms include:

• Chronic fatigue and difficulty sleeping
• Lack of motivation and decreased performance
• Cynicism or negativity towards your studies or projects
• Physical symptoms like headaches or stomach issues
• Emotional exhaustion and feeling overwhelmed

If these symptoms sound familiar, it's important to take them seriously and address the root causes.

Set Realistic Goals

Unrealistic goals can contribute significantly to burnout. Break down large tasks into smaller, manageable parts, and set achievable deadlines. Track your progress and adjust your goals as needed.

Utilize Pen and Paper for Productivity

Sometimes, stepping away from screens can help reduce burnout and improve focus:

• Task Lists: Use a classic notebook or planner to create daily or weekly task lists. Writing things down by hand can enhance focus and help prioritize tasks without the distractions of digital notifications.
• Journaling: Maintain a productivity journal to track your progress, jot down ideas, or reflect on your workday. This can be a calming ritual and a way to reduce mental clutter. I personally have a pocket dairy that I keep on me at all times. I use it to jot down 'tech ideas'.
• Scheduling: Write down your schedule and use it to set your priorities. Place the written schedule on your desk and look at it from time to time and ensure you stick to it.

Reduce Screen Time and Fatigue

Reducing screen time can alleviate digital fatigue and contribute to overall well-being:

• Scheduled Breaks: Use the Pomodoro Technique to balance screen time. Study for 25 minutes and then take a 5-minute break away from screens to stretch or relax.
• Screen-Free Time: Designate specific times for screen-free activities, such as reading a book, taking a walk, or engaging in a hobby that doesn't involve screens.
• Health Checks: Keep a close eye on your sleep, mood, energy levels, and stress levels. This can help you manage burnout and improve your well-being. I have created a script to remind me to drink water every hour - know more about it here.

Seek Support through Online Communities

Don’t hesitate to seek support from your peers and the wider developer community:

• Developer Forums: Engage with Stack Overflow for technical questions and Reddit's r/learnprogramming for advice and support from fellow student developers.
• Coding Communities: Join tech communities on platforms like GitHub or Discord where you can collaborate, seek advice, and share experiences with others in similar situations.

Know When to Step Away

Sometimes, the best way to manage burnout is to step away from your work. This could mean taking a short break, a mental health day, or reassessing your workload if necessary. A short hiatus can provide the perspective and recharge needed to return to your tasks with renewed energy.

Burnout is a serious issue that requires proactive management. By recognizing the signs, setting realistic goals, incorporating pen and paper methods, reducing screen time, using tech tools to create boundaries, taking tech-supported breaks, seeking support from online communities, and knowing when to step away, you can effectively deal with burnout and maintain your well-being as a student developer.