Developer mental health matters:
Take breaks
- 5-10 minutes every hour
- 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds
- Step away from the screen regularly
Sleep
- Aim for 7-9 hours
- Blue light filters after sunset
- No screens 30 minutes before bed
Exercise
- 30 minutes daily
- Doesn't have to be intense—walking counts
- Movement breaks up sitting time
Perspective
- Your worth ≠ your productivity
- It's okay to have unproductive days
- You're not imposter syndrome—you're learning
When I hit burnout, I take a full day off. No code, no screens. Just rest.