You're a computer science professional who's feeling burnt out. What's the best way to recharge?

Here are a few things I would do: * Start by saying "NO", offering alternatives when possible, and sticking to your boundaries respectfully without feeling guilty * Engage in regular exercise to safely release built-up stress from my busy schedule. Physical activity will help calm my mind and relax my body. * Make time for quality family connections by prioritizing evenings and weekends for connecting with loved ones through meaningful interactions

Hey everyone who are in this burnout phase few step I would recommend are as follows: 1. Do not immediately go for a break. 2. Write down things to do or the blockers which you are facing that are causing you the burnout. 3. Have a open discussion with the peer/ mentor 4. Agenda for the disscussion should be : a. to prioritize your work according to the impact and seeking justification why this should be impactful. b. deprioritize other and set the timelines for both prioritized and deprioritized work. c. Document everything during the process. 5. Once you have this clarity take a short break (<=day) 6. Come back to work with clarity and better understanding of what is required and what is not required as of now. Cheers!

1. Reduce social media usage (ironically I am writing this on LinkedIn but anyways). Watching too many YT shorts, Instagram Reels for long stretches increases anxiety and anxiety leads to mental exhaustion. 2. When at work don't think about problems at home and when at home don't think about problems at work. Now this doesn't mean to stop communicating with your family while at work and vice-versa (for your colleagues). Just stay in the same place mentally and physically. 3. Always remember that you are not in control of your life. So just relax and give your best. Burnout happens when you start thinking about the results. Results are not in your control. Even efforts are not. Just keep doing and keep flowing.

I was burnt out my first job, so I took a sabbatical and traveled the world for 1.5 years while taking on random projects. It worked wonders, and I ended up coming back making more than when I left. It may feel counterproductive, but taking a break can be a way to progress your career and manage burnout. I know not everyone can afford or desires to make that jump, but it's worth considering for some people. Everyone's different, and you should evaluate your situation, but that's what worked well for me. I continue to practice those ideas (less extreme versions at least ) up to this day. In fact, I'm doing it right now!

1. Take it Seriously Often burnout is both a mind-body experience , which , if left unchecked , can lead to an existential crisis where you may experience lack of motivation, lethargy and questioning purpose of the the work you are doing . 2. Listen to your body When you’re thirsty, or hungry you listen to your body, take action and seek drink or sustenance. Similarly, When you experience burnout , your body will send you messages similar to those to when experiencing fatigue, lethargy and general malaise. 3. Listen to those that care for your wellbeing Your loved ones, family or medical provider may notice changes in your behaviour. Listen to them , they have your best interest.

Practice time management Effectively manage your time to prevent burnout by prioritizing tasks, setting realistic deadlines, and creating a structured schedule. Use tools such as to-do lists, calendars, or project management apps to organize your workload. Break down larger tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks and allocate specific time slots for each. This approach helps you stay focused, reduces procrastination, and ensures a better balance between work and personal life. Regularly review and adjust your schedule as needed to maintain flexibility and adapt to changing priorities. Learn to say no A crucial aspect of setting healthy boundaries is learning to say no when necessary.

Stop answering questions from robots on LinkedIn! Write a bit more so I reach the lower limit of 126 characters Haha ?? then turn off devices and internet etc

I appreciate the answers here provided by our peers but one thing I see missing is advice to seek professional help. I have been through this phase and also seen many peers struggle to cool down. My suggestion is that depending on how long you have been feeling the burnt you should make a decision to seek help from mental health professionals. Burnout does not take place in the vacuum of workplace but it also has a cumulative affect of many things affecting a person in their personal life. Not disregarding all the valuable experiences and tips shared by others, by all means practice time management, take time off, workout and do what you think is necessary but if things don't work out ask a psychiatrist for help, earlier the better.

Setting healthy boundaries is like creating a safety net for your well-being. For instance, if work hours end at 6 PM, resist the urge to continue working. It's akin to building a fortress around your personal time, ensuring you have dedicated moments for relaxation, hobbies, and self-care. By establishing clear limits on work demands, you create a space that promotes balance and guards against burnout, allowing you to recharge and bring your best self to both work and personal pursuits.

Set Healthy Boundaries: -> Work-life balance: Disconnect after work hours and avoid checking work emails constantly. -> Learn to say no: Don't overload yourself with unrealistic deadlines or take on more than you can handle. -> Delegate tasks: If possible, delegate some of your workload to free up time and mental space.

Know what fuels you, and try to create lasting patterns of fulfillment. For me that started with understanding the difference between a job, a career, and a calling then being super sure about which of those I'm spending a lot of waking hours on. Scott Galloway reminds us that companies are economic platforms for the enrichment of ourselves and our families. A lot of silicon valley managers would have their people forget that part, and instead try convince them that they are like seal team six, or a professional sports team, or even a family. This often comes shortly before asking their people to pull some all nighters, or sleep on site.

Finding meaning in your work is like discovering the heartbeat of your professional journey. For example, if you're a computer science professional feeling burnt out, reconnect with projects that align with your passions. It's about identifying the aspects that initially sparked your interest—a challenging algorithm, a creative solution—and allowing those elements to reignite your sense of purpose. By infusing meaning into your tasks, you transform burnout into a renewed sense of fulfillment and enthusiasm for your craft.

Find Meaning and Purpose: -> Focus on the impact: Remind yourself of the positive outcomes your work creates. -> Contribute to open-source projects: Working on something you're passionate about outside of work can be refreshing. -> Mentor others: Share your knowledge and help junior colleagues grow.

Connect with Passion ??: Rekindle your enthusiasm by reminding yourself of the reasons you chose this path. Embrace your passion and let it drive you forward. Align with Values ??: Find fulfillment by aligning your work with your core values, strengths, and interests. When your values guide your actions, every task becomes meaningful. Seek Feedback and Recognition ??: Don't underestimate the power of feedback and recognition. Seek guidance from mentors, acknowledge your accomplishments, and celebrate your growth. Contribute to Something Greater ??: Find purpose in contributing to a cause, community, or mission that resonates with you. Making a positive impact enriches both your work and your life.

Feeling burnt out as a software developer, you take a step back to recognize the signs and decide to pivot. Reconnecting with your passion for problem-solving, you seek feedback and guidance from peers and mentors, sparking new inspiration. Embracing fresh challenges and exploring innovative technologies, you rediscover the joy of learning and experimentation. Additionally, you find purpose in contributing to meaningful causes, leveraging your skills to make a positive impact. Celebrating each milestone, you reignite your passion for coding and cultivate a renewed sense of motivation in your career journey.

Cultivating a positive mindset is like planting seeds for mental well-being. For example, instead of dwelling on work stress, focus on small achievements or positive aspects of your day. It's akin to tending to a mental garden—nurturing thoughts that uplift rather than drain. By consciously fostering positivity, you create a mental environment conducive to overcoming burnout and finding renewed energy and motivation in your professional journey.

Take Breaks and Vacations: -> Schedule regular breaks: Step away from your desk and take short walks or mindfulness exercises throughout the day. -> Plan vacations: Disconnect completely and explore new places or revisit old favorites.

You've just had a stressful race, your muscles are sore, your mind is numb. What do you do? Relax those muscles, use ointment, but you don't completely go paralyzed! Same with the mind, relax your thoughts, think about something else outside of work, look for a hobby that doesn't require the same type of grind or hardwork that perhaps allows you to explore a different side to yourself.

Having a support system at work is monumental in cultivating a positive mindset and avoiding/healing from burnout. This could be grabbing a coffee with colleagues, having a Teams call with a friend, seeking advice from mentors, and having a safe space to discuss any issues.

Change your "FRAME". Changing your frame when looking at a situation will help to transform the situation to 360 degrees. We all carry mainly two types of frames: Blame & Justification. Whenever a situation comes where you feel that you are using Blame Frame, try changing it with these below-mentioned Frames: 1. Responsibility 2. Acceptance 3. Body-mind is a single system(Engage your body in a way that the mind can think productively and avoid negative thoughts). This change in the frame will lead to a change in your situation, your surroundings, and your mindset.

From my own experience, I've learned that as we age, prioritizing physical health isn't just good advice—it's essential. Embedding small wellness actions into everyday life really makes a difference. Stretching during breaks has become my quick fix, a physical reminder to stay in tune with myself. Hitting the gym early energizes me for the rest of the day and drives me to start my days at 6am with no exception. And when it comes to food, taking the time to understand what nourishes my body has been a game changer. It's these habits that help keep burnout at bay and can place you back on an upward trajectory.

Maintain a Balanced Diet: Consume a nutritious diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Minimize the intake of processed foods and sugars, and drink enough water to stay hydrated. Prioritize Sleep: Establish a consistent sleep schedule and aim for the recommended 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Create a sleep-friendly environment and practice relaxation techniques before bed to improve sleep quality. Engage in Regular Exercise: Find physical activities that you enjoy and incorporate them into your routine. Regular exercise can boost your energy levels, improve mood, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being.

Don't let mental fatigue bring you down physically. Go for a walk, do laps around your office space. Eat and drink so your physical body can feed your mental state.

Eat foods high in complex carbohydrates and proteins, such as quinoa salad with grilled chicken, to rejuvenate. Combine it with a quick at-home workout that emphasizes bodyweight movements and stretches, such as Pilates or yoga. These foods provide you long-lasting energy, and physical activity improves blood circulation, which helps your body get oxygen and nutrients to your tissues and lessens exhaustion. Stretching releases tension from the muscles, enhances biomechanical efficiency, and improves flexibility and posture.

Fuel Your Body Right ??: Support your physical health by nourishing your body with a balanced diet rich in nutrients. Choose whole foods and hydrate adequately to fuel your energy levels. Rest and Recharge ??: Guard against burnout by prioritizing quality sleep. Maintain a consistent sleep schedule and create a restful environment conducive to relaxation. Move Your Body ??♂?: Incorporate regular exercise into your routine to boost your physical and mental well-being. Choose activities that bring you joy and make movement a joyful part of your day. Embrace Relaxation Techniques ??♀?: Combat stress and promote relaxation with mindfulness practices like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises.

As a computer science professional, feeling burnt out is a common experience, but I've found effective ways to recharge. One method is to disconnect from technology and engage in outdoor activities or hobbies. For instance, I enjoy hiking in nature reserves around Austin or indulging in photography, which helps me disconnect from work stress and rejuvenate my creativity. Another rejuvenating practice is mindfulness meditation. Taking short breaks during the day to practice mindfulness helps me clear my mind, reduce stress, and regain focus. Additionally, I prioritize quality time with my family, whether it's playing games, reading, or simply enjoying each other's company, brings me immense joy and helps me recharge emotionally.

Engaging in activities outside of work can provide a mental break and help you recharge. Dedicate time to hobbies, such as painting, playing a musical instrument, or gardening.

In my experience, trying to learn something new in your area of expertise or even outside your area of expertise but within the domain of IT, can really give you a feeling of fulfillment. I sometimes participate in knowledge contests about technical IT-skills or a challenge like AdventOfCode or LudumDare or a quick course in something new on EDX. It challenges me to learn something new and gives a rewarding feeling when you have learned a new programming language or found new ways to use your current skills.

Working in computer science can, at times, be very time-consuming and demanding. Therefore it is important to have hobbies that are outside of/unrelated to your work. For example, one of my hobbies is beekeeping, which gets me outdoors. Another of my hobbies is reading, which brings me a sense of escapism. As difficult as it can be sometimes, it is important to make time for these activities so your life doesn't become revolved around your work.

I recommend having an offline hobby, preferably something related to handcrafts. While you can still use your computer for tasks like looking up recipes, making calculations, or creating sketches and plans, it's essential to choose an activity that allows you to digitally detox. During these periods, consider turning off work notifications. Being committed and responsible is commendable, but taking care of yourself when you're unwell benefits both you and the company. Remember to prioritize self-care—it's crucial for overall well-being! ??

My position is that work-life balance is a myth as typically presented. We can’t always neatly balance and divide our everyday between home/hobby/professional endeavors. We can’t always easily shut off from one and turn onto the other. Recommendations: — maintain a nimble mindset related to your schedule: when you can break from one part of life to go to the other, do so. — note the time you think each task will take you on your to do lists. — don’t say yes just because you can’t say no. — notice how inefficient most people are and the excuses they make. Alter your behavior if there’s crossover.

Learn to say "NO"! In a world where the pressure to say "yes" can often feel overwhelming, it's crucial to remember the strength and freedom that comes with saying "NO." - NO to situations that harm you. Protecting your well-being should always be a priority. - NO to tasks that fall outside your responsibilities. Focus on what truly matters and aligns with your goals. - NO to requests that you're not capable of fulfilling. Honesty about your limitations is not a weakness, but a form of respect—for both yourself and others. Let's normalize prioritizing our peace and well-being. After all, every "NO" you say to things that don't serve you, is a "YES" to your happiness, growth, and freedom.

Go back to the beginnings.? Remember why you started in IT in the first place. The best way to do that is to get in touch with young students, who are both scared and passionate to enter the same career path, that you already feel burnt out from. - For example, go to a career class in a local high school and offer to give a short presentation about your job. This will force you to do some self-reflection and find out what you actually like about your job. - Alternatively, go to networking events with young professionals and listen to their concerns or their aspirations. Sometimes, a hard mindset reset can be quite energy-shifting.

Taking a minute to breath and move into a chilled vibe always helps me, reflecting on my work but truly knowing when to unwind and then be me for when I am around family friends and also doin something I love like art or a cafe hop one day we all need them good vibes and peaceful moments whatever that is to you please just enjoy :)

Take a break! Do anything but your work. Best if you do something you always wanted to do or create but couldn’t for your work. It can cooking a dish or starting a movie/TV series. Turn off your notifications and talk with someone who is close but anyhow not related with your work or field. In computer science language you clean your cache for a while. This will reset your brain cell. When you will comfortable then only back to work and start with small tasks.