The Developer's Balance

I remember 10 years ago, when I first started working in the ICT sector and app development. I admit I started out full of enthusiasm, and to this day I’m still eager to learn and keep growing—but with a more balanced approach. What nobody tells you at first—because you discover it little by little—are the potential backaches, eye strain from spending many hours in a row in front of the screen, gaining a few pounds if you don’t watch what you eat, and other health issues that, admittedly, can vary from person to person.

That’s why, after all this time (and if we do it right from the start, all the better), we have to take care of ourselves and enjoy a balanced work, social, and family life. But this isn’t anything new; people always talk about it, but rarely put it into practice.

The Importance of Self-Care in the Tech Sector

Now more than ever—thanks to AI, which, lest we forget, is here to help us—we need to find that balance that makes life just a bit easier. At least, that's my take; I could be wrong. But what I do want to share with you, from experience, is that chasing this balance has been, and continues to be, a lifesaver for me.

You might wonder... why? Because finding balance isn't a destination; it's a journey. Nobody is perfectly balanced at 50/50 in everything, all the time. That is exactly what makes it so stimulating and, ultimately, grounding: because it never stops, it keeps us healthily on our toes so we don't lose our way.

Right about now, you might be reading this, feeling tired, waiting for the magic formula, and thinking: "When is this guy going to get to the point?" Then you'll read the secret and think, "Is that it? Just three things? What a joke." But once you start navigating these "jokes," you realize they are absolute giants that take real effort to conquer.

So, here they are: the 3 keys to finding balance. You have two options: keep reading, or close this article and go right back to your comfort zone and cozy, sedentary lifestyle... Ready?

• Get some exercise (the kind you like most, or dislike least)

• Take care of your mind

• DO NOT turn your profession into your hobby

You probably have the same look on your face as the Genie when Aladdin tricked him out of a wish. But in my experience, there is no other way around it. Let’s break it down step by step.

Get Moving

Do some sports—whatever floats your boat. Go for a run, do CrossFit, hit the gym, swim... Feel free to move your body and give it some life. The less we move, the lazier our bodies get. It is a proven fact that releasing the so-called "happiness quartet" (endorphins, dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin) is incredibly beneficial when we exercise, giving us an energy boost for the entire day.

Don't like it? Fair enough. The solution might not sound pleasant, but it is straightforward: make it a routine. Block out specific days and times on your schedule, and just do it. Day by day, you'll see it becomes more enjoyable, and it won't feel like such a chore.

If you have kids, I feel your pain. The challenge here is doubled. Finding a timeslot that works... well, let's be honest, we all know it's either at the crack of dawn, during lunch, or late at night. But it can be done; there are countless people around us doing exactly that.

Take Care of Your Mind

This is a massive point. To use an industry analogy, our mind is the Control Center. We need it running at 100%. To free it from stress, anxiety, and other burnout symptoms, we must look after it daily. See mental health professionals (like psychologists or psychiatrists), meditate, do yoga... whatever works for you and makes you feel good. Prioritizing your mental health is non-negotiable, and you need to do it in a way that truly resonates with you.

There is an important point I want to highlight: you don't need to have a specific diagnosis or severe condition to see a mental health professional. Years ago, seeking professional help carried a social stigma, often associated with severe disorders. People were even afraid to admit they saw a therapist because of what others might think.

In my view, everyone needs to look after their mind. Just as we see doctors for our physical health, visiting these incredible mental health professionals helps us vent, relieve tension, understand ourselves better, and find strategies to manage delicate situations—whether social, professional, family, or personal.

There is no instruction manual for life. Discussing our worries (because let's face it, we all have them) in a safe, judgment-free environment with a professional can drastically improve our quality of life.

DO NOT Turn Your Profession into Your Hobby

Some readers might be throwing their hands up in disbelief right now. But from my experience, turning your hobby into your career is the worst thing you can do. Why? Because you never truly disconnect. For developers, your brain becomes incapable of focusing on anything other than code and continuous development.

This is where the ideal separation between work and non-work comes in. Though it might not seem like it, it's a very fine line. If we don't set and respect our own boundaries, things can easily spiral out of balance, and we could end up "working" practically 17 hours a day (and you need at least 7–8 hours of sleep, as you well know).

If you love programming, maximize your productivity during your actual working hours. Propose new solutions, develop ideas that benefit your company, and deliver optimal results for your clients. But when the workday ends, close the laptop, turn off that second monitor, and disconnect completely.

One quick note: if you have a side hustle, that's a whole different ball game. You'll have your reasons, and I won't overstep there. But if you're trying to turn your hobby into a business, I'd suggest you reconsider, because we'd be talking about the exact same trap.

Wrapping Up!

I have to admit something, and I say this from firsthand experience. At Sngular, I've found that the philosophy I'm talking about is genuinely respected (you can see it in the link I shared). They actually respect the pursuit of this highly sought-after balance.

Because at the end of the day, it all comes down to balance. And your journey toward it, if you choose to take it, starts right now. Take a mental snapshot of the date and time. If you've made it this far down the page, congratulations! Given the frantic pace of modern life, our reading and attention spans seem to be shrinking by the day. That's also something we should work on... but let's take it one step at a time. We can't expect to multitask through everything; it's just not possible.

I'd like to close with a brief exchange between Alice and the Cheshire Cat that I appreciate more and more every time I read it. It holds much more wisdom than it appears to, condensing a powerful message into just a few lines:

Alice: "Which path should I take?" The Cat: "That depends a great deal on where you want to get to." Alice: "I don't much care where." The Cat: "Then it doesn't much matter which path you take."

Thank you so much for your time and happy reading!