What to Do When Programming Overwhelms You
“If you get tired, learn to rest, not to quit.” — Banksy
If you’re anything like me, you believe that programming is a way to do some real good in the world and make a decent buck in the process. Since I was a child, I was obsessed with technology and computers. That’s why I decided to get my graduate degree in computer science. I also couldn’t see myself doing anything else.
Today, after four years of grad school and four years of working full-time as a software developer, I still find myself overwhelmed now and then. The world of software development — especially web development — is fast-paced. There’s a new library/framework getting released every day and there are so many different little things you want to learn and do. There are so many buzz words you want to get familiar with: Docker, Cloud, machine learning, PWA, and the list goes on. At times, you end up feeling overwhelmed.
After being in this field for a few years, I can say that it’s pretty normal to feel overwhelmed. It is even more common to burn out trying to do a lot of things in very little time. In this piece, I’m going to tell you what you should do when that happens. So, here’s a list of things I do when I’m overwhelmed and close to burnout.
1. Take a Walk and Introspect
Sometimes, you need to take a step back and take stock of your situation. It helps when you know how far you’ve come and how much you’ve grown. Brain fog can make some very simple situations seem convoluted. It is always a good idea to clear your mind. You can try meditation too. It has helped me a lot.
2. Do Something That Makes You Happy
No matter how crazy life seems, there’s always something that’ll bring you happiness. For example, you could:
- Spend time with your loved ones.
- Play an instrument.
- Go for a hike.
- Read a book.
- Do some gardening.
- Go shopping.
Sometimes, all you need is a distraction to reset your mind and put it back on the learning path.
3. Take a Break and Make a Plan
This one is a bit methodical. When you feel too overwhelmed, decide to take a break. Chances are you’ll find it hard, but push through that. You have to give yourself time. Then, make a plan about what you want to do. A bit of clarity about your life can sometimes make a world of difference. The plan you make will help you see where you will be and in how many days/weeks. And it will free up your mental space that is currently filled with worry.
4. Go for a Run or Exercise
There are countless studies out there that show that exercise can have a positive impact on your mood and well-being. It’s OK if you are not a gym person. You can do any physical activity you like. It could be a game of badminton or tennis. You could go for a run. You could skip rope. Spend some time in the zone and there’s a good chance that after you’re done sweating, you’ll feel refreshed and ready to take on the world.
5. Positive Self-Talk
A lot of our problems are a result of low self-esteem and negative self-talk. Avoid using phrases like “I’m not smart enough,” “This is too hard for me,” “I can’t take it,” “I’ll never be a …”
You have to tell yourself that you have it in you. Just say it to yourself. And it works even better when you say it out loud. It reinforces your belief in yourself. You can do it.
6. Set Realistic Goals
Setting a bar too high is a surefire way to get overwhelmed all the time and burn out in the process. You have to be realistic about your goals and consider different factors, such as:
- How much free time you have in a day
- How much time you need to give your family
- A mandatory technology-free break time
- Any prior engagements/commitments/etc.
Give yourself time to absorb the information you learn. Remember, when you’re learning something new, you’re like a sponge that can soak up a lot of knowledge. But when you don’t set realistic goals and you’re under pressure, you lose that knowledge the same way a sponge would lose the liquid it’s accumulated when pressed. You have to be mindful of your limits.
7. Learn Something That You Find Interesting
Most of our efforts in learning are focused on our career and the things that would get us a good job. But in the process, we often forget that we aren’t just doing it for a job. We’re doing it for the joy of programming. It is OK to spend some time learning something that you find interesting even if it doesn’t make sense at the time — even if it’s not going to help you in your career right away or ever.
Always remember, feeling overwhelmed is an important milestone in your journey. It shows that you’re trying to do something that is outside your comfort zone. After all, it is a marathon — not a sprint.
Thank you for reading. I hope this piece helps you beat that feeling and makes you realize that it’s not so bad to be overwhelmed sometimes. It is a minor setback and you’ll soon be right back on your feet. All the best!
