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Ask HN: Does coding give you brain fog?

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Re: Ask HN: Does coding give you brain fog?

#61

Post by RUG3Y »

bantic wrote: post #15

Not exactly brain fog but I often find myself in extreme left-brained mode after a challenging day of coding. If I meet friends after work I am a horrible conversationalist for up to an hour while my brain slowly (and reluctantly) stops actively churning on coding problems. Related to the right-to-left thinking mode changes, sometimes the words that I am using at become eerily meaningless or unfamiliar. I've spent a…

I've been experiencing language difficulties since I started programming more, usually during the workday, when I'm actually working on the code. I thought I was going crazy, but it sounds like you have similar experiences. Is this somewhat normal?

Re: Ask HN: Does coding give you brain fog?

#62

Post by er1c_ »

epalmer wrote: post #43
er1c_ wrote: post #11

I've had the spaced out feeling after work as a recurring problem for over a decade. Most days I am OK enough, but others the only thing I want to do is go home and stare at a wall as all cognitive abilities are exhausted. I run 10 miles a week and bike long distances, make all of my own meals, and have been working with various doctors for years. Nothing seems to help 'fix' the issue altogether.

I used to come home and slug a glass of wine or two down. Felt better fast but early in the evening I was tired. Now I just get quiet for a few minutes and then let the brain be what it is. My fog goes away more slowly but I have energy and clarity till I go to bed. In short I think the benefits of not drinking after work are better than if I was drinking. YMMV.

Aye I had to give up drinking last year. It worked wonderfully for a while.

You reminded me, I might try employing mindfulness more again. Let things be as they are for a bit. Thanks!

Re: Ask HN: Does coding give you brain fog?

#63

Post by anotherevan »

I would definitely look at the ergonomics of your work environment. Do you work on a laptop all day? I don't know how people can do that, it is terrible for your neck and back. Something like this could be causing (or contributing) to your fatigue as much or more than the intense thinking.

Re: Ask HN: Does coding give you brain fog?

#65

Post by emmanuel_1234 »

I started having that during my PhD, and I got into a mild alcoholic habit because of that. I was so brain-tired at the end of the day that I felt the need to "reset" it with a couple beers. Mind you it worked great, but I definitely recommend against it.

I find physical activity (walking, biking, going to the gym) to be the best, with the added benefit of the "Eureka" moments you get when you're NOT at your desk. I now try to go for a walk for at least an hour if I start getting that. It took me some time to find a job/boss who understands that.

So yeah, it happens to me every time I concentrate too hard for too long, especially when coding / working on logical problems.

Re: Ask HN: Does coding give you brain fog?

#66

Post by pmurT »

On the body aches - standing desk that can lower to sitting height. I change back and forth throughout the day. Also keep a bokken (wooden sword) to swing and walk for periodic breaks - wife calls it my "thinking stick".

Regarding getting out of the fog - drinking is the only thing I've found to be reliable, but seldom do so during the week

Re: Ask HN: Does coding give you brain fog?

#67

Post by shaydoc »

So much genuine amazing feedback, thanks so much..

I have been doing this job 20 years now and I think this feeling is more prevalent now. The combination of family, commute, and sitting at a desk coding is frankly tiring.

I often get up and walk around, and drink water, etc.. I cycle to work often, used to do gym sessions at lunchtime And that definitely helps..

But sometimes when you are thinking intensely you just zone out...

I used a little poetic license regarding "I wouldn't drive" just to get my point across.

Re: Ask HN: Does coding give you brain fog?

#68

Post by agnivade »

Its all about having a work-life balance. I code in the morning, then work-out in the evening.

The workouts keep me healthy and makes my brain active during coding.

And writing code creates the mental concentration which has built up my mind-muscle connection.

Both go hand-in-hand really. Never do too much of anything. Too much of writing code drops the code quality. And too much of physical exercise will not allow for muscle recovery. Just apply common sense and do what feels right to you.

And yes, buy a good keyboard. A really good one. It will help you years later.

Re: Ask HN: Does coding give you brain fog?

#69

Post by voltooid »

I have workrave installed on my computer. It reminds me to rest my eyes, take long and short breaks throughout the day. I installed this on my computer after a few days of being terribly tired at the end of the day. Now I feel better and fresher even during the day at work.
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