Ask HN: How do you deal with after work fatigue?

#1

Post by zuzuleinen » Thu, Jun 25, 2015, 5:58 AM UTC

I started working in programming 3 years ago. Ever since I got into 8h/days programming, I feel really tired after I come home.

I'm not able to do the meaningless task, and sometimes I just get into bed at 7 and sleep.

I suppose that the nature of our jobs depletes our will and maybe that's why I'm like this. I tried doing some push-ups, going by bike to work, quitting smoking, but didn't solve much.

So if anyone was in the same position and found a way to get by, I would really appreciate some advices. I feel I live only during the week-ends.

Re: Ask HN: How do you deal with after work fatigue?

#2

Post by romanlevin » Thu, Jun 25, 2015, 6:03 AM UTC

Are you sure the fatigue is related to work? Have you seen a doctor?

Re: Ask HN: How do you deal with after work fatigue?

#3

Post by AdieuToLogic » Thu, Jun 25, 2015, 6:11 AM UTC

Try introducing short breaks every hour or so. 5 minutes, perhaps 10 every other time.

When doing so, walk around a bit. It is important to physically separate yourself from the work area. I recommend going outside and taking your mind off of whatever task(s) you are immersed in solving. Doing so with a coworker you get along with often adds to the benefit.

HTH

Re: Ask HN: How do you deal with after work fatigue?

#4

Post by TheM00se » Thu, Jun 25, 2015, 6:27 AM UTC

romanlevin wrote: post #2

Are you sure the fatigue is related to work? Have you seen a doctor?

I agree with romanlevin, perhaps this isn't fatigue. Are you certain that you don't have depression? All of the symptoms you are describing can certainly point to it.

Re: Ask HN: How do you deal with after work fatigue?

#5

Post by snowpanda » Thu, Jun 25, 2015, 6:28 AM UTC

TheM00se wrote: post #4

romanlevin wrote: post #2

Are you sure the fatigue is related to work? Have you seen a doctor?

I agree with romanlevin, perhaps this isn't fatigue. Are you certain that you don't have depression? All of the symptoms you are describing can certainly point to it.

Also, look into sleep apnea and breathing disorders while sleeping, if you don't sleep correctly, you will be tired all the time. I personally have this myself and am waiting for treatment.

Re: Ask HN: How do you deal with after work fatigue?

#6

Post by DanBC » Thu, Jun 25, 2015, 6:41 AM UTC

There are some things you might want to investigate with a doctor.

1) get your thyroid levels checked.

2) sleep apnea.

3) possibly anemia

4) stress

5) etc

After that advice is around sleep hygiene, then food and exercise, and stress resiliance

Re: Ask HN: How do you deal with after work fatigue?

#7

Post by meric » Thu, Jun 25, 2015, 7:16 AM UTC

8h/day programming is exhausting. I have one hour lunch and spend two hours doing non-programming work (e.g. discussing code with colleagues over IM). If I program 8 hours straight I'd be sleeping at 7 too.

Re: Ask HN: How do you deal with after work fatigue?

#8

Post by uhwhat » Thu, Jun 25, 2015, 7:45 AM UTC

Exercise, diet (avoid excess oils/fats, sugars, processed foods), loose leaf teas (+honey) instead of coffee, side projects that motivate you. Following through with improving these habits for at least 3 months.

Standing desks help some people as well but not nearly as much as the former combined.

Re: Ask HN: How do you deal with after work fatigue?

#9

Post by zuzuleinen » Thu, Jun 25, 2015, 7:50 AM UTC

romanlevin wrote: post #2

Are you sure the fatigue is related to work? Have you seen a doctor?

I didn't thought seeing one, as I feel perfectly fine until 16 or something. Especially when I'm starting the day I feel pretty good and rested.

Re: Ask HN: How do you deal with after work fatigue?

#10

Post by yetihehe » Thu, Jun 25, 2015, 8:04 AM UTC

uhwhat wrote: post #8

Exercise, diet (avoid excess oils/fats, sugars, processed foods), loose leaf teas (+honey) instead of coffee, side projects that motivate you. Following through with improving these habits for at least 3 months. Standing desks help some people as well but not nearly as much as the former combined.

Exercise + side projects is apparently not enough, I've tried for about 4 months already. I have one VERY motivating side project, but somehow can't find the energy to do it. Maybe it's coffee+sugars that's keeping me down.