Navigating coding difficulties; what to do when you hit a snag: While coding is enjoyable, in the sense that you get to witness the great things you create come to life, it can also be difficult sometimes; you may experience imposter syndrome, run into a roadblock, and so on.
The tendency to have stumbling blocks is an established fact. However, the system you apply to tackle the stumbling block determines how long the effect lingers.
There are several systems, you can put in place to wade off the effect of these blocks. In this article, I will outline some of the highly recommended tips you can apply.
These tips are outlined as follows:
1. Take a break:
Most times we sit in front of our workspaces all day forgetting the brain isn’t an AI. The brain needs rest, close that system and rest, you won’t figure out the answer if you keep stressing your brain.
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Rest is necessary for the brain. Yes. Take a rest. Do something else other than coding. A break is vital so you don’t burn out. It could be going for a walk, napping, showering, watching a movie, playing video games, or doing anything that helps relax the brain. Exercise is also beneficial. It could be exactly what you need to clear your head.
2. Music:
This is another form of relaxation, feel the rhythm, let it flow. Ask anyone, music has been saving lives since 800BC. Frustration is reduced by listening to music. It elevates your spirits and has a way of putting you in the correct frame of mind. This, in turn, opens you up, frees your thinking, and provides you with a new perspective on your task.
3. Community:
When coding or work, in general, gets tough, ask your community members, there’s always someone who has an answer or something similar to always help you get through that phase. Learn to ask for help, This is because you can be guided through the process of resolving the issue. The purpose of a coding community is to provide opportunities for learning, as well as to suggest solutions to coding problems.
4. Watch tutorials :
Tutorials always help, luckily there are a lot of experts who create content online, it could be from stack overflow, an article or a YouTube tutorial. The number of people who had the same problem and solved it through research would astound you. This method works well, especially when a deadline is approaching.
5. Meditate :
Breathe in, breathe out. Meditating permits your mind to wander and take an in-depth look at a problem. Quiet time aids in the development of a calm mind and the ability to observe things from many angles. A lot of people use Yoga as a form of relaxation.
When it gets tough, and you feel like giving up, don’t, go back and check your progress, look at how far you’ve gone. You’ll need to come back to this when coding becomes difficult. Keeping track of your progress and achievements can be extremely beneficial during difficult times. Reflecting on how much you’ve learned can be uplifting, making the notion of more learning less scary.
You need to understand that everyone reaches a point where coding appears difficult; nonetheless, this should not be the point at which you panic or want to give up.
Instead, take a break and do something other than stare at your computer. You should probably perform the things suggested above or talk to a buddy on the phone. You’d be astonished at the new perspective you receive when you discuss your coding challenges with a non-techie acquaintance.
Always trust the process, burnt out is real, everyone goes through it at one point, do not give up. More importantly, take as much time as you want for your break, as long as you don’t procrastinate. The longer you put off completing the project, the more difficult it will be.