What are good ways of improving my programming skills during times of low energy?

Question

What are good ways to improve my programming skills when I don't have the energy to think really hard? For example during illness (right now) or in the evening after an intensive day of coding yet still desiring to learn something new.

Answer 1

I think you should read some book of your interest. One that talks about something you already know. So that you don't excersize too much your brain.

Answer 2

Do Something Else Instead!

Your brain's already tired from programming, etc. -- spend time doing something else. Learn something new! It's amazing how that will a) help you regain your energy and b) will inspire your brain to learn more about programming when the opportunity presents itself.

Seriously, spending time doing something else will enhance your abilities in your focus area.

Answer 3

Reading a programmer book perhaps? As long as it's interesting and not super complex, I find it a good way to relax and learn at the same time.

Answer 4

My suggestion is don't. If you lack the energy to seriously think, then you probably aren't going to do any good anyway. Pushing yourself all the time can lead to a really serious condition that programmers (especially) need to worry about....burnout.

Answer 5

Surf programming-related blogs.

Answer 6

Yes, drinking Red Bull solves this problem.

Answer 7

Drink a redbull, bawls, energy drink and flip through stackoverflow.

Answer 8

Listen to Mozart.

Answer 9

Read Programming Pearls or More Programming Pearls by J. Bently. Easy to read (they originated as magazine articles), but good value, and unlike Code Complete, SICP or HtDP they are light and won't crush you if you fall asleep reading in bed.

Answer 10

Set yourself a project to develop new areas of skills. i've started to create an MP3 indexing program which i can easily add new functionality too to explore new areas including threading, web services, file access, etc...

You can then refine code and refer back to it when using similar functionality in other projects.

Answer 11

(a) If tired, go to a local user group. Socializing usually sparks energy, and if one goes to a group on a tangential topic (relative to daily work), then new connections may be made (both neural and social).

(b) Sleep! especially if ill, but even if not. One's career is a marathon, not a continual sprint.

Answer 12

I used to do pyrotechnics when i would get tired of computer work. That way i could blow up a computer feel sad for it, then work again. It was a vicious cycle!

Answer 13

Dont try. When you're mentally exhausted you wont retain much of anything. You may even develop a dislike for what it is you're trying to take in. If you're tired, got low-energy, drained, etc.. take a walk. Go outside. Breathe some fresh air and clear your mind. What I do is walk away from the screen. When I begin to get exhausted (physically or mentally), I walk away and shut it down. There is no sense in continuing. My best time is the morning. I wake up early (5am) and get cracking. Usually by 8am I've got more accomplished than I used to from 9 to 5. You need to find your "best time". Thats the best time of the day when your body and brain are kickin at full speed. For everyone, this will be different. I usually get a second wind around 7pm. By 9pm I am ready to collapse. Best of luck!