Ask HN: How did you get out of burnout?

[smoqadam]

I'm struglling with burnout. Read lots of blog posts on how to deal with it, but I want to know your tips or tricks on this subject. Worth to mention that I'm programmer and for now I wont be able to change my job.

Thank you

[aksss]

Well, I was going to say start your own business, not with Google-size ambitions, but just a goal to help people and bring real value to them. The barriers for tech people to do this are very, very low.

But, if you can’t change your job I would first caution you to listen to your body/mind. Pushing yourself to be chronically stressed for years can have severe health consequences.

There’s a lot of advice about exercise which is really important, but if your burnout is also saying you’re tired of doing the same thing, maybe look at hobbies. Do something that is radically different from programming - meaning interact with tangible objects.

Try welding, archery/riflery, mountain biking, casting - something that gets you outside, with a good feedback loop and that engages your body and mind in a very different way. Basically diversify what you’re engaging in, adopt something that is more interesting than your day job which will drive a bit more balance.

[ksaj]

You need something that can distract you inseparably for at least a period of time on a somewhat regular basis. It doesn't have to be of the hobby sort, as long as what you are focusing on isn't in the same mode as what is burning you out - so in your case, not on computer. Even something as simple as working out a favourite tune on a kalimba, or paper planning the spring time garden is the kind of break your brain is crying out for.

Learning new things that you like, and aren't too complex or frustrating, that you can grow with, will force your brain to reset automagically. At least for a while. And sometimes that's exactly what you need to unwind and see the daily grind as less onerous.