[throwaway12309]

Actually, spend time with your kids every day. Or your special one. Or kitesurfing. Or playing pool. Or just learn about chess and play folks in the park.

Do other things and let your mind expand and bring those benefits to your code. It will make you a better coder (and person) and life will actually be interesting.

[Nickersf]

I agree with this if you code at work, or in school. For someone trying to pick up coding as a hobby or potential new career coding daily could really help solidify skills.

[Kiro]

And what if I don't enjoy those things? My only hobby is writing code and I'm fine with that. I don't see why I should resist my will by forcing myself to do other things instead.

[tremendo]

Yes, do all of that, and remember, you may still have some time left to code every day, if that's what you want. Doesn't mean finish a big project every day, but you can advance it, or not, something just for the heck of it. Even if it usually does, coding doesn't have to come at the expense of life.

[dominotw]

what? How did you come to those conclusions ?

[veb]

I think his point is quite obvious, which is basically "don't forget there's a life outside of the tech world".

I know that I'll sit here doing nothing on the Internet when I'm not constructive yet the hours still fly on by. Realistically, I should realise when things won't get better, get up, go for a walk or play with my son. On the off chance I've done this in the past, I always feel more refreshed and can turn a previously crappy day into something positive.

But sitting on your chair, punishing yourself because you don't know what to do/code, isn't very effective in bettering yourself.

I hope that's what OPs point was. :)

[brettlangdon]

I totally agree with this. And is actually a really good point I missed in my article.

You cannot, and should not, force yourself to sit in front of the computer non-stop just because you "should". You need to take those breaks too, they are just as important as the work you put towards mastering your craft.

[davelnewton]

Every cognitive study ever?