Tips for Work Life Balance

In this episode Scott and Wes talk about work life balance. These tips aren't hard-and-fast - part of the beauty of being a web developer is that you do get to enjoy some flexibility. Work is a big part of our live and these are tips that will hopefully allow you to get the most enjoyment out of both work and life.

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Show Notes

8:06 - Know when you work best

• The 9-5 isn't for everyone - you know when you work best, so use that to your advantage

9:39 - Work when it's time to work, life when it's time to life

• Don't do laundry during work time

11:08 - Make it clear to family members when you are working

• Wishy-washy in-between can cause tension - are you working? Can I interrupt you?
• Working after hours
• Text if you need me

14:34 - Have a defined space for work

• If I bring my laptop downstairs, I don't bring a charger
• Clean yo nasty desk space
• It's a mental shift when you sit down - "okay now I am working"

21:14 - Know how to "zone it"

• Headphones
  • Music or podcasts
• Block all distractions
• Close email
• Pay attention to what gets you there, when it stops working, change it up

24:46 - Keep hobbies

• Away from screens
• Physical or relaxing or both

26:37 - Exercise

• Good for mind and body
• Huge gains long term and short term

27:31 - Prioritize your to-do list

• One reason many people over-work is that they feel they have too much to do
• Add items to your to-do list when they pop into your head - out of your head, into your system

31:28 - Walk away from difficult problems

• Your brain will chew on problems as time goes on and help you solve them
• Literally take a walk outside

34:04 - Meetups, conferences or tutorials

• Reinvigorate your hunger for coding and make you happier both at home and work
• Easy to get burned out from working too much (or not paying enough attention to your work)

Links

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