Let's Get Physical

Software engineering is a great career to be in because we get to build amazing things without having to get up from our chair.  However, that is also the problem with our profession... we don’t get up and out of our chairs often enough.  I’m not a health expert, but I’m pretty sure our bodies were not built to sit for long periods of time.  I know it is hard to step away when you’re in the “programmer’s zone” or intentionally trying to display your “productivity” to your supervisors.  The reality is that this type of sedentary behavior will result in future health issues and possibly a shorter lifespan.  Here are a couple suggestions that can help you repel frequent doctor visits and/or the grim reaper:

1. For 4+ days a week, strive to workout for at least 45 minutes.  It could be running, lifting weights at the gym, basketball, MMA, badminton, curling, or whatever that can get you moving.
2. The first suggestion is highly unlikely for the most of us, so the second best thing to do is to increase your activity during work.  

You should also be mindful of your diet.  Stay away from eating too many pizzas, burgers, or other fast foods that we tend to love.  Occasionally replace your Quarter Pounder or your Double-Double Animal Style(for those of you on the West Coast) with a salad.  Also, don’t drink too many of those energy drinks, sodas, or other diabetes-in-a-can.  Even if the drink is sugar-free, it’s essentially replacing the sugar with chemicals.  Stick with plain coffee or espresso if you need a caffeine fix.

I’m sure I haven’t enlightened you in any way and you’ve probably heard this many times before.  Even so, I encourage all you software engineers to try and live healthier so that when your “next Google” idea takes off, you’ll be physically capable of enjoying the gazillions of dollars that you’ll be making.