How Information Overload is Making Coders Compile Coffee Instead of Code

Table of contents

Introduction

Hey there! Ever feel like your brain is a Dark Souls stamina bar, where every unnecessary bit of information you scroll through, read, and context switch drains your mental energy?

Well, you’re not alone. In my early career days, my biggest issue was managing my stamina bar. Instantly opening notifications on Slack or messages, trying to respond to everyone, and enduring long, profuse meetings left me exhausted.

There was no rhyme or reason I did not have a structure that would help me. I just jumped into tasks without planning, whether it was a new feature or someone needing my help. Consequently, my stamina bar dropped from 100 percent to what the hell is happening percent, which isn’t enough to tackle big brain moves.

After experimenting, reading, and learning, I have found some ways to MIN/MAX my stamina, which has made me more productive and better at work. It also helps with my well-being.

The Issue with Information Overload

To begin with, our tech and tools have come a long way. Now, with ease, I can communicate with my client or friend from a different country or continent, keeping us connected in real-time with milliseconds of delay. You will always be informed and always notified; you are, in every sense of the term, connected.

However, tools like Slack and Gmail also have downsides, especially in a remote environment. They can easily sidetrack us from the main task. For example, when we are in deep work trying to debug something and get a Slack notification about random info or someone asking for help, it disrupts our focus.

I cannot emphasize this enough, but for the majority, you complete your best work when you’re in DEEP FOCUS. For every interruption, your brain needs at least 30 minutes to refocus on the task at hand. This can be a significant productivity killer.

I hope this diagram can show you the insanity of trying to work like this, for every interruption you have about 20-30 min to refocus. OH and If you suffer from OCD apologies my mother did not raise a surgeon, that is for sure so the diagram is not that sharp there I say.

Confession Time: Is Your Always On Mode Worth the Buzz?

While being constantly online can sometimes be beneficial, especially for teamwork, it’s crucial to understand that this isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach, context is king. The effectiveness of always being available depends on your role and the flexibility of your team. It’s important to clarify that being highly responsive can indeed be advantageous, particularly when it’s a strategic choice that helps you stand out. However, for junior developers who remain ‘always on’ without a specific purpose or out of habit, this practice can lead to unnecessary depletion of stamina and health. And it can impact the work development output…

How to compile more

Streamlining Notifications

In the early days, my devices were buzzing() non-stop. It’s common to find a variety of channels within an organization’s Slack, ranging from crucial updates to more social and informal interactions. If you’re being interrupted by notifications from less essential channels, here’s a straightforward solution:

• Mute the Noise: If it’s just a casual chat that often pings your Slack, consider turning off notifications for those specific channels. This simple change can significantly reduce unnecessary distractions.
• Turn off non-essential alerts: Keep crucial notifications like family messages through iMessage or WhatsApp. For apps like Instagram and Twitter, disable notifications.
• Team Oriented Deep Work: Communicate with your team about when you will usually respond slower due to the task at hand, and when you will be free to interact quickly. I usually add a Focus status on Slack so that the team working with me understands that I will respond slower than usual.

Prioritize Your Tasks

• Eisenhower Matrix: Use this tool to prioritize tasks by urgency and importance. This helps in focusing on what truly matters, reducing the stress of handling everything at once.
• The Pomodoro Technique: Work in focused bursts of 25 minutes followed by a 5-minute break. This can enhance concentration and prevent burnout from prolonged periods of work. For me pomodoro was not usefull but many of my colleagues use and sweare by it, so try it out

Leverage Technology Smartly

Automated Filters: Set up rules in your email and Slack to automatically sort messages into folders or tabs based on their priority. This can help in managing the influx of notifications efficiently. Use Do Not Disturb: Activate ‘Do Not Disturb’ modes during critical work hours to silence non-essential notifications across all your devices.

Integrate Well Being Practices

Mindful Breaks: Incorporate short mindfulness exercises or stretching breaks during your workday to refresh your mind and body. Regular Check-ins: Set a weekly review routine to assess your productivity and well-being levels, adjusting your strategies as necessary.

Don’t be a stereotypical messy developer

We all know it’s tough to tidy up, especially when you’re serenaded by soothing notification sounds like this notification chime(). But really, a clean desk can transform your work vibe! Remember the saying: “A clean desk means a clear mind.” And no, “messy” doesn’t have to mean a mountain of fast food wrappers it’s about minimizing distractions. Just stick to the essentials: a notebook, your laptop, and necessary peripherals. Sure, some folks like Linus might thrive in chaos, but let’s be honest, that’s pretty rare. Keep it simple…

Conclusion: Not a Cure-all, But It Might Just Do the Trick!

Let’s be real there’s no one size fits all magic trick here. What works for one coder might be a complete miss for another. But if you’re a developer bogged down by endless pings and dings, giving these strategies a whirl could help you cut through the noise.

Not everyone can switch off the world, especially if your role demands real-time reactivity. But for those who can, these tips might just be your ticket to a more focused and productive coding life. And remember, when in doubt, a good coffee break can work wonders too! Happy coding!