Code and Calm: Stress Management Tips for Beginner Web Developers

As a beginner web developer, you're entering a dynamic and rewarding field. However, it's important to acknowledge that the world of web development can sometimes be fast-paced and demanding, which can lead to stress. Especially as a student in a fifteen-week boot camp, a situation that I'm currently in. I'd like to share some practical tips and tricks that we can explore to help manage stress effectively, allowing for the best chances of success in your endeavors.

Setting Realistic Goals:

Prioritize tasks based on their importance, not your ego-

While sounding simple enough sometimes the most simple things can end up being more complicated than they appear. If you're stuck on a minor practice and it's been two hours since you've made any progress? Probably best to continue onward to that long-form project that'll probably help teach you what you're struggling with.
You're going to struggle, accept it and ask for help-

Ask for help from your instructors/classmates/co-workers, I have to remind myself time and time again to swallow my pride (though mostly fear in my case) and ask for help when I'm stuck. Rather than listening to the voice in my head that says I need to stop being so stupid and figure it out on my own.
Your achievements need to be celebrated, no matter the size-

I came into my course at Flat Iron only giving myself the occasional pat on the back if I passed a very strict set of "goals" for myself. All that led to was toxic self-talking down and me nearly dropping out of the course many times within the first phase (three weeks). Getting a practice project to fully work with some guidance is just as celebration-worthy as writing a whole website by yourself.

Establish and Keep a Healthy Routine:

Maintain a regular sleep and eating schedule for optimal brain function-

As Phase 2 of my class at Flat Iron progressed I found myself neglecting sleep and rest due to being overwhelmed while also not eating regularly. This only made things worse, your brain needs time to "reboot" and needs food to have the energy to process information so give it that time and attention it needs.
Incorporate physical activity into your day to boost energy and reduce tension.

In my previous blog post "Imposter Syndrome Sucks", I briefly stated physical activity is a great way to reduce stress I'd like to repeat that here and dive in a little deeper. An active body promotes a healthy brain and is scientifically proven to reduce stress along with regulating your sleep and energy levels. We sit down and stare at screens all day people! Get out there for at least an hour walk around a park, you'll thank yourself immensely.
Make time for hobbies and relaxation to recharge your mind-

This one is self-explanatory. But is probably one of the most important take aways in this blog. Don't starve yourself of the things you enjoy! Hobbies/Hanging out with friends and family is how we keep ourselves sane. Too much work and not enough play is a great way to get burnt out, and it's only downhill to failure from there. A trip I was so close to taking in my current course phase.

Embrace Failure, and learn from it:

Setbacks are natural, failure is a large part of learning-

This is a topic I struggle with immensely, I am my own worst critic. Being a developer takes a lot of learning, and learning only comes from failure. The sooner I accepted that fact the better I began to learn, rather than hold myself down with self-doubt.
Keep in mind that some of the best minds in the field went through countless failures that we don't get to see, we only see the success and not the work put in.

Take Breaks and Practice Self-Compassion:

Well, I feel a bit hypocritical writing this one! But breaks are necessary, I nearly flunked out in this phase 2 course due to cramming an ungodly amount of information into a couple of days of non-stop coffee-fueled reading. Often neglecting sleep, food, and personal cleanliness in the name of "I need to catch up with the brightest of my class". Take care of yourself, put in effort and reach high but don't work yourself into bad health.

Conclusion

Remember, stress is a common experience for developers of all levels, currently in the job field or a student. By incorporating some of what was shared above I hope it helps guide anyone reading that feels stressed out and lost, maybe even on the verge of quitting entirely. Take care of yourself, and you'll find that you're not only a more effective developer, but also a happier one. At the end of the day if you've done your best and a problem just won't resolve, take a breath and come back tomorrow. Whatever happens, happens.