We all want to be efficient when programming and make the most of our time. But with so many things floating around in our minds, distractions and day-to-day stress, it’s easy to lose focus of what’s essential. So we’ve put together the best methods to increase your productivity as a programmer and improve your coding performance.
Ways to increase productivity working as a remote programmer
Say goodbye to working in your pyjamas
We understand that working in your pyjamas is one of the most comfortable pleasures of the home office. But if you’ve decided to increase your productivity by programming from home, you should get dressed in your casual clothes as soon as your day begins. Far from being beneficial, working in our sleepwear is the thread that still connects us to laziness and sleep. Plus, because it feels so comfortable, it makes us want to lie down and take a 5-minute break that turns into more. Dressing for work helps us psychologically to get into “work mode”. It increases the sense of work and responsibility we need to maintain when our bosses are. Prepare your best outfit!
Time Boxing Technique to better invest your time.
Time Boxing is a time management technique that sets specific dates and times to complete a task. It helps us become conscious about the time we dedicate to our pending tasks, focusing on a single task and avoiding interruptions. By applying this technique to increase productivity when scheduling, you regain track of time and stop forgetting about the tasks you have on hold, simply because you now have a set date to finish a specific task. In addition, it speeds up decision making and delivery. To start using the Time Boxing technique, download a calendar or checklist app and set the blocks of time you will dedicate to each project or task and try to meet them. You will see how designing a personal deadline for your work as a programmer will help you not spend too much time and finish faster.
Set small daily goals to keep you motivated
Setting small goals that we will have to meet every day is an excellent way to increase productivity in programmers. When we feel the satisfaction of achieving our goals, we become motivated and believe in our potential. The rush of endorphins and self-realisation that comes with an accomplished objective drives us to continue giving the best of ourselves and to feel productive at the end of the day. As a complement to the Time Boxing technique, now you have to set a set of goals in the first hours of your day. For example, correct the new project “x” mistake, schedule a meeting with your team, etc. You know, realistic goals that you can accomplish without problems in the same day. Just don’t fly too much. For example, don’t try to set 20 objectives in one day if you know you don’t have enough time or the complexity is too high. Four or five is enough.
Practice the active pause to replenish your energy.
Active breaks are short breaks during your working day, using simple exercises that help reduce muscle fatigue and the tiredness of sitting in front of a screen. When scheduling, we often get so engrossed or workaholic that we forget that our bodies need to replenish, move and take a break. Contrary to popular belief, working without breaks does not make you a more productive programmer. On the contrary, saturation without breaks promotes blockages, stress and lack of concentration, sabotaging your workflow.With active breaks, we reduce those neck and back pains that come with being in one position for too long. It also lowers stress levels and helps you concentrate better. So move out of that chair!
Prioritise your main tasks
Sometimes, we have so many things to do, that we give importance to tasks that can easily wait.One of the best lessons for increasing productivity as a programmer is to list the most important tasks you have to do.Getting a clear vision of your day’s priorities will help you improve your performance, and prevent other, less relevant, tasks from taking up your time that can be left for later from stealing your time. It’s all about priorities.
Save time by starting with the quickest things to complete
Narrowing down your work checklist for the day can be done faster if you start with those adjustments, corrections or tasks that are quick to finish. As you get rid of to-dos more quickly, you’ll see your to-do list for the day become smaller, which gives you a motivating feeling that you’re moving faster. In addition, as you move through your tasks efficiently, you will no longer feel like your day is too busy and tiring.