I think I wrote a comment here explaining how drawing helped me be a better programmer. And it has the additional benefits of being a hobby outside coding. While you can be creative as a programmer, those moments can be rare and most of the time, you're just redoing the same thing every day.
I left drawing when I decided to learn to program full time. I was going through university and I couldn't handle the lectures, learning to code and drawing at the same time (gotta rest). I don't regret my decision as I'm now working full time as a programmer in a country where finding a good job is a rarity.
Why I'm going back? Programming can be a very taxing activity mentally. Often, at the end of the days, I don't have any energy to spend on my own personal projects. And I don't really like spending my evening in front of the TV. I do sometimes read, but it requires the same amount of concentration (I read high fantasy stuff like The Malayan Book of the Fallen). So I chose to draw because, while it requires some level of concentration, it's more about eye-hand coordination than abstract thinking. And that fits perfectly my needs of low-key activity to do in my free time (And I think it's a good thing to have another marketable skill).
And what about you? Any activities you like to do to get away from the programming world? Please share in the comments.
Top comments (1)
Running and Piano, they both have a calming effect.