Programming's Shift
Programmers' jobs have changed, reducing flow state time, prompting need for new meditation habits
Key points
- Programmers historically spent extensive time in a flow state, quieting the default mode network
- Context switching now dominates programming work, reducing flow state time
- This shift has occurred over approximately 8 months of full-time work
- Experts suggest adopting meditative hobbies or using apps like Calm or Waking Up to settle the mind
- The change in programming work may be why some programmers feel differently about their job
The nature of programming work has undergone a significant transformation. For decades, programmers could spend countless hours in a flow state, which had a meditative effect. However, with the rise of context switching, this is no longer the case. As a result, programmers are spending less time in a flow state and more time switching between tasks. This shift has occurred over approximately 8 months of full-time work. To adapt to this change, experts recommend that programmers adopt new meditative habits, such as using apps like Calm or Waking Up. This change in programming work may be why some programmers feel differently about their job. The reduction in flow state time can have a profound impact on a programmer's mental state, making it essential to find alternative ways to settle the mind.
Sources
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