Stopped back by the office to help with the evening deployment of our eBay import the other night, and the deployment wasn't working at all. We troubleshot it down to an issue connecting to GitHub, an open source collaboration we use for code control, probably because of a maintenance activity they were working on. Bernd, who is developing closely with eBay and PayPal here, said he'd keep trying later in the evening, and I figured "my work here is done".
But then I saw the box for Beatles Rock Band just sitting there mocking me for going unopened the last week. I looked around, and while there were a couple lights on, absolutely nobody else was in the office. So I grabbed a mic and tried a couple songs.
Two hours later, I'm still at it. I stop back my my computer, and Bernd is asking if I'm still around. GitHub was happy again, but there was some other issue. 40 minutes later, all fixed and the updates went out on schedule. Sweet.
Outright loves you, Beatles Rock Band. My wife... ahem.
Outright is secure.
What do you think?
Developers, how do you blow off steam?
When things stack up on us, sometimes we just need to cut loose. Me, I retreat to music. This can be tremendously valuable to our productivity, by giving us fresh eyes on a problem. For me, it's all about making music. Barbershop music, specifically. Check out my chorus (and, visit us if you like!) http://barbershop-harmony.org/ Sometimes, blowing off steam is most useful at helping us last through uncontrollably delays. For example, there was the day when "Beatles: Rock Band" helped us deliver the website on time. What do you do for blowing off steam?
1
To escape the moment of the drama that is the mother of all dramas I play computer games. It doesn't really matter which - any online game for 15 mins or so. It takes me way from the situtation, focus on something completely alien to the problem, clear my mind so I can then focus on the problem. I see it as defragging my brain of all the negativity that is preventing me from dealing with the problem rationally.
German research discovered that employees that were allowed to play 10 - 15 mins of carefully selected computer games (logical/ competitive rather than violent roleplay) in their lunch hour increased productivity by 15% in the afternoon. They also discovered that a 10 min power sleep increased productivity by 10% so put the two together and productivity increased by 25%. This was measured against the after lunch lull.
If its a minor problem I call hubby and delegate. He's not business orientated and sometimes it takes someone a step away to see the solution.
If its a techno problem then the kids get to sort it out or I look on line for some help.
Posted Mar 19, 2010 3:33:41 AM by: Studio Stitches
Responded Mar 19, 2010 6:49:54 AM by: Jennifer Escalona
1
I play the banjo and keep it in my office next to me. If I get too stressed, I just pick it up and play/practice for a bit.
I live in the mountains too and sometimes just getting out and walking around helps. Something about the clean air and view just helps put things in perspective. If it's really bad, I'll grab a cigar too ;-)
Posted Mar 19, 2010 4:54:38 AM by: Empty Cabin Media
Responded Mar 19, 2010 6:50:34 AM by: Jennifer Escalona