Have a Clear Plan: Understand the task at hand and break it down into manageable steps. Document these steps in Trello or another task management tool.
Set Up Your Environment: Ensure your workspace is clean, comfortable, and free from distractions.
Mind Mapping: Visualize the problem and your approach to solving it.
Healthy Snacks and Hydration: Prepare some healthy snacks and ensure you have water nearby to keep yourself energized and hydrated.
Music: Set up your chosen playlist for focus, preferably instrumental or soft music.
Programming Session Checklist:
Start Fresh: Begin your session in the morning when your mind is at its freshest, or at a time that suits your personal productivity rhythm.
Mindfulness: Be aware of your thought process while coding. Aim for deliberate, thoughtful programming over speed.
Journaling: Keep track of your progress, challenges, and solutions in a programming journal. This not only helps in staying organized but also facilitates learning from past challenges.
Two-Hour Blocks: Stick to your optimal work period of two hours, with a hard stop to prevent burnout.
Regular Breaks: Take short, regular breaks to help clear your mind and maintain focus. A good practice is the Pomodoro technique, where you work for 25 minutes and then take a five-minute break.
Shut off Distractions: Keep your workspace free from distractions. This could include turning off notifications on your devices, closing irrelevant tabs and applications on your computer, and informing those around you of your focus hours to minimize interruptions.
One Thing at a Time: Practise single-tasking instead of multitasking. When you start a task, stick with it until it's completed. For example, if you're deploying code, use that time to verify and monitor the process instead of starting new tasks. Patience and focus will often lead to better productivity and less stress.
Post-Programming Checklist:
Exercise or Walk: Do some form of physical activity to rejuvenate your body and mind.
Review and Reflect: Go through your work and note any areas for improvement or further research. Reflect on the process and what you've learned.
Relaxation: Engage in activities you enjoy and that relax you, ensuring a balance between work and relaxation.