crunch time

Listen to music This is a very personal thing and most likely doesn't work for everyone. The point here would be to do something that relaxes you - and only do that. Pull your hands away from the keyboard and do something else besides your work. Go to Lunch In many software business, employees forget to take a lunch. Did you know, by law, that you're allotted a one hour lunch period if you work more than six hours in one day? Heh. Some of you are thinking, Gee, what about those days when I'm working 14 hours? Surely you deserve a three hour break. Another thing. Consider the fact that, well, I've been there too and I know how you feel. Sometimes there just isn't time to give yourself the luxury of a lunch break. My thoughts are if you don't have the time, and you're not ok with that, and your employer is... then you're at the wrong job. Leave. Work at home I know. It's killer. You're spouse/friend(s) hates it when you do it. But if you work better at home, then by all means, go for it if you have the chance. Of course, I am specifically talking to the code monkeys out there - and you know you don't always have to be at work to get work done. I advise, however, if you are a work-aholic, do not do this. Please keep in mind that these are "crunch time" strategies for average developers. Think about this... What's the worse that could happen? Most likely this is the unteenth time you've been in the situation, are you going to get fired? Relax. Of course, by all means, do try harder and don't slack off. In fact, you should work harder during crunch time. Afterall, don't you remember the question they asked you during your interview?