Ask HN: Very tense while programming

Set triggers for yourself to do a tension check.

I used to work in a cube farm with a coworker who had a very forced "please somebody ask me what's so funny" laugh that he would use several times a day. Whenever I heard that laugh, I would check my posture, relax my shoulders, and take 2 slow breaths. It converted an annoyance into a moment of rest, and helped me keep my back in shape at the same time.

Now I work remotely, so I've changed the trigger to whenever my cat touches me, which happens about as frequently.

I use deep breathing exercises. My jaw does hurt from time to time, though. I don't care cause I love to write code!

i tend to hold my breath. a healthier alternative is to do deep breathing exercises