It’s a well-known fact that programmers tend to be less physically active than people in many other professions. It’s simply the nature of our work — we sit in comfortable chairs, think, code, then think some more. But prolonged sitting takes a toll on our health, and ironically, it harms the very organ we rely on most: the brain.

That’s why it's crucial for every programmer to make time — as much as possible — to care for their body and mind. I get it: “I don’t have time” is a common response, and one I often find myself saying, too. But even 15 minutes of exercise a day can make a difference. Personally, I aim for 30 minutes a day, and I recommend it if you can manage.

You might say, “I can’t run,” or “I can’t lift weights,” or “Yoga’s not for me.” That’s fine. Maybe your body isn't ready for intense activity — but you can still walk. Maybe you can't lift 20kg — but you can lift 5kg. The point is to just do something. For 15 minutes a day, move.

Leave your chair and get your blood flowing. Dance if that’s your thing. Jump in place. Walk around the block. It doesn’t matter what you do, as long as you're moving. You might find it boring (I often do), but it’s about long-term gains, not short-term excitement.

Our bodies decay because life wears them down (yes, a bit of an oxymoron). Don’t let inactivity speed up that process. Just walking can do wonders — especially for the one thing we programmers can't afford to lose: our brain.