Participating in a hackathon can be an exciting and challenging experience, and Worldwide AI Hackathon is no exception. The intense schedule and high stakes can lead to stress and fatigue, which can negatively impact performance and overall experience. However, with the right strategies, it is possible to manage stress and fatigue at Worldwide AI Hackathon. Here are five tips we’d hope you can keep in mind.
Understanding the Causes of Stress and Fatigue
The first step in managing stress and fatigue is to understand the causes. At Worldwide AI Hackathon, the causes may include a lack of sleep, intense competition, tight deadlines, and the pressure to come up with a winning idea. Since the hackathon is mostly virtual with teams of contestants from all across the globe, meeting fatigue known as
Zoom Fatigue can also be a reason. Oftentimes, participants also encounter blocks which can bring about distress and anxiety.
Once you’ve identified the root causes, it’s time to tackle them.
Developing a Self-Care Plan
To manage stress and fatigue, it is important to develop a self-care plan. This should include getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and staying hydrated.
Though Worldwide AI Hackathon isn’t a 24-hour or 48-hour traditional hackathon, contestants still might feel the need to be tethered to their devices for a number of hours. It’s crucial to set a reminder to get off your chair and stay active on your feet for at least 30 minutes per day. Yoga or jogging can do wonders for your body after hours of sitting and coding. Even something as simple as taking a tiny break and getting outside can be beneficial for your mental health.
Setting Priorities and Time Management
Just as with anything else in life, great time management and setting your priorities straight are useful. This means focusing on the most important tasks, avoiding multitasking, which according to a
study by Skogstad et al. (2014), "can lead to increased stress and decreased productivity”, and having a thorough plan.
Failing to plan is basically planning to fail, so planning is the most important part of time management. Through planning, you’ll be able to break down the task into smaller parts, making it easier to find the best solution, and estimate how much time you’ll have per task. Be sure to keep everyone updated, don’t hesitate to delegate tasks, learn when to settle for good rather than perfect, and remember that managing your time requires effort but it is worth it as it can determine whether you succeed or fail in a hackathon.
Staying Connected
Participating in Worldwide AI Hackathon can be an isolating experience since you’ll be spending your time hacking virtually, but you still can stay connected with others. This means reaching out to mentors, judges, and other participants for support and advice. Additionally, it is important to take breaks and have fun. In a previously published
article, we’ve listed 4 ways you can connect with your fellow participants even if you’re miles away. Check it out!
All in all, with the right strategies, it is possible to manage stress and fatigue when you’re embarking on this intense journey with Worldwide AI Hackathon. By understanding the causes, developing a self-care plan, setting priorities and managing time effectively, and staying connected, you can definitely ensure a positive and successful experience. Remember to take breaks, have fun and enjoy!
