As I look over my blog, I realize that I’ve barely been posting once a month this year, which I largely attribute to grad school’s effect on my life.
What did I really learn from grad school?
- I work more efficiently when well-rested.
While it may seem appealing to sacrifice hours of sleep for work time, the truth is that, comparatively, you just don’t get jack done in the middle of the night. Yes, I have finished every grad school paper during the wee hours, but I would finish five times as fast if I slept at night and merely worked in the evenings.
- My brain functions more clearly when well-nourished.
While diet drinks and the like can actually sustain your livelihood and fill your tummy, I have noticed a drastic difference in the functionality of my brain when supplied with nourishing items featured on the food pyramid, such as fresh fruits and veggies, which make great snacks, or large bowls of pasta, perhaps.
- Rest is needed to overcome illness.
However precious those few sick days or vacation days are, know that you will remain ill for more than a month at a time if you do not rest. Believe it or not, your overall efficiency will be increased if you just call in sick, buy large quantities of soup broth, find a comfy spot on the couch and watch movies for a couple days.
- Keep EVERYTHING.
I cannot describe how important that is. More important than food or sleep, you should keep copies of absolutely every crappy paper you hand in, and every bit of communication you have with professors. Document when you hand in papers, and when you get them back. File them all away in an organized fashion should you one day need them, as I did.
- Set aside 15 minutes a day to do something for yourself.
Seemingly unimportant, this last one is a biggie. Efficiency is increased when there’s some shred of happiness in the bleak existence that is grad school. I found a large box of crayons and a coloring book to be highly enjoyable, but your vice might be playing a first-person shooter game or sitting on the fire escape playing the harmonica. Whatever it is, your brain will thank you.
When I do my PhD, I promise myself now that I will obey these five rules. Not only will it benefit me, but I dare say my friends and family will be mighty grateful as well.