2.12.26

❤︎ ❤︎ ❤︎ ❤︎ ❤︎ ❤︎ ❤︎ ❤︎

📷 my new zebrafish line with gfp tag, and some cool merch from thermo aspire

☹︎☺︎ honestly things have been pretty hard recently, hence the lack of posts. really trying to get out of this rut but i'm just so tired most of the time

this week has been very busy with recruitment for next years cohort, just trying to get through to the weekend so i can reset and focus on quals

✂︎ i've been collaging/junk journaling a bit recently and its been really fun, maybe ill post some pictures eventually

i’m nearing the end of my phd, though not in the way i imagined. things around me have shifted — suddenly, drastically — and i’m still finding the ground beneath it all. this space is a record of that transition: the quiet chaos of closing one chapter while the next one begins before i’m ready.

Day 2/n

Some morning screen-free time today before we begin. It's raining outside so weather is pleasant too.

I'm trying to start and stick to a routine (getting back to diligent work is so hard). And the aim is small, only an hour of deep work. Then we will see where we go from there.

Pursuing a PhD is a rewarding yet challenging journey that demands effective time management and a high level of productivity. Balancing research, coursework, teaching responsibilities, and personal life can feel overwhelming without a clear strategy. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help PhD students optimize their time and stay productive throughout their academic journey.

1. Set Clear GoalsWhy It MattersHaving clear, achievable goals provides direction and keeps you focused.How to Do ItDaily Goals: Start your day with a list of tasks to accomplish.Short-Term Goals: Set weekly or monthly milestones related to your research, writing, or coursework.Long-Term Goals: Break your PhD into phases—literature review, experimentation, data analysis, and thesis writing.

2. Prioritize EffectivelyThe Eisenhower MatrixCategorize tasks based on urgency and importance:1. Urgent & Important: Complete these first.2. Important, Not Urgent: Prioritize them3. Urgent, Not Important: Delegate if possible.4. Neither Urgent nor Important: Eliminate it or postdate it.

3. Manage Your DayBlock TimingsUse dedicated blocks of time for individual concentration:Morning : Heavy work (writing or data analysis).Afternoon : Meeting or collaborative work.Evening : Reading or lighter work.Organize your schedule using Google Calendar, Notion, or traditional planners.

4. Understand How Focus WorksThe Danger of MultitaskingMultitasking is quite often inefficient. Instead, use the Pomodoro Technique:1. Work for 25 minutes.2. Take a 5-minute break.3. Repeat four times and take a 15-30 minute break.Minimize DistractionsUse apps like Forest or Focus@Will to stay on track.Boundaries should be set with your colleagues and family during work time.

5. Research and WriteEffective Literature ReviewUsing citation managers like Zotero or Mendeley, organize references.Set regular blocks of time to keep current with new publications.Writing RoutineWrite every day, even if it’s just 200 words.Break chapters into manageable sections to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

6. Learn to Say NoAs a PhD student, you’ll encounter numerous demands on your time, from attending extra seminars to taking on teaching responsibilities. Politely decline tasks that do not align with your priorities.

7. Take Care of Your HealthPhysical HealthExercise regularly, even if it’s just a 20-minute walk.Eat a balanced diet to energize your brain as well as your body.Mental HealthEngage in mindfulness or meditation to cope with stress.Reach out to fellow students or counseling service if needed. 

8. Leverage TechnologyBest Tools for PhD StudentsProject Management: Trello, AsanaNote-taking: Evernote, ObsidianWriting & Editing: Scrivener, GrammarlyData Analysis: R, Python, SPSS  

9. Create a Break ScheduleBurnout comes from working too long without any breaks. Take short intervals within the day and long ones over the weekends to recharge.  

10. Get Feedback and Work with OthersRegular feedback ensures you’re on the right track. Engage with your advisor and peers for input, and collaborate to enhance your research outcomes.

11. Review and Reflect Weekly ReviewsSet aside time every week to evaluate:Progress on your goals.Challenges faced and ways to address them.Adjust Accordingly Modify your plans based on what worked.