Five Top Tips for Upgrade Success
All PhD students have to do an upgrade review. Read below for blogger Ellie’s top tips for your upgrade success.
A Heavy Load: on PhDing and Lifting Heavy Things
Picking up an increasingly heavier load may seem daunting. Going through a slow and tiring intellectual process like a PhD can also take its toll. In this blog post, our editor Lúcia shares her experience with weightlifting and explores how it can relate to her PhD journey so far.
OnTrack and Creativity: wellbeing through drawing
The continuing restrictions of the lockdown in the UK have frustrated many and put a strain on wellbeing. But creative activities, such as drawing and painting, have a proven positive effect on wellbeing. Giles Penman discuss the benefits of drawing which he, University of Warwick Wellbeing Adviser Janet Winter and other research students encountered in an OnTrack session earlier this term.
Adding pauses in your PhD
As with anything, the key to a healthy PhD is an effective work-life balance. It is important to take pauses and breaks during your PhD to avoid burnout and so that you can enjoy what you do rather than viewing it as a liability. Manpreet Kaur discusses how she sprinkles breaks in her weeks and months.
Cooking during PhD for wellbeing and health
Life as a researcher can be very hectic with long hours in the library or the laboratory. And after all that hard and tiring work it can be all too easy to reach for the takeaway menu or the ready meal. But Giles Penman discusses his experiences of cooking to relieve stress and promote health and wellbeing.
Adding rhyme in my research: writing poetry as a chemist
It is useful to have something creative outside of work to turn to when you want to enjoy downtime and relax and recharge. Manpreet Kaur discusses here how writing and sharing poetry has been one of her favourite go-to hobbies since her days at school.
PhD life and pets: the wellbeing benefits of studying alongside furry friends
Lockdowns and social restrictions over the past year because of the COVID-19 pandemic have been very isolating, particularly so for postgraduate researchers who often spend long periods alone studying at home. But Giles Penman discusses his positive experiences of looking after a pet while studying for his PhD.
Snapping out of lockdown: Walking and photography for wellbeing
The winter with its cold and bleak weather was hard amid the lockdown. But now, finally, the weather is becoming brighter, and spring is in the air. Giles Penman discusses his positive experiences of enjoying walking and photography in the sunshine.
Why it matters to invest in yourself: Becoming a rounded researcher
While you may want to keep your head down and eyes focused on your research, blogger Ellie King talks about the benefits of becoming a rounded researcher, and some top tips on where to start.
Drawing towards happiness: boosting wellbeing with creative activities
Over the past few months, we have been stuck inside for long periods, often by ourselves. We have not been able to visit galleries or attend art classes. Lockdown has been tough without many creative outlets. But Giles Penman presents an artistic solution at an upcoming virtual OnTrack session.
Am I working hard enough?
Ever worry about how much work you’re putting into your research? About how much progress you’re making? Blogger Ellie King reflects on her experiences with her work-ethic being both her friend and enemy.
Staying Focused: apps and websites to help you concentrate
Struggle to stop procrastinating? Find yourself constantly scrolling through Twitter when you should really be working? If you want to get focused and keep concentrating, blogger Ellie has put together a list of the best websites and apps for just that.
Writing out the Winter lockdown blues
The past few weeks in lockdown have been very hard. We are on lockdown inside. The weather is poor outside. And the libraries, cafes, cinemas, bars and restaurants are all closed because of the lockdown. Giles Penman offers a possible activity to brighten our moods at this challenging time.
Throwback Post: How Do You Know If You’re Making Enough Progress in Your PhD?
One thing I really struggled with at the start of my PhD was a big question: am I making enough progress?
Originally published on 4 May 2016.
Back to work in 2021
A PhD can feel like backbreaking work sometimes, but it shouldn’t leave you in agony. How can you avoid aches and pains when working from the (dis)comfort of your home? Sky Herington shares some tips on quick and easy ways to improve your home-working set-up without spending a fortune.
