Good Habits Start Early

Today's blog is inspired by a recent post by Jodi McDavid, who suggested that academics should Stop Working and Go Knit (visit her blog, show her some love).

This blog hit home for me. I have many different interests and a long list of hobbies (cake decorating, baking, cooking, crafting, swimming, playing board games, participating in a seasonal book club...). Sometimes it can be a challenge to find time for leisurely pursuits while juggling academic projects, looming deadlines, and CV-building activities. More and more, though, I am prioritizing them.

I remember chatting with a professor during my doctoral studies about things I like to do outside of academic pursuits. She replied, "I only read fiction when I'm on a plane." Whether she intended it or not, it came across as if it were some badge of honour to deny oneself the pleasure of fiction in all other contexts. I interpreted it as a commentary on the place of hobbies and other pleasure pursuits in the life of an academic, as well as the workload expected. I'm not saying that she believes that academic pursuits should expand to fill your entire life, but I think it's often taken for granted that they will -- and many don't question that (which is a little ironic, since we're trained to question everything, no?).

I remember promising myself that day that I wouldn't lose myself to my career. And I remember saying to a senior ethnomusicologist who has become a mentor and friend, that I couldn't be that person who "only [reads] fiction when [she's] on a plane." He supports me completely -- he knows as an academic administrator that such work-life balance is critically important for a sustainable career.

So, I make time to do things I enjoy. And I prioritize socializing with friends (even if it means I end up working late into the night to meet a deadline after having some fun).

It's a delicate balance. But good habits start early. So, as you push forward on your thesis, don't lose sight of your mental health and the things you enjoy. You'll need them to sustain you through your career.

Don't Fill Your Suitcase with Books

When I was a graduate student, I often filled my suitcase with books and articles I was going to read over the Christmas holiday. There were times when I'm sure I brought home as many as 14 books. It limited what I could fit in my suitcase and it nearly broke my back. And, if I'm honest, the books and articles rarely (if ever) actually came out of the suitcase.

Don't get me wrong -- holidays can be a great time to get work done. I've written a book chapter on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day before. I've written an article during my summer vacation. I've spent Thanksgiving editing. You may recall that last month I penned a blog post titled Holidays Are For Writing, encouraging you to use the unscheduled time productively -- and holidays can be a great time to get some reading and writing done. But the operative word is "some."

The reality is that you also need a break between terms. If you're going back to school in January, you need to be fresh and rested to start the year right. If you work through all of the holiday season, that won't happen. I give you permission to marathon your favourite show. Stay in your PJs all day, curled up on the sofa, and enjoy some brain candy. You've earned it. And hopefully your mother will agree and maybe bring you a cup of tea and some cookies!

You need to take time to be with family and friends. It's important for your mental health. It's important for work-life balance. So make sure you do all of the festive things that you enjoy doing -- whether it's baking cookies, volunteering at your chosen charity, visiting family, or filling stockings for the less fortunate. Now is the time to make yourself a priority. Sure, you're in an intense relationship with your thesis now, but eventually you'll move on. You'll see other projects. One day, that thesis will just be a memory. You can't break up with yourself however! So treat yourself well.

And if you are feeling inspired to be productive in an academic way this holiday season, be realistic. Choose one book instead of 14. Bring home two articles instead of a binder full. Choose something reasonable to accomplish so that you can feel good about what you've done instead of setting yourself up for failure and letting that suitcase of books become thesis baggage (which quickly leads to self-loathing).

Happy holidays!