Mid-semester slump

[Conscia Fati]

It's my first year in a PhD program. My semester is going well-- and I love my classes and professors -- but I feel like I have lost a little bit of focus. And the hurricane has distracted me even further. Does anyone have tips for getting out of a little slump?

[victor.s.andrei]

Does anyone have tips for getting out of a little slump?

As my undergraduate advisor once told me, go get a cup of coffee, take a walk, and then come back and go back to work.

Or, my version: take a break for a day. Spend an afternoon at your nearest national park. Do something other than school.

Then, when you return, make a list of everything you need to get to the end of the semester, and start working again.

[Normal]

I'm going through the same thing. What's working for me is getting involved in a personal project in my field. It's putting the rest of my program in context and reminding me why I'm doing it in the first place. Plus, that way, even when I'm "procrastinating" and not contributing to my coursework, I'm still contributing to the development of my career.

[booksnlooks]

Taking care of your well-being can help you regain some focus. Getting enough sleep, nutritious food, exercise, and time with friends all help a lot! I also recommend trying meditation, which trains your mind to focus on the present.

[ANDS!]

You need to force yourself into taking time to NOT do work, so that when you come back to the material your spirit is fresh (though your body might be tired).

[argeco]

Get high! then come back to work.

[Conscia Fati]

Thanks, everybody. The semester turned out really well.