Thread by @herpetALLogy

I mentioned that I’m prone to anxiety and Imposter Syndrome. So how have I dealt with these challenges? Here are my tips for diminishing the stress of #gradschool. #PhDchat

Though these might be useful for folks at other levels/in other sectors as well!

1. Take care of yourself.

It makes such a difference when you feel healthy.

For example, I’ve learned I need to prioritize exercise. I like to do barre classes that focus on getting STRONG. I also dabble in yoga, which keeps me feeling zen when grad school stress hits.

1a. Pro-tip: find a workout buddy. It’s easier to stick with it if there’s someone to hold you accountable, and it’s a lot more fun!

Here’s me and one of my barre buddies who also happens to be a #BAWIS #HERper, @TaliaMuadDib after we did barre for a whole month straight!

2. Cultivate a support network.

Find people that support you when you’re flailing and celebrate you when you’re winning. Do the same for them. Let yourself have fun, be silly, nerdy, whatever you enjoy.

Me and my labmate @jillianmmyers like to take giggle breaks from labwork 🥰

3. Study things that matter to/interest you.

The old cliché “if you love what you do, you won’t work a day in your life” is kind of true.

NOTE: I’m *not* saying your work should take over your life, but if you work on something that you care about, you'll enjoy it.

3a. I’ve had people tell me that I “should” care about the questions more than the system (a.k.a., don’t just work on herps because I love them). That is complete and utter 💩! YOLO, study herps if you love them! 🐸🐊🦎🐍🐢

4. Spend time doing your favorite hobbies. Often.

For some reason we’re made to feel guilty any time we’re not “working.” But I’ve come to understand that taking breaks and doing things that bring you joy is actually *so important* to maintaining productivity over time.

4a. This might be much more important to some than #2, e.g., people that tend to be introverted and/or have social anxiety. If hanging with others isn’t your thing, hang with yourself! Do whatever restores you and reminds you who you are.

4b. If you’re having an identity crisis or feel at a loss for hobbies, think about the stuff you *used to* love to do. Maybe even before college.

I recently rediscovered two of my favorite hobbies from when I was a kid (reading fiction and playing piano) and it’s been 💯

4c. Hobbies can be esp. fulfilling if you’re results-driven. 🙋🏻‍♀️

Doing a PhD (or any long-term project) often feels like I’m working all the time and making little progress. But I can read a book or learn a song on the piano in a few weeks, and it feels good to accomplish that.

5. Be kind to others.

Be a supporter. Fight the jealousy when your friend gets the grant you applied for 3x and wanted 10x as bad but didn’t get. Be an ally to underprivileged folks. Mentor an undergrad or new student. Helping others can be extremely restorative.

6. Be kind to yourself.

Try not to compare yourself to others. Everyone has a different set of circumstances and a different timeline. In the end, what does an extra 6 months or year or two matter?

Whatever pace is sustainable for you, that’s how fast you “should” be working.

6a. A “sustainable pace” looks different on everyone. All paces are valid.

For some, slow & steady wins the race 🐢
For others, boom-bust cycles are best 🐇…🐌…🐇…🐌…
A rare few actually want to work all the time 🦄

I prefer boom-bust 👩🏻‍🔬🏃🏻‍♀️👩🏻‍💻…🧘🏻‍♀️…👩🏻‍💻🤸🏻‍♀️👩🏻‍🏫…💆🏻‍♀️…
#EmojiYourPhD

6b. It’s okay to feel behind or like you have incomplete knowledge about things you feel like you “should” already know or understand. In reality, everyone feels that way, even the experts. No one can know everything, and everyone’s just doing their best.

6c. There’s nothing wrong with admitting you need help and asking for it. Seeking help when you need it doesn’t make you weak, it makes you strong.

6d. Therapy can be a really important form of non-academic help (e.g., if you have anxiety). Meditation helps too. I can recommend the Headspace app. They offer a 10-day free trial, and if you’re a student you can get a year subscription for $9.99! #NotAnAd

7. When Imposter Syndrome strikes, remind yourself how far you’ve come.

A friend of mine offered this advice to new graduate students: when you’re feeling insecure, look over your CV (or a list of your accomplishments) to remind yourself of everything you’ve achieved.

Feel free to chime in with your tips for dealing with stress in #gradschool or anywhere! #HerpetALLogy

Here’s another one! #8:

https://twitter.com/herpetallogy/status/1088217038823264256?s=21