Learning to Relax: Post PhD Submission Life

After six years of studying I am slowly learning what life looks like without a thesis to dominate every waking hour. 

Don’t get me wrong, I know it is not over and there is still a large task remaining with both the viva and any possible re-writes facing me but it is clear that the thesis is entering a new phase.  And I am preparing for the viva, practicing the arguments that I will need to use. 

Much of the last three weeks, however, I have spent time relaxing, forgetting the thesis and trying to work out how to fill me time: catching up with friends and family that I have not seen in a while; catching up on theatre, music and box sets that have not been possible; catching up on sleep. 

But, throughout, there is that nagging feeling that I should be doing something, that I am not doing enough.  As several people have pointed out, I should allow myself time to relax and knowingly take some time off.  However, this is surprisingly hard and I am wondering what element the PhD has to play in all of that. 

PhDs require a certain type of person who is willing to keep being busy, who is prepared to sacrifice their personal time and who has the project management skills in order to complete the work on time.  These skills are by no means exclusive to those with doctorates.  However, the individual nature of a PhD contrasts significantly with a lot of current jobs which are based on collaboration and team working.  The assessment of the PhD via thesis and viva is designed to ensure the individual can stand alone and justify their place amongst other acacemics. 

And this is part of why it is so hard to switch off from a PhD.  It is your work and your work alone.  There is no-one to share the load with.  The individual student or researcher is the one who has to complete and defend the work. 

So perhaps, I need to relish the fact that I cannot switch off rather than being guilty about it; perhaps this is a fundamental part of becoming a researcher.  For now, though, I will also relish the opportunity to re-connect with those around me and prepare for the challenges that still await me on this journey to being a Doctor.