Part 1: Importance of Outside Activities
Part 2: Steps Toward Guaranteed Free Time
Part 3: Success Stories
The past two weeks have been posts about why it is important to have a social life outside of your graduate school career and some suggestions to feel less guilty about having a social life. This week, I’ll give some examples of how to make this work in real life.
How does this work in real life? As a graduate student, I went with a group of friends to every summer blockbuster movie on opening night (not an outstanding goal, but a goal nonetheless). We went to matinees to save money, meaning we had to leave the lab early on Friday nights. I'd feel a little bit guilty about leaving but by the time the opening credits rolled across the screen, I was happy to be relaxing. And I knew that I had worked late or on weekends enough the rest of the week that an early night to have fun with friends wasn't a bad thing.
A labmate had a schedule in place to where he didn’t come into the lab on Fridays. Friday was his day to spend with his children. He would still answer phone calls from the lab and sometimes read papers during naptime but those days he was able to spend with his children were priceless in ways no one could have known.
Another graduate student friend took a golf class that was offered by the university rec center. He told his mentor he had a class on main campus every Tuesday and Thursday, which was technically true. I think he was onto something – what better way to get rid of pent-up frustration than hitting a little white ball around outside?
Our graduate program was also very social so we would often try to get a group together for some sort of outing once a month. Sometimes we'd have long lunches at a favorite restaurant (perfect for when you're waiting on a timepoint and just can't read or plan anymore) or happy hour at a favorite bar. Our program also had an annual picnic and during recruitment weekend we’d have dinners, hikes, or other excursions to local attractions. Sometimes, as students we’d hear about an upcoming event and not be very excited about it but once we were there, it was definitely the break we needed.
Think again about your favorite outside activity that you’ve been putting off. Do you see any way that you can carve out some time for it? If you’re having a hard time thinking of something to do, browse your local Parks and Recreation Department or library for classes that look interesting. Even planning a once-monthly outing to see an area attraction (museum, zoo, art exhibit, etc) will put you well on your way to better personal and professional life balance. More importantly, it will give you something to talk about other than the weather or your research the next time you are at a conference or happy hour with your fellow graduate students. Is it completely guilt-free? Maybe not. But you are important and taking care of your whole self is a big step toward productivity and success.
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