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Posted March 13, 2013

4 Ways to Survive the Repetition of Graduate School

 In order to achieve your dreams and enjoy the success of graduating, you have to put in a huge amount of study time to complete your research papers. This can involve endless amounts of repetitive research work, for multiple years in a row, and it takes a certain amount of grit and determination to get through those arduous times when all you want to do is quit.

If you are feeling the strain from the repetitive nature of your extensive research paper, here are some top tips for making those mundane tasks a little more bearable...

1.  Music If you are spending hours and hours working alone in the lab, library or bedroom, it can become painfully boring. Music can be a great motivator and time passer. Listening to your mp3 player can be the perfect way to break up the monotony and set your mood. Whether you need motivation, calming down, keeping awake, whatever it may be, music holds the key!

2.  Keeping Yourself Mentally and Physically Fit Graduate school can be something of an endurance event, and it is vital for your success that you stay at the top of your game. It may sound like something your mum would say, but it is actually really important. It's as simple as this – if you don’t take care of your body your work will suffer as a result. Eating well, sleeping well and exercising are all equally important on your student wellbeing , so take a critical look at your lifestyle and see what can be improved upon. Exercise is a great way of reducing stress, and removing any aches and pains you may have from sitting crouched over at your desk for days on end. Get up, get out, and get some exercise!

Depression rates in postgraduate students is surprisingly high, and much of this has been attributed to poor lifestyle, so don’t fall into the trap of neglecting yourself in favour of too much study. Skipping meals and sleep in order to work is not going to serve you well in the long run.

3.  Get Out and Hang Out with Friends Carrying on from the last point, it is essential that you put the work to one side and visit friends whenever you can. Obviously you can’t ignore your studies and become a party animal, but you should make a concerted effort to break away from the pages as often as possible. One great way of doing this is by taking part in social societies  such as sports, band, or other social hobbies.

4. Don’t Obsess About the Future Some people become so embroiled in worrying about the future that they actually forget to live for the now. It is good to have goals to strive for, but do not pile on too much pressure by obsessing over what will happen if you do not get the intended grades. Take things as they come and simply concentrate on the work in front of you. Getting worried about the amount of work you have to complete is not going to improve the situation, so break it down into smaller sections and concentrate on one thing at a time – this way it does not seem too daunting.
 

 

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