The Australian Association of Writing Programs

As the ridiculous time of year approaches, it is inevitable that many of us will be thinking of next year and wondering what awaits us.  Many of us will be facing the pressure of deadlines, many will be worrying about not being able to turn off from our PhDs, or worrying that we will, and that all the information we have accumlulated will slip away from us after a few days of not thinking about it.  Many others will be frantically compiling PhD-specific New Year's resolutions. 

As somebody who made it out the other side, alive and fairly well (though admittedly exhausted) my advice would be to really take some time off this holiday season.  Reconnect with people and things which bring you joy.  Read for the sake of enjoying a really good story, or to escape to some place else.  Having taken off 10 days myself, before submitting my own thesis for examination, I can highly recommend the break.  We all need to feel energised and invigorated by our work, and we all deserve the opportunity to switch off and recharge.  

So between the juggling of family and friends and feasts, have some serious time out.  And all the very best for your endeavours next year!