Posted on by Itumeleng

Becoming unstuck: how to keep on writing

I am approaching the halfway checkpoint of my doctoral training and research. As I previously mentioned (here and here), I am doing my Ph.D in biology and my work is deeply rooted in the hologenome concept of evolution. I consider myself to be very fortunate to have a supportive/encouraging mentor and amazing technical support to excel in my work. At this stage in my programme, I have my comprehensive exams in a few weeks and it is a very stressful period for any student. In my recent blog, I discussed tips and methods that keep my awake and focused. Here, I want to discuss how to become unstuck when you have been writing for too long and you feel like your brain is about to unhinge 😉 .

phd 2 copy

Of all the aspects of the scientific process- I thoroughly enjoy the writing processes and I find it to be very cathartic to see your ideas on paper, or on your computer screen. However, like many before me, mental fatigue can take its toll on my writing capability. This is my fourth attempt at putting the blog post together! One of my favourite scientific bloggers and academic Raul Pacheco-Vego (@raulpacheco) wrote a brilliant piece on how to become unstuck. In it, he discusses the five strategies that he uses: 1) write an outline, 2) set writing targets, 3) answer questions regarding your work/topic, 4) read a paper and synthesise it, and 5) go for a walk with a pen and jot down ideas as they come to you. As always, he gives pertinent advice on how to increase productivity and writing. I have spent the past week experimenting with different approaches/strategies to get myself unstuck and get back to writing.

It was only when I stepped away from my work/writing for a whole day that the words started coming back to me. Now, I must confess the dreaded ‘monkey demon of PhD guilt’ — eloquently summarised by Katherine Firth (@katrinafee) — is a reality. And, it was only when I understood and tamed my monkey demon that I was able to relax and come back to my work more focused. I take a day off work and I do not think about my work or even discuss it. I find that keeping active and doing tasks that do not require a lot of thinking helps. Now, I hear you asking yourself- what does he do on his off day? Well, I love the being outside and I also take this time to clear up things at home. Often, we get so consumed with work and we tend to let some things at home fall behind. For instance, I use this day to separate my recycling garbage bin and some ironing. I also go for extended walks and picnics in the botanical garden near my house.

One of my friends uses this day to catch up on movies and TV series; frankly, I have never been one for TV. Some draw inspiration from comics… How about you, dear reader, how do you break your writer’s block? Is there a special hobby or regimen you follow to get yourself back in your writing zone?

PhD comics copy

Posted on by Itumeleng

Musicology: how music gets me through graduate school

If there is one constant in my life, it’s Freshlyground! Now, my history with the famous African band known as Freshlyground goes a long way back. Indulge me dear reader- it was a rainy Tuesday afternoon when I first saw them live on stage. But, back then they were just a group of students performing at my first year orientation. Little did they know that when they called me up on stage and handed me a copy of their album “Jika Jika” they had changed my life forever! Now, many albums have passed and I seem to have lost the moves I displayed on stage that fateful Tuesday afternoon. But, if there is one constant in my life, it is listening to AT LEAST one Freshlyground album, every single day. Now, I know some may call this a little obsessive, and sure they might have a point- but here I want to highlight the importance of music in keeping motivation and spirits high during your Ph.D.

Firstly, graduate school — especially a Ph.D in biology (read more about it here) –encompasses wet lab (doing experiments in the lab) and writing (accounting for the most part). I enjoy the writing process immensely and I find it very cathartic to release all of the knowledge gained papers read during my ‘free’ time. With the writing process, music helps me focus. Specifically, I like listening to opera, especially Puccini. My entire MSc thesis was written with “La Bohème” and “Madame Butterfly” on repeat 🙂 . Most people prefer listening to classical music when they write and Raul Pacheco-Vega (@raulpacheco– twitter) wrote a blog “6 strategies to focus on writing (or research)” discussing the calming effect of classic music on helping with focus. Personally, I find instrumental music tends make me wander off into space and not focus my thought.

Interestingly, every lab I have visited has had music playing- it was always the Top 40 stations. It is rather universal and I am not sure why. . . Funny enough, the uncertainty of not knowing which song is going to play next makes me nervous! Lab work can be at times rather monotonous and I need music that is familiar, with a BASS, and a little loud. Think of Lady Gaga (the Art Pop years; not Joanne), Toto, Mandoza (Nkalakatha only !), and always Rihanna. I find that music like this tends to keep me alert and more focused on the experiments. So, I am always wearing my noise-cancelling headphones to keep me focused when I am working.

Of all the artists I have access to (thanks, Spotify !)- Freshlyground is the one I reserve for my relaxation time. First thing in the morning, I will ALWAYS listen to my favourites: “Mowbray Kaap”, “Vanish”, and “Doo be doo” in that order. Thereafter, my I will play it on shuffle, as I get ready for my day and start it with a smile on my face.

Ever wondered how your choice of music affects your mood? Do you play certain artists when do you different tasks? Or do you prefer the sound of silence…?