A PhD is a demanding job, with many deadlines to meet,
therefore don’t forget that is very important to relax in your free time and
take part in enjoyable activities as a way of relieving stress. One of my
favourite things to do is watch horror movies, particularly those involving
zombies and other apocalyptic scenarios. A rather interesting example is
“Zombieland”, a film which manages to combine both the guts and gore of a juicy
horror film with the sarcasm and laughter of a comedy film – a Zom Com if you
prefer! The story follows a young college student, known as “Columbus” as he
treks across the states, surviving by adhering to his own practical and simple
rules.
Rule #1 – Cardio
The first rule of Zombieland, Cardio,
is definitely important for surviving the onslaught of thousands of the undead
- you must be able to run away!
For PhD students Cardio is also an
important rule. It is all too easy to live a sedentary lifestyle with all the
time spent at a computer and in meetings. The inevitable thesis writing will
often be accompanied by munching tasty biscuits and sweets or consuming copious
amounts of Red Bull. Effort should be made to have a regular exercise routine
not only for overall physical health, but also to improve concentration and
learning. This exercise routine doesn’t need to be hours in the gym, for
example something as simple as a walk in the park will help to clear your mind.[i]
Rule #22 – When in
Doubt, Know Your Way Out
Columbus uses this rule to prepare
an exit route for every disused building he ventures into, a good plan when
there is a risk of zombies hiding in the cereal aisle of an abandoned grocery
store.
For PhDs, this rule works well in
the sense that you should always have a back-up plan for when things go wrong,
since this is almost a certainty when carrying out research. There is nothing
worse than the feeling that you have wasted several months of work by pinning
all your hopes on the outcome of a poorly researched experiment. However, good
or bad, the results will still have to be explained. Plan well and manage your
time efficiently in order to get the most out of your PhD.
Rule #7 – Travel Light
A zombie apocalypse requires
survivors to be continually on the move, avoiding the armies of walking dead
that cover the planet. Travelling light is a necessity, since petrol stations
have been depleted and most places are therefore only accessible by foot.
PhD students are also regularly on
the move with conference attendance and visits to industry commonplace
throughout the duration of study. These meetings provide you with valuable
experience needed to build many of your skills in research and management. From
experience, cramming several bags and a poster tube onto a busy rush hour
train, followed by a tiresome six hour journey, is not my idea of a pleasant
afternoon. Hence, pack only what you absolutely need for a comfortable stay at
your destination.
Rule #29 – The Buddy
System
If you should ever find yourself in a
post-apocalyptic environment, with the possibility of danger at every turn, it
is not often possible to watch your own back all the time. Teaming up with a
survivor or group of survivors is a wise move for self-preservation.
Surviving a PhD can be just as
difficult if you don’t use the buddy system. Spend time with your friends and
colleagues and make sure you know who to turn to if you have any problems with
your PhD. An evening in a local pub can do wonders for stress relief, as can
fun activities within your research group. Remember, always spending time
alone, cooped up in a lab or with your head buried in a book, is not healthy
for anyone. Take part in social activities every so often in order to get the
most out of your PhD. Remember that you are not alone, your supervisor is
always there for you.
Rule #32 – Enjoy the
Little Things
A recurring theme throughout
Zombieland is the search for ‘Twinkies’ undertaken by one of the characters
known as “Tallahassee”. His enjoyment of this small, cream-filled American
delicacy beautifully demonstrates this final rule – at the end of the world, it
is very important to take enjoyment from the little things.
The same can be said for a PhD.
Three or four years is a long time to carry out a piece of research, however
(if you let it) it can be some of the most enjoyable years of your life! Take
the time to enjoy the surroundings of your conference venue, revel in the
beauty of the single crystal in your vial that has taken one week to grow,
realise that your knowledge of coffee varieties is most likely at its peak. Try
and find something every day that makes you glad to be given such a fantastic
opportunity, it can be the little things that make you most happy!
I hope this post has provided the
reader with some fun and practical advice for completing a PhD. For those who
have not seen Zombieland, the following link will take you to the website:
If
interested in watching the film, it is possible to pick up a copy of the DVD
from numerous shops, or online marketplaces.
1http://www.nhs.uk/livewell/studenthealth/pages/exerciseandstudy.aspx
(Accessed 23/03/15)
By Elanor Brammer
- second year PhD student and also mother to an eight year old daughter and two
year old son.
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