For those readers who are familiar with my previous post, Grad School or The Shining, it’s no surprise that students often feel like they’re on the game show "Wheel of Misfortune" (Bernie 2020). If you are or ever have been in graduate school, you can probably relate to the never-ending cycle of stress.

From research to essays, conferences to presentations, there is always something that needs our attention. It’s not just studying. It’s a fight; a fight to continuously be productive, a fight for good grades, and a fight for success.

In the words of Mathew McConaughey, grad students often feel “… like I'm fighting for a life I just ain't got time to live" (Dallas Buyers Club 2018). We don’t need that.  
I’m here to remind everyone that this is not what life is. Life is meant to be felt, and enjoyed, and lived - not spent cooped up in a lab, a library, or an office. We shouldn’t be living solely for academia. It’s time we start living for ourselves!

It’s time we start living like Mr. Cool himself: Matthew McConaughey.

Instead of perpetuating the incessant stress that comes from course work, Capstone projects, or research, we need to be making time for ourselves. Some of you may be thinking, “well that’s a great thought, but I just don’t have the time.” That’s understandable, but that logic is also the first step towards burn out. So, instead of stressing out about fitting something into your schedule, embrace the thought of living for yourself; really living.
Here are some pointers on how to keep “livin’ man, L-I-V-I-N” (Dazed and Confused 1993).

1. Take care of your mental health. This is hugely important to graduate students, and often something that goes unspoken. When faced with looming deadlines and harsh criticism, grad students can develop depression and anxiety. Adding a global pandemic and a confusing election to this year doesn’t ease the mental health state, either. If you are suffering from depression or anxiety, please reach out to mental health care professionals. If you can’t speak to a therapist or counselor, perhaps try speaking to a good friend or family member. You can also check out Mental Health America for some tips to boost your mental health. ​


2. Schedule free time into your agenda. Instead of creating a to-do list, try having an agenda where you set a certain amount of time for each task. I find that I have the most peace of mind when I schedule 30 minutes of working time followed by 10 minutes of rest. Every week I plan out my schedule by laying out all my time commitments. Then, I make sure to pencil in “Me Time” before and after my busiest day. Of course, there are days when my schedule doesn’t go according to plan. When that happens, I try to remain flexible which helps me minimize stress.  

3. Be spontaneous. Spontaneity is the key to a joyous life. Some of my favorite memories come from spontaneous wine tastings, midnight Dairy Queen runs, or even road trips to Oklahoma. Many who have a passion for planning will struggle with this idea because ‘spontaneous’ has a connotation of being irresponsible. I want to challenge that preconceived notion. The benefit of spontaneity is not just a random experience. The benefit is also learning to adapt. Being spontaneous trains your mind to be flexible. Flexibility will help when life (or professors) throws unexpected curve balls your way.
 
No one said life was going to be easy. In fact, many warned us that grad school would be the hardest thing we ever did (and they were right). This semester has proven to be more challenging than any could have imagined, but if you can implement these tips into your life, you’re going to be alright, alright, alright…
- Lily Bivins

Lily is a master's student in the Department of Public Service and Administration.