Managing routine stress during my Ph.D. journey.

Greetings again! Here's a glimpse into another facet of my Ph.D. journey—navigating the myriad stresses that come with research and academia. From supervisor dynamics to labmate interactions, looming paper deadlines, and the emotional toll of failed experiments that sometimes make me question my purpose. Beyond the professional realm, there's the added challenge of personal stresses—managing finances, choosing groceries, maintaining relationships (even though the perception of arrogance may arise due to our research-induced introversion), and the perpetual balancing act of caring for parents and siblings. It's a constant, multifaceted struggle shared by every research scholar.

Each person has their unique way of tackling stress, and I'd like to share my somewhat unconventional methods. Brace yourself:

1. Sleep: Since childhood, my go-to stress-buster has been a nap. It might sound crazy, but trust me, it makes me stronger. When stress hits, I find a spot, close my eyes, and take a short nap. Deep breathing doesn't cut it for me, so I opt for a bit of escapism through sleep. It's not about avoiding the situation; it's about preparing myself to face the stress head-on. After a nap, my muscles relax, and I approach challenges with a clearer mindset.

I even sneak in a 20-minute nap in the lab – it's like therapy. Don't picture deep slumber; it's just a simple head-down, and surprisingly, I've made significant life decisions during these power naps.

And here's a glimpse of me in my laboratory:

2. Music and Dance: Dancing has been my passion since the age of 4, making it my second go-to stress-reliever after napping. The combination of melodious tunes and rhythmic dance steps invigorates me, providing a sense of freshness and vitality. Given my busy mornings, I usually reserve this energizing activity for later in the day. Depending on my mood, I either sit back and enjoy soothing music or crank up the volume, engaging in fast dance moves to shake off stress. Scientifically, movement is known to break through mental blocks, and for me, that means dancing. It not only boosts my confidence but also enhances my stamina. Songs have become an indispensable part of my Ph.D. routine – playing in the background during experiments and writing sessions, contributing to a surprisingly low error rate.

I currently lack my dance photos, but I'm sharing a picture from my debut stage performance at the age of 4.

3. Cooking Delicacies: As a devoted food enthusiast, I find solace in the art of cooking, infusing every dish with love and enthusiasm. This culinary journey connects me to my roots, boasting 18 years of continuous culinary exploration. A delicious meal not only calms my senses but also builds resilience against external stressors. Despite a hectic schedule, I dedicate at least an hour daily to indulge in my favorite culinary creations. The combination of good food and restful sleep acts as a cornerstone, fueling my passion for tackling daily tasks.

While I may not have a snapshot of myself in action, here's a glimpse of one of the dishes I've prepared:

4. Roaming and Exploring in Nature: Like everyone else, I also find solace in nature's embrace. Nature has a profound healing effect, offering a much-needed escape from life's challenges. While my schedule doesn't permit frequent getaways, I currently reside in Varanasi, the city of the holy Ganges. Despite being surrounded by its ghats, my visits are infrequent. I reserve these natural retreats for moments when the daily practices fail to provide relief. The bustling crowds and noise also steer me towards odd timings, allowing me to surrender my problems and odd thoughts to the serenity of nature.

Attached is a snapshot from last year, capturing a moment spent in nature with my labmates. The experience was surreal, prompting a desire to revisit, which unfortunately remains a pending plan:

In addition to these main strategies, which are often feasible for an introverted Ph.D. scholar, I've incorporated new habits like listening to podcasts to broaden my awareness beyond research. Crucially, I've dedicated time to focus on my mental well-being, a journey that has been slow but rewarding. Simultaneously, I've embraced spiritual awakening to cultivate a sound mind, improve mental health, and foster a more positive outlook on a life that we sometimes find challenging.

That's my journey so far. I hope you resonated with it on some level. I'm curious to hear about your methods for managing stress. Take care, and stay happy until our next conversation!