[thread from a PhD student living in lockdown] Going into the lockdown ~4 weeks ago I had grand plans & expectations to get a lot of work done and have a schedule similar to my normal day-to-day working schedule... #phdchat #AcademicChatter #phdlife #covid19 #phdinlockdown

I’d still go for a 30-minute walk around my neighbourhood every morning & evening to mirror my walking commute to uni. I’d do yoga at lunchtime, like I had lunchtime yoga classes on campus. And I’d work out to online videos in the evening to makeup for no more rock climbing...

None of that happened. Every Monday, I’d wake up just not feeling it and say “I’ll start next week”, for 3 weeks. Then I’d feel bad about not doing those things, and I’d use up so much energy feeling guilty that I’d not have any energy left to do solid work for more than 2 hrs...

Last week I finally woke up with a new perspective. I decided it’s okay that I haven’t done any of these things & that I don’t want to/can’t. I don’t have space in my flat to workout or do yoga, I’m bored of my neighbourhood walks...

So I told myself “it’s okay that you don’t want to or can’t do these things.” And honestly, once I forgave myself for not being as active as I normally am, I had a newfound energy to work...

I’ve made peace with myself that right now, this is all I can do. I’m even proud of myself for still waking up & getting out of bed before 9am! That in itself is an accomplishment for me. My body will tell me when it’s ready to be active again...

Until then, I welcome my new ”lazy” life with open arms so that I have energy to work on my PhD

I guess I just want to say that it’s okay if you haven’t fulfilled all of your grand lockdown plans & goals. Make space to forgive yourself, reset your expectations, be compassionate, & be patient with yourself