Finishing a Phd - Creating a routine

🎓 Finishing a PhD is intense, but it does not have to mean burnout.

A couple of weeks ago, I delivered my thesis, and I was discussing with my supervisors the final stages of my PhD. I realised something: I had managed this final stretch in a way that was working, and I thought it might be worth sharing.

Here’s what’s been helping me stay focused and sane:

✅ I treated my thesis like a job - I know it is not easy, but I created a routine, working on my thesis Monday to Friday during regular hours. However, evenings, weekends, and holidays were my time to relax and unwind; they were out of touch. This structure helped me stay productive without losing balance.

✅ I put my well-being first – Since March, every weekday morning, I do 50 minutes of exercise right after waking up. This really sets the tone for the rest of my day. This was really helpful to clear my mind. Now that I have finished my thesis, I have changed my workout time for the end of the day (around 16:00~17:00).

✅ I reconnected with food and routine – I have been eating a much more balanced diet and cooking a lot more. I have been taking more time to cook and eating more fresh, self-prepared food (which may be a good thing or not). It was a shift that I really valued. It was essential for me; it gave me a boost of energy.

✅ I gave myself guilt-free downtime – Whether it was reading, watching a TV show, walking, painting, meeting friends, or just doing nothing, I intentionally make time for things that recharge me, without pressure to be productive. After I closed the computer, it was done; however, I still had a lot of things to do at home, such as cleaning, washing clothes, preparing food, and exercising, but I still had one hour for myself.

✅I had a sleep routine – I went to sleep and woke up around the same hour every day, and my body has got used to it. Maintaining a regular sleep schedule is beneficial for achieving good sleep quality and overall health.

With this, I became more focused while working, and I felt more like myself overall. Everyone’s journey is different, but this rhythm has helped me navigate the final writing phase with greater clarity and energy.

💬 If you have been through this (or are going through it), I would love to hear what worked for you. This was an excellent routine for my PhD. However, I am going to keep it for my life; it is essential to maintain this balance.