Things I learnt from writing a thesis
Writing a thesis is a gruelling, intensive task. But I have learnt so much from it.
Handing in my thesis recently, it took me some time to get over the exhaustion. In the final weeks, I was spending 10 hours day in the library, cramped in a seat, typing furiously away. It was tough for my mental health...and even physically, I learnt, when my fingers began to ache so much that sending a text would prove difficult. Even disregarding the content itself, and how much I enjoyed learning and theorising about my academic passion, I have learnt lots about myself through doing a thesis.聽
- Studying or writing for long periods of time is incredibly exhausting, so regular breaks are important.聽
- Eating well is important. I had days where I would barely eat, and then treat myself with a small snack from the vending machine. This was a聽惫别谤测听bad idea that I would never recommend. The days where I brought in lunch, or would go home to a cooked meal, were the most productive.聽
- Working on a thesis is a solitary project. As obvious as it may sound, spending time alone, with only your own brain, is lonely.聽I spent the two weekends before my thesis was due in the library, and limited any social plans. This really took a toll on me, and made me appreciate seeing my friends after so much more.聽
- Blocking apps is actually so helpful for my productivity! I used an app blocker and limited notifications and messages that came through my phone. Social media has never really made me happy, so I have actually been implementing the app block post-thesis, making sure that the first hours of the day I cannot be scrolling mindlessly.聽
- If you look at something for so long, you are never going to be happy with it. I finally re-read my thesis the other day, and found that I was much happier with it after that space.
- An intimidating project of this scale is possible, if you put your mind to it! I definitely had moments where I felt this was a mistake, and that I would never have got it done. I am so happy that I can say that I have completed a thesis!