- Figuring out how and when I can decrease screen time, particularly looking at my computer and monitor.
- As the pandemic has progressed, and I’ve learned how I do working from home, I’ve had to figure out my limits when it comes to screen time. I know if I’m on my computer too late, I struggle to fall asleep both from the light and from the way my mind starts to race when I think about my work.
- I am starting to learn my upper limits on zoom calls, and I’m trying to keep them under a certain amount of time both per meeting and per day, as possible.
- I also have stopped reading research articles on paper—which is my preferred medium—because I don’t have a printer. So, I’m considering buying a printer, so that when I read I can do it off screen. (Send good printer recommendations! I’m looking for a good black and white laser printer with auto-duplex.)
- Keeping my course demands manageable as I start a new semester.
- Even with it being 10 years since the semester I overextended myself in undergrad—I STILL find myself wanting to take too many classes, in my PhD. I have serious intellectual FOMO. So I’m considering it a win that I did not try to max out my credits on courses this semester, and instead really homed in on the courses that made me the most excited and that would provide the greatest benefit to me at this stage in my PhD studies.
- Lastly, I’ve been so calmed by the increasing number of gray days we’ve had here in Texas.
- It can be surprisingly dreary here, and I love it. My focus is much better when it is cloudy, and especially when it’s rainy. I don’t exactly know why. Don’t get me wrong, I do love sun as well. But I have to say, I have loved these cloudy days.
january: what’s bringing me calm
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The Lazy PhD 
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