Feasible steps
‘Discuss this with your thesis supervisor as soon as you can. Hopefully that will relieve a lot of stress and anxiety. Your supervisor is keen for you to complete your thesis too, and can help you make a schedule. Then you can divide the huge mountain called “Thesis” into small, achievable steps. As soon as you complete a step, you experience a sense of achievement and that motivates you. Also, see if you can work more on campus or join a thesis circle. As for your energy, decide for yourself whether a holiday could help. And when you start work again, plan days off.’
Lian van Lumig, study advisor in Environmental Sciences
(Sports)routine
‘I think it’s important for you to get back to a routine that has room for both exertion and relaxation. Exercise helps. I get a lot of energy from team sports or group lessons at the Bongerd. Participating in sports with others motivates you, but you can also set yourself a sports-related goal. When you achieve that goal, your self-confidence and motivation increase. Approach your thesis in similarly realistic steps and build up from there.’
Sifre van Teeffelen, student of Molecular Life Sciences and secretary of Thymos
Fifteen minutes
‘Many students and staff are going through a similar rough patch right now. And even those who aren’t sometimes lack motivation or feel down. That is normal and should not be ignored. Take 15 minutes a day to allow yourself to moan about the situation and then move on. Remember why you were excited about the project in the first place and focus on that. For me, it also works to start the day with something that gives me energy, like yoga. And don’t forget: your thesis does not define the rest of your life. It just brings you to the next phase, which may be brighter and more fulfilling.’
Cristina Furlan, teacher at Systems and Synthetic Biology
Like-minded
‘The pandemic has had a terrible impact on the mental health of students: you are not alone! Try finding people who are going through the same sort of rough period. Talking with them can be of great help. It is hard to regain the energy and motivation that you had before when you feel stuck in your current project. Meet your supervisor and draw up a detailed plan for finishing your thesis, including deadlines and deliverables. Follow the plan and you will be done in no time. Remember: for most of us, life begins only after university.’
Max Finger Bou, PhD student of Microbiology
Next [WUR]ry:
Do you have any advice or tips for this Wurrier? Or could you use some good advice yourself? Email your tips or question to resource@wur.n by 4 March, with the subject line noWURries.
