4 ms·

I find that very often the perfect cure for too much "thinking" work is an awful lot of physical work. I started feeling a lot better about working on my Ph.D.

I find that very often the perfect cure for too much "thinking" work is an awful lot of physical work. I started feeling a lot better about working on my Ph.D. when I got a second job stocking shelves on the night shift.

michaelneale 18y ago
Not quite the same as that - but I now live on a property that has a large amount of gardens to take care of (otherwise fire/snakes and general pestilence will ensue). its not every day, but its an epic effort when I do tackle it - but I view it as a) healthy excercise (on top of what I normally do) and b) somehow good for me - I do enjoy doing it and look forward to it.
russell 18y ago
I found carpentry to be a good revitalizer, building decks, fences and the like. Long hikes work. I cant turn off the thinking, but I can usually point it somewhere else.
- aschobel 18y ago
  Ditto. Bike rides, washing dishes, fixing stuff around the apartment are all nice escapes from the cerebral world.
  - waratuman 18y ago
    Bike rides were amazing for me. I decided to bike to and from work (about 10 miles each way). I can't imagine not doing it now, its the best way to start and end my day.
    - staunch 18y ago
      Damn. 10 miles seems like a lot. Mostly flat? How long does it take you?
      - maximilian 18y ago
        It probably takes him a bit more than 30 mins, and a bit less than 1 hr. Most people average 15mph or a little less biking. It obviously depends on how in shape you are, what kind of bike you ride, and how urban the ride is. I rode 5 miles every day over a summer and it was a pretty consistent 20 minutes. (even with some hills and stoplights.)
      - huherto 18y ago
        You would be surprised of the distances you can make in a bike without burning yourself.
      - waratuman 18y ago
        Took me about 35 - 40 min each way
    - potatolicious 18y ago
      I run a mile when I need to unwind, it does absolute wonders (both physical and mental health!), and is a great way to refocus.
  - unalone 18y ago
    During the winter, like now, when I feel blocked I scan things into Delicious Library. I organize stuff digitally. It helps keep me away from the cold and it's mindless enough work that I can really focus on it.
scott_s 18y ago
I'm a Ph.D. student. Including the time spent getting my Master's, I've been in grad school five and a half years. If it wasn't for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and lifting, I would be lost. Training BJJ and MMA is physical, skill-based and social. I train with people who don't care if I miss or make the next paper deadline. They only care that I show up, work hard, and be friendly. Lifting by myself has a meditative quality. Most people go through a week without ever exposing themselves to real physical exertion, and I have no idea how they cope.
- lallysingh 18y ago
  Also a Ph.D. student, Karatedo myself. My sensei's on my committee :-)
  - deleted 18y ago
    [deleted]

michaelneale 18y ago

Not quite the same as that - but I now live on a property that has a large amount of gardens to take care of (otherwise fire/snakes and general pestilence will ensue). its not every day, but its an epic effort when I do tackle it - but I view it as a) healthy excercise (on top of what I normally do) and b) somehow good for me - I do enjoy doing it and look forward to it.

russell 18y ago

I found carpentry to be a good revitalizer, building decks, fences and the like. Long hikes work. I cant turn off the thinking, but I can usually point it somewhere else.

aschobel 18y ago
Ditto. Bike rides, washing dishes, fixing stuff around the apartment are all nice escapes from the cerebral world.
- waratuman 18y ago
  Bike rides were amazing for me. I decided to bike to and from work (about 10 miles each way). I can't imagine not doing it now, its the best way to start and end my day.
  - staunch 18y ago
    Damn. 10 miles seems like a lot. Mostly flat? How long does it take you?
    - maximilian 18y ago
      It probably takes him a bit more than 30 mins, and a bit less than 1 hr. Most people average 15mph or a little less biking. It obviously depends on how in shape you are, what kind of bike you ride, and how urban the ride is. I rode 5 miles every day over a summer and it was a pretty consistent 20 minutes. (even with some hills and stoplights.)
    - huherto 18y ago
      You would be surprised of the distances you can make in a bike without burning yourself.
    - waratuman 18y ago
      Took me about 35 - 40 min each way
  - potatolicious 18y ago
    I run a mile when I need to unwind, it does absolute wonders (both physical and mental health!), and is a great way to refocus.
- unalone 18y ago
  During the winter, like now, when I feel blocked I scan things into Delicious Library. I organize stuff digitally. It helps keep me away from the cold and it's mindless enough work that I can really focus on it.

scott_s 18y ago

I'm a Ph.D. student. Including the time spent getting my Master's, I've been in grad school five and a half years. If it wasn't for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and lifting, I would be lost. Training BJJ and MMA is physical, skill-based and social. I train with people who don't care if I miss or make the next paper deadline. They only care that I show up, work hard, and be friendly. Lifting by myself has a meditative quality. Most people go through a week without ever exposing themselves to real physical exertion, and I have no idea how they cope.

lallysingh 18y ago
Also a Ph.D. student, Karatedo myself. My sensei's on my committee :-)
- deleted 18y ago
  [deleted]