It is never a good time to be working on your dissertation during holidays. It is a time to take a break from thinking, analyzing, writing, editing and organizing the chapters. My experience with breaks is always a huge surprise. Why?

While on break, I often get the most amazing insights. Problems I have not been able to solve are suddenly solved – and I wasn’t even trying. It helps immensely to step away from the intensity of the work and play. If you never take a break (since all you want to do is finish) – you may just dig yourself into a deeper and deeper hole of despair and frustration.

You may feel guilty about not working tomorrow, but don’t let the guilt of that thought hang you up from doing something different and having a good time. The more fun you have this weekend, the quicker you will finish.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Consultations