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A friend celebrated her birthday at Prime’s Steak last week and she treated us to the most amazing night of food, music, and laughter. We had a private dinning room and danced all night to Wizkid’s Essence as we enjoyed bottles of Moscato . I am sure you must be wondering what Wizkid’s Essence and Moscato have to do with grad school but such moments help me maintain balance. Grad school can be exhausting and depressing so my coping strategy is to connect with friends.

Connect with friends

Most graduate students juggle multiple roles as students, teaching assistants, researchers and often forget there is life outside school. In my first year, I spent most of my time in front of a computer and quickly realized how unhealthy it was for my physical and mental health. I gave myself unrealistic deadlines and constantly told myself I needed to work harder to achieve my goals. Over time, I realized that the key to success in grad school is not working in isolation but integrating my intellectual, social and spiritual life. No doubt, most graduate students need to work independently but you must also make time for other things that make you happy. Build a network of friends that can support, celebrate and encourage you as you navigate life. Pick up a hobby, explore your city, take a road trip, grab coffee with friends, step out of your room and enjoy all the beautiful things life has to offer.

How do you maintain balance in graduate school? I would like to hear from you.