The importance of taking time off - a PhD researcher perspective
Throughout my time as a PhD researcher at the University of Glasgow, I have learned to value my time off from my research. However, being a dedicate researcher and passionate about the work I am doing, I sometimes forget how important it is for our mind, body, and soul to take time off to relax and restore the energy it needs for us to go on with our daily activities.
Taking time off to breathe and disconnect from your work is important as it means you are giving your mental health some time to relax as your health throughout your journey as a researcher will be challenged and put to the test.
After burning out in my first year of my PhD (not a fun experience and would not wish it on anyone), and so, since then I have been taking time off to focus on my health by going on short road trips around Scotland or venturing to new places around the world.
The picture is showing aerostatic balloons flying through clear skies
Sunshine = positivity and better work flow
Usually my work flow and motivation goes down during the winter seasons due to the lack of sunshine. Being a Jordanian, I miss the warm weather and sun on my skin. Hence, I decided to take a week off this month to head home to enjoy some time with family and explore some beautiful areas as a way of boosting my morale. Being under the sun gave me the positive energy I needed. Being able to close my eyes and sit under the sun on the sandy dunes of Wadi Rum in total quietness or walking under the sun towards the iconic Treasury in Petra, gave me the boost of energy I needed to be able to pick up where I left off with my research once I returned to Glasgow. What started as a break away from my research turned into a trip of re-discovering the beauty of my own country.
It feels as if time has stopped!
As a researcher who is connected personally to the research she is conducting (being a member of the community she is researching about), I find it crucial to distance myself from my research to keep my mental health intact but, also to calm the interactive and innovative thoughts that circle around my brain. That is why I was pretty excited when one of the stops on my trip back home was Wadi Rum. While visiting this place, you instantly get the feeling that you are on Mars. Did you know that many famous films were shot in Wadi Rum? Some blockbuster movies such as Martian, Aladdin, and even Star Wars (Once a Jedi always a Jedi!).
Anyway, I am getting a head of myself. What I love about being in Wadi Rum is that you have limited WI-FI or connection to the rest of the world. Hence, you have total silence and peace from everything around you including your research. It was the first time in God knows how long when I put down my phone, disconnected from social media and just lived in the moment. I felt as if time had stopped and the voices in my head calmed down. It was so quiet and tranquil that if you dropped a pin you would hear it.
Things I got to tick off my bucket list were sad boarding, glamping in the middle of the desert, and waking up at the crack of dawn to watch the sun rise. These moments I will cherish forever as I got to do it without the constant itch to check my phone 24/7. Without the use of my phone I am able to enjoy these little moments around me. It just goes to show you how much you can see and marvel around you when you are disconnected from your phone, laptop and the grid itself.
Two pictures taken by Zein Almaha Oweis. These are from places she went to spend some time off. Picture in the left is showing a car in the middle of the desert; there is a red long mat laying in the desert floor. Picture in the right is showing a tea/coffee pot getting warm-up in a fire pit in the desert.
Rediscovering the beauty of my country
One of the things I loved about taking time off from my research, was the chance to rediscover the beauty of my own country, Jordan. Whenever I visit home, I always am spending time with family, as I love spending time with them. This gives me less time to go around my own country. However, with my friend visiting, I took the opportunity to become a ‘tourist’ in my own country.
By visiting all the touristy places such as Dead Sea, The Baptism Sight near The Jordan River, Wadi Rum and Petra, I got to rediscover my own country’s history, culture and beauty. I can definitely say that I loved going around and enjoying unlocking my senses around these areas. From dipping my feet into The Jordan River, to floating in the Dead Sea, to marveling at The Treasury in Petra, I honestly felt and still feel blessed for having such a beautiful and hospitable country to call as my home.
Moreover, to sum up, it is very important to take a break and take some time off from your research. It gives you the opportunity to relax, re-charge your battery, enrich your mind body and soul, but, also adventure and discover the world around you – even when it takes you straight back home. I love taking time off as it gives me the chance to gain my motivation back in order to jump right back into writing. If you ever decide to travel to visit Jordan, please do not hesitate to reach out and I will be happy to share some tips on where to visit.
Zein Almaha Rami Wahdan Oweis observing The Monastery in Petra, Jordan.
Zein Al Maha Oweis is a fourth year Jordanian PhD researcher with a visual impairment and a guide dog user at the University of Glasgow. Her research focuses on disability representation in the Jordanian media. She has obtained previous degrees in Media Communications from Regent's University London (RUL) and Broadcast Journalism from American University (AU).
