Anifat Ibrahim, a PhD candidate at the Global Development Institute, and Krishna Das, a PhD candidate at the Department of Geography, reflect on how a well-timed group trip to Brathay in the Lake District earlier in the year rejuvenated their spirits, strengthened their connections with colleagues, and made them happier researchers.

The perpetual busyness of PhD life

 

PhD candidates are known for their extremely busy schedules. From meeting tight paper submission deadlines and preparing for supervision meetings to collecting data, reading voluminous academic journals, and working as teaching assistants, the workload seems endless. With such demanding schedules, ‘downtime’ is a rare indulgence for many PhD students. There is often a pervasive feeling that any break could have been spent advancing their research.

The truth is that even highly motivated PhD candidates do not feel like engaging with their research every day of the year. Motivation can wane, and sometimes they just want to escape the pressure of their workload. While many people may consider taking breaks counterproductive, especially when approaching major milestones like annual reviews, a perfectly timed break can be a powerful remedy for academic researchers on the brink of burnout.

 

The journey to Brathay, Lake District

 

The adventure began with a group of PhD researchers gathering at the Manchester Museum on a beautiful Wednesday morning on the 8th of May 2024. Excitement buzzed through the group as we took a comfortable bus ride to Brathay. The beautiful weather on that day set the perfect tone for the trip. We arrived at the Lake District in the early afternoon, and the transition from the bustling city to the serene, peaceful surroundings of the Lake District was palpable. The hospitable Brathay team and our guide, Andy, warmly welcomed us, and we were immediately enveloped in a sense of calm and relaxation.

The two-day trip’s activities were designed to foster teamwork and camaraderie. We started with a delightful pizza-making session, where pairs of students transformed the same set of ingredients into unique and delicious pizzas, which we later enjoyed for dinner. This activity set the stage for the collaborative spirit that would define the rest of our trip.

In the early evening of our first day on the trip, we rowed on Windermere Lake. We were divided into two groups, with everyone assuming different roles within each team. Captains steered the wheels of the boats, others paddled, and cheerleaders kept spirits up throughout the rowing session. Despite some of us being first-time rowers, the experience was both fun and a great exercise in teamwork and coordination. We stopped for ice cream at one of the local shops around the Lake before returning to Brathay. Later that evening, we joined in a lively ceilidh, a traditional Scottish dance led by Professor Tanja Bastia. It was a fantastic bonding experience filled with joy and laughter.

The following day was packed with engaging activities, including a challenging rope activity that required everyone to support each other to succeed. The treasure hunt through the estate was both fun and a great way to explore the beautiful surroundings. One of our colleagues conquered her fear of heights during a pole-climbing activity. Supported by her teammates, she climbed as high as possible and took a leap of faith, relying entirely on her team. This experience highlighted the power of trust and encouragement from supportive friends and was a profound lesson in teamwork.

 

A true sense of belonging

 

Getting to know one another in such a natural setting, away from the confines of our offices, was invaluable. The trip allowed us to form friendships beyond mere collegiality, seeing one another in our truest forms. We returned not just as a group of individuals but as a cohesive team, united by our shared experiences and newfound understanding.

Undertaking a PhD can often feel like a solitary journey. Each PhD researcher often works on unique projects. However, while PhD researchers are trained to become independent, one needs to acknowledge the feelings of loneliness that can accompany the experience. Our stay at Brathay, where we shared spaces with colleagues, fostered a true sense of belonging for us. We no longer felt alone on our PhD journeys but as a group of researchers on the same quest to contribute to knowledge and advance social justice. The group activities reassured us that we could rely on one another as we did during the group tasks.

One of the key realisations from the trip was how much we have in common despite our diverse PhD paths. The sense of camaraderie we developed is a powerful antidote to the anxiety and loneliness often felt by PhD scholars. Knowing we can rely on each other provides immense comfort and reinforces our collective strength.

 

The importance of taking breaks

 

Maintaining a healthy work-life balance during a PhD can be tough because work-related tasks are never-ending and always seem urgent. However, completing a PhD without feeling miserable requires well-timed periodic breaks. Our group trip to the Lake District left us feeling energised and highly motivated. The following week, we returned to our desks feeling refreshed and ready to work. Efficient time management involves planning productive time while not ignoring recreation. Moving forward, we have consciously incorporated taking well-deserved and perfectly timed breaks into our schedules as we continue our PhD programs.

 

Embracing the marathon, not the sprint

 

“A PhD is a marathon, not a sprint” is sage advice for any doctoral student. The long-term nature of PhD research means it is crucial to enjoy the journey rather than just endure it. Interacting with colleagues at various stages of their PhD during the trip reinforced this lesson. The enthusiasm of first-year students about the future impact of their research, combined with the wisdom of final-year students on managing pressure, provided invaluable insights. Sharing stories of fieldwork and the inevitable messiness of data collection helped everyone appreciate that it is okay not to have everything figured out. Pacing oneself at different stages of the PhD was a crucial takeaway from these interactions.

 

An enriching experience for future researchers

 

This annual trip is an unparalleled opportunity for all current and future researchers to bond with peers, develop essential teamwork skills, and create lasting memories. It offers both personal and professional growth, going beyond the academic realm. Mark your calendars for next year and be part of this incredible journey!

 

Special thanks to Rory, Elizabeth, and the Rory Brooks Doctoral College

 

We want to say a special thanks to our funders, Rory and Elizabeth Brooks and all members of the Rory and Elizabeth Brooks Doctoral College who made this trip possible.

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Note:  This article gives the views of the author/academic featured and does not represent the views of the Global Development Institute as a whole.

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