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How does your back feel?
If you’re like many writers of dissertations, you sit scrunched in front of your computer for far too long with far too few breaks. And by those last 15 minutes of writing you feel the spasms of pain in your lower back.
You might be surprised at the number of my dissertation coaching clients who complain of back pain.
But I’m not.
When I was writing my dissertation, I developed back pain and sciatica. I had to have an ice pack under my leg in order to drive the car. And when the pain forced me to stop sitting at my computer, I had to stop writing my dissertation.
I finally was referred to a surgeon named Dr. Hope. Isn’t that an amazing name for a doctor? (Note to self: If I ever play a doctor on TV, that’s the name I want!)
Long story short, I had surgery, recovered, finished my dissertation.
If I had taken the time to care for myself properly when I began the dissertation, I think I could have dealt better with the pressure of the work and perhaps warded off the onset of pain. Now I plan my weekly schedule around exercise.
And I’m always struck by how regular exercise is helping many of my clients to better manage their writing and all that goes with writing a dissertation.
I’m curious—is a trip to the gym a high priority for you?
I would love to hear from you.
All good wishes,
Nancy
Nancy Whichard, Ph.D., PCC
Your International Dissertation and Academic Career Coach
[email protected]
www.dissertationbootcamp.net
www.usingyourstrengths.com
www.smarttipsforwriters.com