Mount Rainier

One of the most overused cliches describing a PhD is that it's like climbing a mountain -- something that is probably true, but which no third year graduate student wants to hear. I have struggled with the difficulty of wanting results immediately and pushing towards the next experiment with no regard for work-life balance, leading to exhaustion and burnout as if I was a hiker who drove themselves too far without a break. I find that actual hikes up mountains help me to put my degree progress in perspective; getting outside reminds me that the journey to the top is arduous and nonlinear, but the view that waits will be worth it. Moving into my fourth year, I'm trying to be better about scheduling experiments within work hours that are reasonable and allow for time to recharge (and go into the great outdoors).