Happy New Year neurograds! We asked about your resolutions for this year – from graduate research to life outside of the lab. We’ve combined them below, along with some of our own resolutions and tips. Here’s to a better year ahead!

Engage

  • Try something new: a new technique in lab, a planning system, a genre of books, a sport, a skill, or a new way to relax.
  • Take advantage of common interests in the grad student community: join a group for sports, music, art, or crafts (knitting group!); contribute to journal clubs; attend GSAN events; play board games; code together in Hackspace; learn a new language in GSAN language classes; and seek insight from others outside the lab.
  • Find new inspiration: attend special lectures within and outside of IPN; present at small conferences; ask more questions at poster sessions and talks; reach out to the community for feedback; work up the courage to talk to that researcher whose work you admire; step outside of your focus sometimes for perspective.

Reflect

  • Manage time: set daily, weekly, and monthly actionable goals; gradually adjust your sleep schedule; take more small breaks; write a little every day; budget more realistic amounts of time for studying or reading; change up your tasks when you lose focus; actively allot time in the week for cooking, cleaning, exercise, and rest; don’t let perfect be the enemy of the good. (Tip: Go about your week as usual and write down how you spend your time. At the end of the week, assess how much time you typically spend on your commute, your meals, checking your email, writing, studying, lab work, chores, etc. Reflect on your priorities and use this information to set a realistic schedule, or adjust how much time you spend on certain tasks.)
  • Make time: make your art again; make music; see a show; craft; play in the snow; hike up Mount Royal; call your family; play a game; sleep; make comfort food; dance; exercise; explore somewhere new; go to a café or museum alone; set reminders to connect with friends; allow yourself to disconnect from work for part of the day (set do not disturb on your phone/email); set stopping points for work to better take advantage of time off; take time to think.

Connect

  • Listen: be a new student buddy; attend a PGSS meeting; try or volunteer for the peer support network; talk to someone new after class or at an event; try a new podcast or audiobook as a group; attend student talks; connect with international students; go to a different club meeting or event; meet with students that work in other institutes; learn about research throughout Montreal.
  • Share: write about your work for a lay audience; discuss your interests on a public platform; make a video, graphic, or multimedia work about your research; give more practice talks to your labmates and other students; contribute to a scientific outreach program (Brain Reach, Let’s Talk Science); participate in 3 Minute Thesis; contribute to the Neuroblog!

This year, we want to hear more about your research, your interests, and your life as a graduate student at McGill. Share your news with us, your passions, your challenges, and what you’d like to see more of here on the blog. Improve your writing by contributing, or simply share some of your photos from lab, conferences, or events. We look forward to sharing this next year with you! Cheers to a happy holiday season and an exciting new year.

Jan 6, 2017