The Scope
Optometry
If grad school sometimes feels like juggling a dozen deadlines while running on caffeine, you’re not alone. Taking time to relax might seem impossible, but even small moments of rest can make a huge difference.
Here are five simple ways to bring a little calm into the chaos:
1) Set Clear Boundaries
Graduate school can easily take over every part of your life if you let it. That’s why setting boundaries is essential. Decide when your academic workday ends, and stick to it. Limit after-hours emails, protect your weekends when possible, and avoid taking on commitments that stretch you too thin. Strong boundaries help you maintain energy and prevent burnout, which is key in a long-term program.
2) Establish Some “Me” Time
As grad students, we often feel guilty for relaxing because there’s always another article to read or draft to revise. But intentional “me time” actually helps you recharge so you can think clearly and work efficiently. Schedule short, regular breaks to do things that restore you: a quiet walk, meditation, cooking something you enjoy, or watching an episode of a comfort show. Treat this time as non-negotiable; your brain needs space to rest.
3) Keep Your Space Organized
Whether you're working from a lab, an office, or your apartment, staying organized can significantly reduce stress. Grad school brings piles of articles, notes, drafts, and materials, which can quickly become overwhelming. Try small habits like end-of-day desk resets, digital folder organization, or weekly cleanup sessions. A clean, orderly environment helps you focus better and can make the workload feel more manageable.
4) Celebrate the Small Things
Grad school is packed with long-term projects that almost never give you that quick “I did it!” feeling. That’s why it helps to notice the small wins: finishing a tough section of your thesis, getting a bit of positive feedback, submitting a proposal you’ve been putting off, or finally making sense of a dense reading. These moments matter. Celebrate progress, not perfection. Paying attention to these little victories can keep your morale up and stop the big deadlines from completely overshadowing the fact that you are moving forward.
5) Establish a Support System—and Use It
Graduate school can feel isolating, especially during intense research phases or writing-heavy semesters. Connecting with supportive people, whether fellow grad students, advisors, friends, family, or campus resources, can make all the difference. Join a study group, lean on peers who understand your field, seek guidance from mentors, or reach out to counseling services if needed. Sometimes the most relaxing and grounding thing is talking to someone who “gets it.”
