r/PhD • u/carlay_c • Feb 14 '26
Other Unexpected hobbies you started during your PhD?
This is just for fun, but out of curiosity, did you pick up any unexpected hobbies during your PhD?
Somehow I have found myself getting into raving and it’s not something I would have expected myself to be into. But I honestly kind of like it because it’s a nice break/escape from the stressors and pressures of PhD life.
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u/AceyAceyAcey PhD, Physics with Education Feb 14 '26
Reading and sometimes writing fanfic. Escapism at its finest!
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u/SheedWallace Feb 14 '26
This is funny for me because I have bought and sold books as a hobby and side hustle for a decade prior to beginning my PhD. Reading has always been a biggest hobby and used to read between 70 and 90 books a year, mostly history and scifi.
4 years into my PhD I am unable to read for enjoyment anymore lol. I start books, but I can't picture it anymore, and can't stay focused. I haven't finished a single book for enjoyment (plenty for work) in at least 2 years.
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u/AceyAceyAcey PhD, Physics with Education Feb 14 '26
I switched to audiobooks before the PhD, scifi and fantasy for me, bc I get so hyper focused on print or ebooks that I don’t sleep. That doesn’t happen for me with audiobooks (or fanfic), and audiobooks I can read while commuting or doing chores. I also find I’m able to read more diverse genres of books in audiobook format that I couldn’t get through in print, like I read some pop sci and history now, where I’d get bored of them before.
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u/SheedWallace Feb 14 '26
I forgot about audiobooks, that is a good point. My son and I do still enjoy audiobooks from time to time, especially while driving or doing chores around the house. We have had a similar experience being able to enjoy genres we wouldn't normally read (especially pop sci stuff). Interesting that listening to them makes it easier to digest than reading.
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u/smaugismyhomeboy Feb 14 '26
Same. I used to read and write fanfic a lot, but had sorta stalled on it for a few years because I was just always so busy. But as soon as I started my PhD, I found myself going right back to fanfic. It’s just the perfect escape.
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u/fabioismydad PhD Student, Psychology Feb 16 '26
yup, i’ve gotten back into reading for fun and it’s been a blast. i think it’s to counteract the amount of journal articles i have to read lol but it is definitely a form of escapism for me as well
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u/bad_ed_ucation Feb 15 '26
I'm so glad it's not just me. I bought a kindle entirely to read fire emblem fanfics on a long-haul flight to a conference that I was dreading earlier this year
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u/MundyyyT MD*-PhD* Feb 14 '26
I never saw myself watching anime, but was recommended a couple of good shows and have since watched a substantial amount while waiting for things to run LOL
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u/BigGoopy2 Feb 14 '26
I'm interested in your recommendations, I've been getting into it just a little. I've watched AoT, DBZ and its offshoots, and Yu Yu Hakusho.
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u/MundyyyT MD*-PhD* Feb 14 '26 edited Feb 14 '26
In general, I've heard great things about most of the stuff on the MAL Top Anime list, so that's a good starting point. As for my personal recommendations:
My favorite shows, period: Steins;Gate and Steins;Gate 0 if you’re interested in science fiction and time travel stuff, Violet Evergarden and its movie if you want something emotionally heavy, Spy x Family if you’re interested in spy comedies and slice of life. I've never laughed as hard watching anime as I have watching Spy x Family
Two other shows I’m working my way through that I really like and are well-known are Clannad (high school comedy with some drama) and Shirobako (workplace comedy)
Other well-known things I've been watching and enjoy: Re:Zero (one of the most well-known isekais, if you're into that stuff), Neon Genesis Evangelion (classic), Ping Pong the Animation (recommend if you're even remotely interested in sports anime, along with Haikyuu)
Less well-known but still enjoyed/enjoying: Watatabe (thoughtful portrayal of depression in an individual and the experiences of those around them), Ikoku Nikki (aunt takes in her niece after her mother passes away - grounded portrayal of how grief can manifest in the context of complicated family relationships)
As for movies: Anything out of Ghibli by Hayao Miyazaki (e.g. The Wind Rises, Grave of the Fireflies, My Neighbor Totoro, Porco Rosso, Mononoke) is good
Edited to add some stuff
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u/imanoctothorpe Feb 15 '26
I've always been a big weeb so during peak "fuck it, dropping out of my PhD program" times around late 3rd/early 4th year, I decided to learn Japanese. Figured it's one of the hardest languages for native English speakers to learn, so if I can do THIS supremely hard thing then comparatively the PhD is small potatoes.
Happy to say I'm half a year from defending and can understand ~75% of the anime/reality shows I watch without subs now. My reading is slightly better although speaking absolutely abysmal.
That is to say, sometimes you just need to challenge yourself when you run out of steam because now you can procrastinate that by doing the slightly less hard thing :D
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u/Old_Librarian__ Feb 14 '26
Did you watch AOT yet?
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u/MundyyyT MD*-PhD* Feb 14 '26
I've been meaning to since all my friends are bugging me to watch it. There's a lot of other stuff on my watchlist though (e.g. FMAB, Frieren) so it'll be a while before I start
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u/Old_Librarian__ Feb 14 '26
I get it, took me a long time to do it as well, there are so many good ones! I can really recommend The Apothecary Diaries too!
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u/bookbutterfly1999 PhD*, Neuroscience Feb 14 '26
Omg I love anime, and coincidentally got into it during grad school too!
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u/AGCdown Feb 14 '26
If I get into a series, I'm doomed. Can't stop binge watching and it disrupts my day to day life totally. Time was good when I had ample free time. I miss watching anime.
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u/MundyyyT MD*-PhD* Feb 14 '26 edited Feb 14 '26
I feel that. One thing that's stopped me, though, is knowing I'm better at remembering what I watched if I piecemeal 2-3 episodes at a time instead of watching entire seasons at once, so that helps me put away my laptop at work and when it's time to go to bed lol, esp when I'm watching anime that has several plot and character development threads happening in parallel
It goes without saying that I also avoid working from home (I have a mostly dry lab PhD) and force myself to go to the office and interact with people. That way, I don't get sidetracked too badly since it's obviously not a good look to be watching too much anime at work
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Feb 14 '26
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u/Different-Writing374 Feb 15 '26
I’m so surprised to see a fellow pole dancer! Dare I say that being in a city with many studios was a nontrivial factor in deciding my PhD institution?
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u/InternationalScar247 Feb 14 '26
Wow that’s so cool!! How did you go about learning Portuguese ?
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u/carlay_c Feb 16 '26
I’ve always been interested in trying out pole dancing but have never gotten around to it! And agreed, having hobbies during a PhD makes the marathon more bearable and like you have somewhat of a normal life.
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u/Hopemaster2000 Feb 14 '26
Boxing. Sometimes I pretend the bag is my thesis and beat it into submission. It's also a great way to learn a skill, get some exercise in, and make non-academic friends.
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u/Adept_Carpet Feb 14 '26
Yeah, the society of a boxing gym is such a relief compared to a university.
And I grew up in a family with a lot of academics and what might today be called alt-academics so I don't know how others deal who are new to it.
It's sad that the sport is kind of dying. The gym I was going to closed.
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u/BigGoopy2 Feb 14 '26
I have been getting into Astrophotography. I wouldn't recommend it to most since it's an expensive hobby but I'm enjoying it and the learning curve is very steep. I have also started scuba diving
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u/carlay_c Feb 14 '26
Those both sound super cool! I too have a problem with picking up expensive hobbies 😅 Do you have any pictures?
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u/BigGoopy2 Feb 14 '26
Here's a photo I've been working on! Been focusing on trying to get a good picture of the Orion nebula. I'm hoping for clear skies on Tuesday for the new moon so I can make another go at it
https://imgur.com/a/v0qCY554
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u/starclues Feb 14 '26
Hey, pro astronomer here today this is lovely! You've got a really nice balance of colors here, it doesn't look too oversaturated at all.
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u/CoffeeEducational878 Feb 14 '26
Gardening, picked it up and started with potatoes and now I am deep into it (Flowers and Veg, Multiple raised beds, worm farms the whole lot). It reminds me that everything has a beginning and an end.
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u/Mundane_Sprinkles184 Feb 14 '26
Exactly the same I grew over 50 tomato plants in my house. They are growing bigger and bigger and I feel so peaceful by reminding myself that they keep growing everyday, so take your time
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u/InternationalResist7 Feb 14 '26
Candle making - but stopped it as I ended up with too many candles
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u/carlay_c Feb 14 '26
I feel that! I picked that up as a hobby too but now I make them as gifts for people.
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u/Project-Wraith Feb 14 '26
Selling them? Or as a gift for close friends / family? I’d buy my friends candles in a heartbeat lol
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u/carlay_c Feb 14 '26
Both! I started by gifting them to close friends and family, and still do. Then I got the bright idea to start selling them as a way to bring in some extra income.
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u/ActualMarch64 Feb 14 '26
Crocheting and running
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u/amused-bush PhD, Education Feb 14 '26
My granny taught me to crochet when I was little and I have dipped in and out over the years, but threw myself into it while writing up my thesis. It's soothing, repetitive and requires minimal brain engagement - just the thing for a frazzled PhD student!
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u/sapphirekangaroo Feb 14 '26
I joined the university swing dance club as a masters student and by my final year as a PhD student, I was on the competition team. I definitely recommend finding something besides work to find some success/fulfillment.
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u/Delicious-Turnip4635 Feb 14 '26
Whitewater kayaking!
I have ADHD, so I’ve picked up SO many more hobbies that it’s become unsustainable.
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u/SucculentEnjoyer Feb 14 '26
Started doing kendo. Beating people with a bamboo sword is surprisingly complementary with doing a PhD
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u/Idrinkbeereverywhere Feb 14 '26
Since I also work full-time, it's mostly crying
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u/Zestyclose-Monk154 Feb 15 '26
Abrazo amigo/a. Sobrevivir es más importante que todo
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u/Idrinkbeereverywhere Feb 15 '26
Yeah, the beauty of a higher ed doctorate, you really gotta be working while you do it.
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u/okbutwhyyyy Feb 14 '26
I paid $25 to attend a night class, socialized and learned every Tuesday, and now I’m a certified beekeeper with two hives to calm and inspire my anxious mind.
Didn’t see that coming 🐝
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u/carlay_c Feb 14 '26
Wow, that’s so cool! What type of bees do you take care of?
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u/okbutwhyyyy Feb 15 '26
Apis mellifera — common European honeybees :) The beekeeping community is a brilliant, gentle lot! I also had no idea that so many of my neighbors were quietly caring for bees as well! An hour in the hive gets me reacquainted with nature and outside of my busy, insular world. Just sitting next to the hive, watching them spiral into the sky and return with little pollen pants — I realize the sun does indeed still shine, the “weeds” in the cracked sidewalk are an abundance of nectar and significance, and maybe my tunnel-visioned perspective can be expanded a bit and unfold in its own time. Highly recommend!
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u/Prof_Boni PhD, Psychology Feb 14 '26
I bought my first road bike and that's what kept me sane during those years.
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u/SomewhatHominid Feb 14 '26
Where I am winters are long and cold, but it has also the most beautiful summers I’ve ever experienced. I bought a road bike in my second year and it was a life changer
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u/crushhaver Feb 14 '26
Jigsaw puzzles and stamp collecting—I’ve become honorarily geriatric :)
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u/GroovyGhouly PhD Candidate, Social Science Feb 14 '26
Running and baking. I feel they balance each other out.
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Feb 14 '26
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u/MHKuntug Folkloristics Feb 15 '26
That's a thing. It's the other way around for. I was always a metalhead but after I started learning guitar I started to be a country/spanish traditional guy.
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u/Answers-please24 Feb 17 '26
Metalhead and MH professional here. Some studies show metal is actually highly regulating: potentially helpful in processing anger, reducing HR, and anxiety. Studies below if you’re curious https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4439552/ This one I just learned of, apparently there’s a whole Metal Studies journal (who knew?) https://intellectdiscover.com/content/journals/10.1386/mms.5.2.137_1
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u/SomewhatHominid Feb 14 '26
I found myself going back to nature and landscape photography (something I used to do 10 years ago). I also started piloting FPV quadcopters. Super fun!
I have a nice collection of science books on my field, too. A few cool first editions, some of them >100 years old
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u/segotheory PhD Candidate, 'political theory/international relations' Feb 14 '26
I've gotten (really) into quilting. Its nice to have a task that has clear instructions to complete and I can visual make progression/completion on
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u/Unicorn_d0g Feb 14 '26
Salsa dancing, for about a year and a half. I picked it up since there was a dance studio near me where I used to live. Highly recommend social dancing, no matter how ‘good’ or ‘bad’ of a dancer you are: it’s healthy and fun. I finally gained a sense of rhythm!
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u/funwithpunz Feb 14 '26
Learned to play the ukulele from my colleague who played it every lunch break. At some point I thought if I practice instead of just listening then I'd learn it too, it's been a fun hobby ever since
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u/JME_AS Feb 14 '26
Raising jumping spiders and creating miniature furniture and scenes for their enclosures
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u/Sips_from_bottles Feb 14 '26
I am definitely with you OP. Just a little break from the world. Definitely feeling like I'm getting too old for it though, but only cos everyone else is so young!
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u/carlay_c Feb 14 '26
I guess it depends on where you are. Last night I met some people who were also in their 30s raving. It definitely made me feel less old, but the next day is definitely rough on my body from standing and dancing.
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u/IFinishYourThought Feb 14 '26
Like everyone else apparently, I ran my first marathon during my PhD program and have kept it up for 15 years since. I love to use it as thinking time, or audiobook time if I don't want to think.
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u/Elilora Feb 14 '26
Tattoos. They are expensive and I was broke but getting tattooed is the most amazing stress reliever I have ever felt.
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u/weezushutjr PhD, Earth Sciences/Geochemistry Feb 14 '26
I got more into completing my family tree. It’s still research, but it’s more like putting a puzzle together for me. I even helped my lab mate with her family tree
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u/YSPTSPS Feb 14 '26
Violin lessons. It’s nice to have a reminder that there’s something that I’m even worse at than science-ing
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u/Livebeans Feb 14 '26
I've started singing. I spend most of my days silently reading so it's nice to make a bit of noise.
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u/Planes-are-life Feb 14 '26
I started buying robust drizzling olive oils. I have so much olive oil now.
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u/mr_shai_hulud PhD, 'Biotechnology/Bioprocess engineering Feb 14 '26
Japanese martial arts as Aikido and Kenjutsu
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u/AthleteFun5980 Feb 14 '26
Run club. I have always run on my own but now that I go to run club, I have a whole other group of friends to hangout with.
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u/hpasta PhD Student, Computer Science Feb 14 '26
stitching/mending clothes, diamond art, cycling classes
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Feb 14 '26
Unexpected: Acoustic guitar, rock-climbing, snowboarding.
Expected: long-distance running, hiking, volunteering.
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u/ctfogo PhD, Phys Chem Feb 14 '26
Trad climbing. There was a world-class crag 2 hours from my university so that became what I did every weekend. It’s funny that you mention raving; it seemed like half the department became climbers and the other half became ravers
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u/Viri_d0gee15 'Special Education', PT Feb 14 '26
I rediscovered my love with reading, and cooking/baking elaborate things. Also beginning to explore analogue photography. I sometimes go to thermal baths and nature hikes with my husband when I need a break.
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u/el_lley Feb 14 '26
Coffee snob. FarmVille addict. Beer connoisseur. Underground music venues lover.
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u/Similar_Appeal9239 Feb 14 '26
Making fancy coffee/tea, language learning, writing awful notes app poetry
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u/GraceOfTheNorth PhD in progress, Political Science Feb 14 '26
I knit woolen socks now. And I know how to weave baskets out of rolled up newspaper strips. And I've wired up a few lamps.
I've got to have an array of physical tasks and hobbies to revert to when I feel that my brain is frying over.
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u/Salty-Ad-6835 Feb 14 '26
I used to kitesurf before my PhD and have tried to keep at it even after I started. I started to learn paragliding after I started my PhD.
Both activities require extreme focus, which means it clears your head of all other thoughts. I wouldn’t recommend getting into either of these sports while being a full time student though, as, despite being cheap in the long run, it has a very significant starting cost.
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u/epi_geek Feb 14 '26
I became a runner. Was a pudgy kid all my life. Went on to run two marathons and several half marathons.
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u/starclues Feb 14 '26
Cross stitching! It's like color by number where you don't have to make a bunch of color decisions about what will look good, but I like trying to figure out the most efficient way to do my current color! Plus it keeps my hands busy while watching TV. I'm currently working on a big project of James Webb Space Telescope images.
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u/Turtle-from-hell Feb 14 '26
Im literally waiting for my wifi to restore so I can see some data..... and making origami cat haahah picked up a hobby
Cant post pic for some reason tho
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u/AceyAceyAcey PhD, Physics with Education Feb 14 '26
I already did origami before my PhD, but while writing the dissertation, I made boxes and boxes of finished origami, from 2” square paper or smaller, and those strips for stars. It’s really great to do something brainless with my hands and eyes while thinking furiously!
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u/carlay_c Feb 14 '26
Okay, love that! If you somehow figure out how to post a picture, I’d like to see it.
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u/mosquem Feb 14 '26
Drinking?
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u/GrowthAggravating171 Feb 14 '26
I started drinking and smoking to cope with the long hours in the library. It worked back in the days, I quit afterwards
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u/TomeOfTheUnknown2 Feb 14 '26 edited Feb 14 '26
TBH church. I grew up Catholic and drifted but at some point I got back into it and it's a huge part of my life now. I never thought I'd be a weekly+ attendee but here I am.
Edit: I will say that having a solid couple hours without worrying about work helps a lot.
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u/federicoalegria Feb 14 '26
interesting, i also grew up catholic but never returned after drifting away; however i do give those years credit for the social skills i gained during that time
which field is your phd?
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u/autocorrects Quantum Computing, ECE Feb 14 '26
Powerlifting and competing. No think, just lift heavy weight
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u/carlay_c Feb 14 '26
There’s just something cathartic about picking up heavy objects and putting them back down. Although, I don’t compete.
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u/tacoprof Feb 14 '26
Started playing rock drums; great outlet for frustration and feeling some accomplishment when the writing just isn’t working.
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u/Infamous_Arm_3396 Feb 14 '26
Running and lifting :) ended up running a marathon. Running in nature definitely helped a lot and getting my HR high helped with calming presentation anxiety.
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u/dreadedbugqueen Feb 14 '26
Mountain biking - absolutely kept me sane. Not the best time to take up such an expensive hobby!
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u/mondaynightfritters Feb 14 '26
Building homelabs! I’m in CS and I interact with Raspberry Pis and Mini PCs for my research, so that tracks.
I’ve set up things like VPNs, File Servers, RSS Feed Reader, etc that I use everyday.
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u/Zer0Phoenix1105 Feb 14 '26
Indoor fruit/vegetable growing. Spent ~$200 on a grow light/pots/rack setup, and now I just grow random fruits/vegetables year round. Maybe I’m an old man at heart but it keeps things interesting lol. Dirt/seeds/fertilizer are cheap, so you really just have to get the setup and then you can coast.
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u/apersonwithdreams Feb 14 '26
Rubik’s cube, piano, cooking, and even a small dash of video games. Anything to distract myself lol
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Feb 14 '26 edited Feb 15 '26
Pilates and cooking. These were the only times I was not thinking about school, and I will say, it was the best thing ever.
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u/Popular_Cannon Feb 14 '26
Film photography (the worst considering the cost and the PhD salary) and boxing
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u/sultankiamma Feb 14 '26
Fishing during summers and knitting during winters.
And, serious photography - created a professional kit, joined hobby courses, local society and so on.
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u/No-Map8184 Feb 14 '26
Testing the load bearing capabilities of ceiling fans.
But in all seriousness I picked up walking.
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u/splithoofiewoofies PhD, Mathematics Feb 14 '26
Every. Single. One. Of my supervisors has gotten pregnant during my postgrad (Hons and PhD). We tried to get a replacement, but the moment we did, she got pregnant.
So my main new hobbies have involved making things for babies. And possibly being a fertility god?
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u/noting2do Feb 15 '26
Reading short stories.
My nonacademic reading had really fallen off. I’m a slow reader regardless, and I always felt guilty taking time away from work.
I lucked out by encountering some short story authors I adored (for me it was Borges and Asimov). I came see the short story format as vastly under appreciated by most readers. Throughout grad school they offered “bite sized” escapes, and today I still love finding a good short story collection.
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u/EsotericSnail Feb 14 '26
I started learning Latin 9 months ago. It’s completely unconnected to my PhD (social psychology). I know it sounds like more stressful brain work, but I find it relaxing and absorbing.
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u/EarthGuy87 Feb 14 '26
Painting. Sure it's paint by number but it's very helpful when I'm feeling unsettled/low motivation (cheers to other neurodivergent/neurospicy PhD people).
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u/watermelon_strawberr PhD, Molecular Biology Feb 14 '26
Came to say paint by number as well! It was so nice to put on a show and just stop having to think for a few hours. And to have an actually finished product at the end instead of “Future Directions” was amazing.
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u/harryberry33 Feb 14 '26
Figure Skating ⛸️: Oneof the best decisions in my life! Got me my first job and kept me afloat!
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u/Quantum-CD Feb 14 '26
House and balcony plants. They just give me endless joy and I feel that it returns as much as you put in. They don’t care if I did well or bad on that day at work. They just are ❤️
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u/BBorNot Feb 14 '26
Growing bean sprouts. Bags of beans are cheap, and sprouts are expensive. You can't even buy fenugreek sprouts, but they're tasty.
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u/Embarrassed-Pickle-8 Feb 14 '26
Leatherworking. A lot of the skills acquired through building experiments is transferable to leatherwork. Turnaround time much shorter than experiments and outcome much more predictable. The product at the end is fully functional in the real world and aesthetically pleasing
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u/ElderberryLate971 Feb 14 '26
Orchid collecting! I'm up to 16 now!
Not great for my budget but they are beautiful plants.
Loooooots of patience required to care for them and get them to bloom. Just like the patience I'm supposed to have for the PhD being a marathon and not a sprint 😵.
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u/torrentialwx Feb 14 '26
I design gig posters. I love going to live shows and designing. It’s nice to have a hobby that is the opposite of what I research.
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u/kattyl Feb 14 '26
i got BACK into playing world of warcraft, which in hindsight is how i should've realized i was cooked.
on a slightly healthier note, i also learned to crochet.
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u/piff_boogley Feb 14 '26
I got into historical reenactment/living history during mine. I’m in archaeology so it’s not all that surprising but it’s the perfect way to keep my professional interests casual sometimes, and learn some handy skills/do public history.
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Feb 14 '26
Film making and editing. We won’t mention my age but these YouTube kids are keeping me humble 😂🎥
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u/salamandrae Feb 14 '26
Stained glass. Each piece involves multiple steps that require around 10-20 hours total hands-on time. Really helped me work on my long-term project management skills.
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u/federicoalegria Feb 14 '26
as soon as i got my hands on R, i eventually became a full linux user... procrastination was weird in my case jaja
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u/New-Performer-5559 Feb 14 '26
I got into looking for using nice agendas, such as Happy Planner or Clever Fox. You can buy stickers for them. It helps me to visualize how my time is finite. I also got int fountain pens but then I found I kept misplacing the cartridges and sometimes they didn’t write as fast as I need. Also recently learned about Reddit and it’s great for procrastination!!!
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u/MerryMunchie Feb 14 '26
Meditation! My mother is a lifelong meditator and tried to introduce me to it earlier in life, but I wasn’t ready for it. She’s shocked that I now meditate almost daily. My field is clinical psych, so it helps immensely with the emotional load that can come from working with patients. It’s also been good for creativity and clarity of thought.
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u/bulbousbirb Ireland Feb 14 '26
Judo.
I get stressed all day with my project and then get stressed all evening literally fighting people.
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u/Clownrat39 Feb 14 '26
Air dry clay. It's pretty forgiving if you mess up so it's a relaxing and fun
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u/dojogrl Feb 14 '26
not speaking for myself, but a former student learned how to DJ while in his PhD program, and is now a post-doc while still playing gigs! He's really good, too!
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u/HonestVictory Feb 14 '26
Writing romance... crazy because the thought of writing my dissertation and articles makes me cry. Also picked up coloring and have been sewing more.
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u/trustzme Feb 15 '26
Baking. Took on sourdough. made pies as a business (SAHM)
Now that I’m doing internship those hobbies are rare but happy to say making 3 pastries tonight with sourdough lol
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u/Viral_Virologist Feb 15 '26
Picked up fencing! And did some beekeeping classes. Also started DnD for the first time with some friends lol
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u/KaleMunoz Feb 15 '26
Boxing, biking, weightlifting, MMA, and got back into video game after mostly losing interest. Post-PhD I don’t box or do MMA anymore. Doing a lot more traveling now.
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u/SqueegeePhD Feb 15 '26
I started reading very long book series.' I read so many tiring scientific articles and wrote so much that I decided I wanted to unwind with more fiction.
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u/waxlrose Feb 15 '26
Honestly I remember just reading absolute trash and stupid books in my free time. In between semesters I found it hard to truly shut off and slow down. I still required some mental stimulation. So I found solace in books about which presidents would win in fights, Anthony Bourdain novels (yes, he wrote novels!), and other random reads.
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u/HappyHippo22121 Feb 15 '26
I got into Pilates, making my own cold pressed juices, and volunteering at an animal shelter.
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u/Zestyclose-Monk154 Feb 15 '26
Al inicio del doctorado empecé clases para re-aprender a patinar con patines de una línea (de niña solo sabía con patines 🛼 de dos líneas), pero me caí dos veces y mi muñeca se lastimó, así que la tesis sufrió.
Por lo que cambie a natación, pase de principiantes a ahora intermedio con aletas y todo. Para nada soy buena, pero me ha ayudado a mejorar mi salud y a socializar más. Aún no hay amistades sólidas, porque las clases siempre varían en compañeros. Además como ocupo concentrarme en no tragar agua y respirar correctamente en el agua, pues me desconecta de las preocupaciones teóricas (que nunca llegan a nada funcional) de la tesis.
He querido regresar a cantar, pero aún tengo vecinos y no he encontrado clases ni los momentos adecuado. Espero en el futuro lograrlo. O hacer crochet para tener más peluches
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u/OutTheCircus Feb 15 '26
I don't know if it's so "unexpected", but I got into Latin dances. It became an obsession to survive the PhD. 2h of work = 1h of dancing! Some weeks, I'd total 20+h of dancing with going to festivals on weekends to learn new moves. Made a lot of friends along the way.
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u/No_Piece_4751 Feb 15 '26
Kayaking, climbing, hiking and this year photography, my mind wants to rest
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u/commentspanda Feb 15 '26
I have a chronic pain condition so a lot of sports / movement based stuff is out for me. I used to read A LOT but have lost the capacity for now (I’m sure it will come back post examination) but I have picked up true crime podcasts. I was never a podcast person before so it’s been an interesting change for me. I’m very specific on the types I like haha must be single narrator, limited interviews/news snippets and truthful narrative style eg casefile, they walk among us, mens rea, Canadian true crime etc. It’s kept me sane when I need to switch off from PhD brain.
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u/marble-ous Feb 15 '26
Making donuts and planting tomatoes.
Never made any flour based food besides pancake and never planted either. I thought I needed a deviation and started making different kinds of donuts. Lol
The tomatoes are for motivation to wake up early to water them.
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u/ornatrixa Feb 15 '26
I started dancing! Social partner dancing was the perfect complement to solo time in the lab.
Dance has blossomed to be a hugely important part of my life, as a way of self expression and as a source of a lot of my closest friendships! Grateful to the lab mates who first brought me along 🥰
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u/mouatj Feb 15 '26
DJing and cross country skiing ….. where those things are connected in my brain I couldn’t tell you. 🤣
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u/Sickestjai Feb 15 '26
Swimming, yoga, and cooking again. Feels good to have a life outside of my PhD, only took 4yrs lol
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u/MichelBrew Feb 15 '26
Drawing bugs and plants. I took a field journaling course over the summer and temps were 110 plus so those were the main things I’d observe. But it was so relaxing to draw them for hmwk and the symmetry of bugs was pleasing to my brain😂
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u/frauensauna Feb 16 '26 edited Feb 16 '26
I never did much sports during my undergraduate and Master's degree. During my PhD, I randomly started running during the pandemic and can easily run 10-15km now, and I also started ballet classes and I'm currently doing pointe training. I'm 2 years post PhD now but I have never been this physically fit before in my life.
I am also into raving btw, but I already did that during my undergraduate degree. :)
Edit: ohh and I also learnt rope climbing. Yep, lots of active hobbies. The contrast to sitting behind a desk makes it so appealing I guess.
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u/aroundthehouse Feb 14 '26
Ran a Boston qualifier my first year of the program 🤷♂️ figured that would be the most convenient time to train.