Why winter rest matters: Recharging for academic success

As the year winds down, the pressure in academic life often ramps up. For many of us in academia, winter brings with it not just colder days but the culmination of an intense semester. The past few months for me have been particularly demanding. Between my PhD studies, where I’ve been immersed in collecting and analysing data for two studies, and my part-time job, there hasn’t been much breathing room. But as winter takes hold, I’ve come to realise just how important it is to step back and take a break from the relentless pace of academic work.

Why We Need the Break

Academia often feels like a hamster wheel that never stops turning. There’s always something more to do: papers to write, data to analyse, emails to answer. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that productivity equates to progress, but the reality is that constant busyness without rest leads to burnout. Taking a proper break over the winter isn’t just a luxury - it’s a necessity for mental clarity, creativity, and sustainability.

For me, the past semester was particularly intense. Collecting and analysing data for two separate studies was an ambitious undertaking. Add to that the responsibilities of part-time work, and my schedule often felt like a precarious balancing act. While I’m proud of what I accomplished, I also know that pushing myself too hard for too long isn’t sustainable. Taking a winter break has been a chance to pause, recharge, and reflect on what I’ve achieved without the pressure of the next deadline looming over me.

Reclaiming Time for Myself

One of the biggest benefits of stepping back from academic work is reclaiming time for activities that nourish me outside of my studies. After a long period of injury, I’ve finally been able to get back into running, and it’s been transformative. Running has reminded me that physical activity isn’t just good for the body; it’s essential for the mind as well.

Alongside running, I’ve also found joy in photography again. With more time to explore, I’ve been taking my camera out on walks, capturing the subtleties of winter light and the stillness of frosty landscapes. Photography offers me a creative outlet that feels entirely separate from the analytical thinking my PhD requires. There’s no pressure to produce a specific result, no looming deadline - just the simple pleasure of looking at the world differently.

The Benefits of Rest for Academic Work

Ironically, taking a break from academic work often makes us better at it. The brain isn’t designed to function at full capacity all the time. Rest allows our minds to process what we’ve learned, make connections, and generate new ideas. Some of my best academic breakthroughs have come not while staring at my laptop but during moments of rest - on a run, taking photos, or simply sitting with a cup of tea and letting my mind wander.

This winter, stepping back has given me the space to think more broadly about my PhD. When you’re in the thick of data collection and analysis, it’s easy to lose sight of the bigger picture. Taking a break has helped me reconnect with the overarching goals of my research and consider how the pieces fit together. It’s also given me a fresh perspective on the challenges I’ve faced, allowing me to approach them with renewed focus and creativity.

The Pressure to Keep Working

Despite the benefits of rest, there’s a pervasive culture in academia that makes it difficult to take a break. The “always-on” mentality encourages guilt for stepping away, even temporarily. I’ve felt that pull myself - the nagging thought that I should be doing more, even when I know I need the rest. But I’ve come to realise that taking a break isn’t a sign of weakness or laziness. It’s an investment in my long-term productivity and well-being.

It’s also worth acknowledging that rest looks different for everyone. For some, it might mean spending time with family or indulging in hobbies. For others, it could be as simple as sleeping in, reading a novel, or binge-watching a favourite series without feeling guilty. What matters is finding what works for you and giving yourself permission to prioritise it.

Building Rest into the Academic Year

One of the lessons I’ve learned this winter is the importance of planning rest into my academic calendar. Breaks shouldn’t be an afterthought or something you squeeze in when you’re already burned out. They should be an integral part of how you structure your time.

For me, that means recognising the natural ebb and flow of the academic year and aligning my breaks accordingly. It also means being intentional about how I use those breaks, whether it’s reconnecting with hobbies like running and photography, or simply giving myself the space to rest without an agenda.

A New Perspective for the Year Ahead

As the winter break draws to a close, I’m feeling more refreshed and ready to dive back into my PhD work. The time away has given me a chance to reflect on what I want to achieve in the coming year, not just in terms of academic milestones but also in maintaining a healthy balance between work and rest.

Taking a winter break has reminded me that academic success isn’t just about how much you accomplish - it’s about sustaining the passion and curiosity that brought you into academia in the first place. And to do that, you need to take care of yourself, not just as a researcher but as a whole person.

So as I step into the next phase of my PhD, I’m carrying with me the lessons of this winter break: that rest is productive, that hobbies like running and photography are more than distractions, and that sometimes the best way to move forward is to pause.