I feel like I’m back in the pandemic where self-isolation (even if intentional), fear, and uncertainty are establishing roots (yet again) in my mind. My go-to coping mechanism is to avoid processing these emotions, focus on being productive, and then hitting a wall where my unprocessed emotions boil over. Working on this habit through therapy is great, and yet after another bout of avoidance (i.e., physical symptoms, needing to cry but can’t, feeling overwhelmed, etc.), I’ve realized that at the core of this episode was a loss of hope in something better. Phew, talk about a trigger warning!

The Global Brain Health Institute on hope and why we need it: https://www.gbhi.org/news-publications/what-hope-and-why-do-we-need-it

After I upload this episode, I’m going to rest like I agreed to do today. 😊

Do you ever daydream about sending your clone to do all the things in life that you don’t want to do while the real you just sits on a beach, stays in bed, or runs away to a place far-far-away? Well, this episode can’t tell you how to make said clone, BUT, it does have some tips on ways to ease your stress.

Looking at my order history, I used a meal service for 9 weeks (April-June) during the period when I was writing my proposal. I would order a few options, each with enough for two servings, and found a lot of tasty meals to cook. For the most part, the items were packaged well and survived shipping. One thing I do remember; however, is that I picked a lot of meals with a potato based side. This translated into A LOT of potatoes that I didn’t eat. Once I started looking out for that, things were good. And truthfully, I didn’t always follow the recipe given and just cooked whatever I felt like doing at the time. So that may be an option for you as well.

EveryPlate (not EasyPlate, lol!) Referral Link

Ashley Janssen provides more details on asking for help (including a script!): https://ashleyjanssen.com/how-to-develop-the-skill-of-asking-for-help/

The three (oops, no four!) steps that help me be proactive in my self-care during stressful moments. I use this method before meetings, appointments, and talks that I know cause me anxiety and worry. I find it super easy to do and repeat when my brain decides not to remember how to function in these moments.

You ever just feel like you're in a sunken place—a place of sadness, negativity, or even despair? Today's episode is the product of my recent visit to such a place and strategies on how to get out. Remember, you're not alone and help is out there. I believe in you Doc.

I found this list of National Helplines by Very Well Mind (in case this helps):

https://www.verywellmind.com/national-helpline-database-4799696

In this episode I go over the one book that helped me during my dissertation process: Destination Dissertation: A Traveler's Guide to a Done Dissertation (2nd Edition). The most impactful part of this book is the “Pre-Proposal” and I recommend checking it out for that reason alone. I go over the key elements to help you decide if this resource is for you.

Honestly, the ENTIRE book is helpful because it walks the reader through the entire dissertation process from start to finish. This book was my go-to resource until I submitted my final version to ProQuest!

Link to Book (non-affiliate link): https://a.co/d/e2v9JvP. According to link, a new edition will release on April 15, 2025.

Welcome to the first episode of the PhD Level Complete Podcast! (I can’t even believe this is written for you to read. I will try not get too hyped! — AHHHH! Phew, okay. I’m good—ahem.)

In this episode, I talk about my background, and overview of my doctoral journey, and the reasons for why I’ve started this podcast. This is a super short, introduction kind of episode. My ultimate goal is to share my insights so that you have at least one path forward towards graduation. I had to figure out ALOT on my own during my PhD journey. My hope is at least one lesson will help you cross that finish line. You got this!