I think you're right Olivia. I was doing the PhD full-time (very grateful for the funding and opportunity) but I think it has lead to all kinds of health problems (or at least didn't help).

Conversely, I completed my MA (full-time) whilst working part-time and found that that helped with productivity and provided balance.

Depression, insomnia, lower back ache (from sitting in front of a computer), weight loss. I think a lot of the problems are due, as pointed out, to a lack of exercise. When I was working a full-time job I walked a lot during the day instead of plonking myself in front of a computer all day as is my PhD life.

Also, a big problem I've had is lack of routine. I'm always making timetables and trying to stick to them but sometimes you just can't write/read in the day.

Has anyone worked whilst studying? I've heard having some routine (non-PhD) really helps with health and PhD work.

Thanks for your advice. I was ill for nearly all of last term and now I'm feeling better I'm trying to get a thorough plan together and work through sections when I have free time. It really is a struggle at the moment. I really admire those who have children mid-phd and still manage to keep going - well done.

As I've had a long while out already (4 months) it really feels like I'm starting my PhD all over again trying to get back into it. As I said, I'm tempted to abandon the whole project sometimes but I guess this is normal. Also, I feel very guilty that I haven't just sailed through as I intended.

Thanks again for your messages.

Dear All,

Just wondering if any of you had any experience of taking time out of a PhD and returning successfully i.e. to complete the thesis.

I have taken the rest of the academic year off due to illness. I hadn't touched any PhD work since the beginning of term so I thought a suspension would be a good idea until I felt better and had more energy.

Unfortunately, my supervisor has left my college now but has been kind enough to offer unofficial supervision during my break but I'm finding it hard to build up the motivation to work at the moment (I'm working in an office also).

I am also considering not returning (I've done two years already) as it took me a long time to settle on a research project (Humanities student) and I haven't really got down to writing yet. I'd be interested to hear different humanities student's experiences of writing up and how long it took. Any advice also much appreciated.

Thanks.