I recently wrapped up a marathon of overlapping graduate courses. Two ran concurrently, and another overlapped for four weeks just before an intensive one‑week residency session on campus. And because I apparently enjoy testing my limits, I ran a half‑marathon somewhere in the middle—scheduled, of course, for the day after the intensive on‑site residency. By the end of it all, my brain (and body) felt like mush.
Now that I’m on the other side, I can finally breathe a sigh of relief and re‑centre myself, taking time to integrate what I’ve learned into both my work and my life.
Here are a few lessons I took away:
First, fitting learning into already full lives is hard—overlapping courses or not. Something has to give. The house was messy, the laundry piled up, and meals were… well, creative—think repurposed leftovers, too much take‑out, and the quintessential “girl dinner” on repeat. But everyone was healthy and safe, so it was okay. Like many graduate students, I hold high expectations for myself—as a learner, a parent, a spouse, and a professional. Realistically, during this stretch, I didn’t have 100% to give. My usual stress‑management strategies helped, but I also had to adjust my expectations. If you’ve only got 80% to give and you bring that wholeheartedly, then you’ve brought your full 100%.
Second, delegating and reprioritizing are essential. For me, that meant letting go of certain expectations and focusing on being present rather than obsessing over the ever‑expanding task list at home or every little course requirement or supplemental readings and resources. Some things simply had to wait. On campus, I carved out a moment to run through the steep hills and gorgeous forest, and for my son—a fan of the X‑Men movies—I walked him around Hatley Castle (better known as “Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters”) via FaceTime. Stepping away to engage in the things that really matter, helps ensure that the big life priorities stay front and centre.
Third, gratitude matters. I’m grateful for the release time from work that made this possible, for my family who understood why I was glued to my computer day and night, and for the people in my life who picked up the slack without complaint. Support systems—formal and informal—make ambitious learning possible.
As I settle back into a more sustainable rhythm, I’m curious about what strategies have helped you navigate intense periods of learning, work, or life. What lessons have stuck with you long after the busy season ended? I’d love to hear your insights.
This response was reviewed and refined using Microsoft Copilot to assist with grammar, spelling, and clarity. The AI was used solely for editing purposes and did not alter the original ideas or voice of the author.
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