Over the Hills and Far Away

Diary of a Viva Ninja: Day 28

One of the best things you can do to prepare is feel some wind in your hair…

 

Today I did a usual cross-section of prepping — practising answers; reading an article; a chapter or two; a browse through my notes, and so on — but by far the best thing I did was to go for a run. At this late stage (less than a week to go) one needs to prioritize peace of mind, a good diet, exercise, and rest. It is not the time to be cramming in any more theory, for one risks muddying the waters. The odd short online lecture or interview can be effective at just maintaining a ‘Viva-fit’ mind, but that is all. Put everything in order – your notes, your outfit, your travel arrangements, etc. And go for a walk, or in my case, a hill-run. Anything – to get you out of the house, out of your bubble. To avoid ‘spinning wheels’, as I started to feel was happening. One can risk over preparing and getting oneself into a near panic state, or state of exhaustion. Some time-out is far more effective. You’ve done your prep, you know your thesis, you’ve made it this far. So, take five.

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