Personal
I have been in this field for many years now, and I've seen it change a lot. Change is good but the current pace of things is not very human, in my opinion. I often have sleeping issues and sometimes feel overwhelmed. If you're in the same situation, don't feel alone or inadequate!
Being a researcher is still the best job that I can think of. But you need a good strategy to keep the balance between work and the rest of your life.
This is my personal recipe for remaining sane:
- spend lots of time with my children (as long as they still like to have me around, at least :-))
- music: I listen to music whenever I can, especially when I leave the office to put thoughts at rest.
- sing: I sing in a Bach choir. Several times a year I get the luxury of performing with professional soloists and an orchestra of ancient instruments. A great plus of living in the Netherlands.
- more singing: I have recently taken the challenge of singing solo and joined an amateur Baroque ensemble. My next goal is to join a pop band specialized in the 70's (!)
- learn a new dance style: in my youth, I spent many years studying a beautiful form of Indian classical dance called Bharata Nathyam. More recently I've taken afro, reggaeton and hip hop classes. Currently on a break because the singing is taking too much time :)
- travel, without overdoing it though
- cook good food (not that I have the choice :D I often complain about it, but it does help me to unwind!)
- walk, cycle, hike, yoga, swim whenever possible!