How have PGRs maintained their mental wellbeing throughout the pandemic

We asked PGRs to share with us their tools for maintaining their mental wellbeing throughout the pandemic. A common theme among out respondents was exercise, with many saying they enjoyed spending time outside, through walking, running or cycling. Several PGRs also told us that creating a positive work-life balance was an important tool for maintaining their wellbeing in the early stages of the pandemic. This included:

  • Working (at most) between the hours of 9-5
  • Switching off completely in the evenings
  • Not working on weekends
  • Taking regular breaks during the day, often at the same time as their housemates for company


Many noted that setting time aside for hobbies provided great distraction when needed, such as playing music, baking, cooking, yoga, reading, jigsaws, crafts or painting. One second year PhD student wrote: “Spontaneity is so important when your days can be so similar… Remembering to take time off even though it doesn’t always feel necessary, when we’re stuck at home it really important.”

 Another very common theme among almost all respondents was maintaining social connections, which has been challenging for us all. Using video conference apps like Zoom and Skype have enabled many to keep in touch with friends in a virtual setting, and some of our respondents also enjoyed meeting friends (when allowed) for walks or outdoor workouts. Others relied on those from within their bubbles for support, including partners, housemates, family members and pets.

We were pleased to hear that over half of the PGRs we spoke to named their supervisors among the list of people they rely on for support with their wellbeing. Weekly Zoom meetings were deemed to be very helpful, especially as the discussions were not always related to work but rather a chance to check in and discuss coping strategies. A similar number also noted their colleagues and work-friends as a source of support throughout the pandemic – having a network of people around you who are facing the same challenges can provide a great sense of community and comradery.

How can PGR supervisors, research institutes and funders better support the wellbeing of those within their labs?


We asked PGRs how they feel they could be better supported with their wellbeing as the pandemic continues. Several said their research institutes could provide better resources on topics such as loneliness, productivity, and managing their mental health.

One fourth year PhD student described how their supervisor implemented an open door policy where the PGR could come to them with any challenges they were facing and together discuss a plan for dealing with the issue. Those who were in frequent contact with their supervisors throughout the lockdown said this was very helpful, and those who lacked this level of support wished it had been there. One third year PhD student told us that they felt a lot of PGRs would benefit from just knowing someone is there to listen, even if the problem can’t necessarily be fixed.

Almost half of PGRs that we spoke to described the uncertainty of funding and extension possibilities as a major source of concern, and said that more clarity and better practices within this area would alleviate much of their stress. Many felt that communication around these topics was poor during the first UK lockdown. This then made it very difficult to plan for the future, and with this uncertainty came additional stress and worry. Furthermore, respondents noted that when applying for non-final year extensions, they could only apply in the few months leading up to their current submission date. This introduces a long period of uncertainty and excerbates difficulties in planning the remainder of their projects.

Fourth year PhD student: “I was told that I could only apply for a costed extension from my funding body within two months of my deadline, and from the university I could only apply within one month of my deadline. This meant that it was impossible to make plans, as you cannot plan long experiments and allocate research budget with that much uncertainty. Also, both parties wanted to know what the other was willing to offer before they would make a decision, which is a catch 22 situation.”

 Respondents also said they would have liked to have seen their research institutes and funders offer online wellbeing events for PGRs.

This piece was authored by Grace Cowen, a final year PhD student at the University of York. Grace interned with the Academy from October-December 2020. Working with a small group of PGRs at range of stages, this article is one of a linked series exploring the challenges the coronavirus pandemic poses on the their research and their personal well-being. We would like to thank all of the PGRs who agreed to take part in this project, and hope that the experiences discussed below will be useful for both PGRs and their supervisors.  You can read the other pieces below.

PGRs and their projects
What have PGRs learnt during the pandemic?  

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