Balancing Research and Health: A Professor's Perspective

As a second-year assistant professor, I've been spending my days in a whirlwind of activity. I'm grateful to have met passionate students and am enjoying setting up my lab. Recently, I've tried to set aside my own sense of urgency and focus on observing my students.

However, I'm concerned to see students who, like I once did, seem to be in a rush with their lives. They prioritize daily updates over their health, often staying up all night. As a professor, I advise them to work hard and provide strict feedback, but I also urge them not to pull all-nighters.

Yet, I too used to stay up all night. Having experienced this myself, I can't stress enough: please take care of your health. You've probably heard that research is a marathon, not a sprint. This applies not just to your master's or doctoral studies, but throughout your career - whether you're applying for professorships, seeking corporate jobs, or aiming for managerial positions. It even extends to becoming parents. Research is simply part of life, so please don't relegate your health to a low priority.

I'm also saying this to myself... Hospitals are too close, and I know too many young people who can no longer conduct research due to health issues. Stay healthy, students. You can find someone to do experiments for you, but no one can be sick for you. This new year, let's conduct our research with better health in mind.

Key Takeaways:

1. Prioritize health alongside research
2. Avoid frequent all-nighters
3. Remember that research is a lifelong journey
4. Balance passion with self-care
5. Recognize that health is irreplaceable