Pets can be both an emotional support and a source of motivation. This doesn’t mean every doctorate student should go out and get themselves a pet – but it is important to make the most of all the support available to you.
Gayle is in the latter stages of her doctorate at Cardiff Metropolitan University. Here she reflects on how walking her dogs is beneficial: "The image is of my two dogs, Olive on the left and puppy Rosa on the right. I am using this image to represent my mental health & well-being. I have come to recognise that my mental health and well-being can be an enabler or a barrier. In my case, fresh air, space and activity are extremely good for my mental health and well-being and needing to walk the dogs has enabled much better progress with my PhD. I use this time to work through my current learning and allow my mind to generate ideas and plans. I am always able to return to my laptop refreshed and reinvigorated and far more productive. Recognising the need to protect my mental health and well-being and identifying the best way to do this has been a big enabler for me."
