Daily viva help for PhDs
Don’t rush into viva prep. Make sure you have everything you need and a plan to help you get through the work you need.
Do small tasks first. Check the regulations. Ask for help. Place bookmarks at the start of chapters.
Stretch! Do small things so you know you’re starting well and won’t crash as soon as you find something difficult or you have a bad day. Start small and build up to being ready for your viva.
Viva prep is a necessary part of getting ready. No tasks are particularly difficult, but if you are already tired, busy or stressed with regular work and life, then they can seem like more chores to get done.
There are lots of things you could do to help you stay motivated:
The last suggestion might be really helpful. Can you incentivise your own progress? What could you set up as a small treat for reading your thesis? Or for completing a mock viva? Would an extra break be enough or do you need something more tangible?
It’s not for everyone, but if you need the motivation to help with your viva prep, consider what you can do to reward your progress.