Gtalked about the day after phenomenon from the outside perspective – I thought I’d add mine and how it feels to be in it.

The day after – in non-medical terms obviously, in medical terms it’s called post fatigue or post exercise malaise. A combination of words that always invokes the image of a fragile women in a regency dress lying on a chaiselongue with a damp cloth over her eyes. (something like that, plus the damp cloth, don’t ask about the visual…)

The day after always hits after an exiting day, no matter what you do, whether you did well or not, whether you wasted time or energy or used it well. Specifics don’t matter. You did something that drains your energy levels way below the allowed level, so you will pay for it. There is no escape, no bargain you can strike. Obviously, you will feel a lot better (mentally and emotionally) if you did something you feel was worthwhile rather than not.

And today is the day after (retrospectively posted since the Escom was at the beginning of August, but we then traveled to Germany/France/Spain without time to post this…).

Now, usually and for most people, an academic conference such as this one is a good opportunity to share your latest research, network with other specialists and academics in your field, listen to other people’s findings and presentations, and come away inspired and with lots of new ideas and energy as you re-immerse yourself into your studies at your home university or institute. You might be a bit nervous having to present, and you might be a bit tired from travelling and having to mingle/represent (and perhaps also from late night drinks with colleagues), but the experience is – mostly – energising, if it’s a good conference.