A PhD student reveals how he makes time for his daily dose of literature
It was while reading the Harry Potter series at just eight years old when Madrid born Javier Uceda first discovered his passion for books. This love followed him when he made the brave move to Cardiff just under four years ago to begin studying a PhD in Immunology.
Now in his final year at Cardiff University, the keen hobbyist, who refers to himself as a “book addict,” currently undertakes the demanding challenge of balancing writing his thesis with swimming, painting, learning French, dancing salsa and losing himself in one of his favourite fantasy or crime novels.
But just how does he find time to read with such a busy schedule?
Javier is a keen hobbyist and self-confessed book addict
Book addict
Javier lives near Bute Park, and when he’s not deep in an experiment in the lab at the Tenovus Building, or writing his thesis at home, he can be found lying amongst the park’s greenery reading with a beer and some olives.
Javier, who easily reads two to three books a month, says: “I do read a lot. I love reading.”
Reading is, in fact, the first thing Javier does before he starts writing his thesis – something he couldn’t do when he was conducting experiments in the lab. Before, he used to head into the office around 9.30 am and turn on the coffee machine ready for a catch up with the rest of the lab team. Now, while coffee remains the first thing on his mind, he has a more relaxed start to the day: he opens a book.
“What I have been doing is waking up at about 8 am or so … I turn the bathroom heater on and while the bathroom is getting warm I make myself a coffee and do some reading. I chill out for a bit then kick off with the day. That half an hour in the morning – just you, the coffee and some reading – is really good,” he says.
“Reading takes you to places where you wouldn’t go, to live a life that you wouldn’t live”
Javier’s PhD involves understanding the difference between acute inflammation and chronic inflammation – a complete contrast to his favourite pastime.
“I think because my PhD is very scientific and very technical – I really enjoy reading something that is completely different. So, like an adventure or crime book,” he explains.
His favourite book is the thriller Marina from Spanish author Carlos Ruiz Zafón.
Plus, of course, he’s a Harry Potter fan too!
Javier’s bookshelf is full to the brim with his favourite reads back home in Madrid
It doesn’t stop there
The rest of his day involves writing his thesis in between breaking for food, often at 3 pm which Javier claims is “a very Spanish time to have lunch.”
Following a day of hard work, Javier draws on various activities including reading to unwind.
He says: “I have joined a society with Cardiff University – Dancesport and that is normally on Monday at 6-8pm.”
Javier explains swimming is a good stress relief which he aims to do three to four days a week either before dancing or on a Tuesday or Wednesday.
“I also do French lessons, once a week for two hours. It is really good,” Javier added.
He regularly visits Roath Park or Cardiff Bay at the weekends with his sketchbook to do some drawing or painting.
Even while juggling all of this, Javier still finds space in his schedule to socialise.
“I tend to go at least once or twice a week with friends to have a beer at the student union, McIntosh Place or the Woodville,” he explains, “most of the evenings I improvise. I just go with it.
“If I haven’t had dinner with friends while having a beer then I will probably cook around 9 pm because that’s pretty much when my day finishes.”
Cooking is another reading opportunity for Javier. He explains if it is a long recipe, he will read while he is waiting for food to cook.
As his last activity before bed, Javier spends another half an hour reading a novel.
Javier can often be found reading with a book and a coffee
Improvisation is key
While most of us may like to plan a busy life like Javier’s, he claims following a schedule would actually increase his stress levels.
“It can make you feel really frustrated if you don’t fulfill that sort of schedule. It can be quite frustrating if you do not achieve the goals you have set yourself. Some days will be really productive and some days won’t be.”
“My life is quite chaotic like that. I really like improvising,” he added.
Javier believes improvisation could be the key to fitting in more reading.
He also often substitutes watching TV for reading or reads while he is travelling to his hometown. He claims both activities could be methods for making more time to read.
However, Javier explains: “I am of the conviction that if you like something then you will make time for it anyway. So, if you like reading then I don’t think you will find that many excuses not to read.”
All Javier needs is some beer, olives and a good book to read in Bute Park – it doesn’t even have to be warm, he explains, just sunny and dry.
He uses reading for escapism and to expand his knowledge which he advises for everyone.
“I think making time for reading is important. It broadens your mind.
“It takes you to places where you wouldn’t go, to live a life that you wouldn’t live.”
