Don't panic about speaking to academics - I am also quite shy and found that when I went to my first conference last year, the academics tended to be keen to talk, so all I had to do was be willing to listen! Try to seek out other PhD students, as they tend to stick together and not talk about work all the time. I'm sure that looking back, you'll be glad that you went along, and at least at your next conference, you'll see some familiar faces so it won't be nearly as nerve-wracking!

I definitely agree with unplugging the internet connection - I've taken to switching my computer off, and only allow myself to turn it on every few hours to check my emails. I also find that if I'm struggling to find the motivation to work, going away from my desk for a while helps, even just to get a cup of tea or go for a walk outside - fresh air often helps.

Thank you - it's reassuring to know that I'm not alone! Best of luck with the work, I'm sure we'll get there eventually!

Hi fellow PhDers, I've decided to share my problems with you in the hope that someone has been in the same situation! I'm in my second year and I feel that I've hardly done anything since I started. I've written up what I've done, but it seems so little, and the prospect of writing a thesis is daunting to say the least. I've never been the quickest to learn and understand new ideas, so I've always taken longer than others, but I just feel that I'm getting nowhere at the moment! My supervisor is pretty useless, so I've been going to see another lecturer from time to time who's a lot more knowledgeable, but I still don't feel like I'm being pushed to work, and could easily get away with doing very little. I just feel that I'm wasting time by making very little progress, and it's all going to come back to haunt me in a year or so! I also end up comparing myself to others in my office, and seeing them constantly typing up and discussing their work is rather demoralising to say the least.
Rant over, any inspiration would be much appreciated.