Mojoe-

As you said yourself pacing is key. Definitely try to set some boundaries around your work hours! Even if you get through them just fine for a week or two, make sure there isn't a cumulative effect. If you are good to go after a few weeks, then add on more time. Just do it gradually! If not, youll end up back in boredomville for weeks or even months.

My first semester back to grad school I took one very basic course, but also had to do an internship 12 hours a week. My advisor was more than accommodating in giving me breaks, letting me change my hours when needed to different days, etc. However, I pushed myself wayyyyyyy too hard. About 3 weeks in things started going down hill. I basically existed for the next two months until the semester was over. It then took me 2 months of complete rest to dig myself back out of the hole I had dug myself into with my symptoms. Then I got to spend the next two months catching up on school work I had been excused from during the last month of the semester.

I knew I was going down hill and should have adjusted my schedule back the second month in and taken way better care of myself. But I didn't, I thought I'd just push through, now that I was back to doing some of the things I used to do. I paid heavily for it. Seriously 2 months of pretty much nothing but bed rest, and a few doctors appointments.

Apparently I'm a rambling woman today. Sorry! Take it easy!