That’s one of the most difficult challenges facing graduate students. In other words, being pulled in several different directions at the same time. It’s near to being a lose-lose situation.
One example of that is the situation faced by mature PhD students. Often they have reached quite a high rung on the corporate ladder and have lots of responsibilities, have a hefty mortgage, children, and ageing parents. And layered on that are the demands of conducting research and completing a thesis.
And many younger students don’t fare much better, facing many demands on their time as they try and build careers, pay university fees, and care for young babies. And then there was Covid. Your own circumstances may be different, but I’m sure you can relate to all those stressors.
So, what’s to be done?
You have to decide what you can cross off the list of demands. Probably not childcare! But perhaps you have friends who want to keep spending as much time with you as they used to in the pre-PhD days. Can you explain to them that you just can’t go to a movie with them every week? Or perhaps you’re a dedicated volunteer for a charity you admire? Step back for a while, with an explanation.
Saying "No" can be stressful. But for your health, and to make sure you meet your goal of completing a doctorate, it's sometimes the best choice.