Academia is an ultramarathon that we try to run as a sprint. This approach tends to leave us with little time or energy for life outside of work and very few resources to cope when we face challenges. But a healthier approach to research is possible and is essential if you want to build a sustainable career in academia (or anywhere else in this fast-paced, competitive world we live in).

Despite our increasing diversity, academics tend to harbour a common chorus of voices in our heads. Voices that demand perfection, or that tell us we aren’t good enough and we don’t belong here;
voices that have driven us to excel and charge a pretty high tax. A tax on our emotional, mental and physical health.

Yes, the environment contributes to the unhealthy, counterproductive lifestyle. However, we as individuals can address the way we approach academia to buffer us against stress and burnout, worry and fear, and the toxic competition we are often surrounded by.

This workshop provides you with tools to increase your resilience to stress, anxiety and burnout, and to enhance your overall well-being. We explore:
- The self-critical inner voices that sabotage your motivation and enjoyment of your work;
- How your mindset can help or hinder your day-to-day life and your future career prospects;
- How certain maladaptive coping strategies (e.g. procrastination and avoidance) maintain
these self-sabotaging thought and behaviour cycles.
- How to reshape your thinking and behaviour patterns to work for you in pursuit of your goals.

Lecturer info:
Desiree Dickerson PhD is a clinical psychologist specializing in the mental health and well-being of researchers and the academic community. A former researcher in the neurosciences, Desiree works globally with universities, lab groups, and academics in the pursuit of a healthier, sustainable approach to research.