In this section, an experienced academic work coach answers a series of FAQs and offers advice to academic educators on managing their wellbeing and thriving in their academic role.
Hear from Dr Jenny English, academic work coach..
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- Self-regulation: To be able to set goals and stick to them, or to re-evaluate, and keep your eye on those goals.
- Self-awareness: to understand what your stress points are, and what energises and keeps you going.
- Good boundaries: Understanding what your role is and developing the skills to work within that role.
- Good help-seeking skills: knowing how to seek help when you feel you are moving outside the boundaries of your role.
- Good work/life balance: To know that work has a place in your life, and to also engage in other meaningful activities.
- Resilience: the ability to keep going and bounce back. this will grow out of the self-regulation, self-awareness, knowing the boundaries, and keeping yourself motivated.
This can be a difficult situation. It is important to:
- Think of the bigger picture: Keep your eye on your goals and the bigger picture of your career;
- Enjoy the present: Find ways to enjoy the present role with all its opportunities.
- Find a coach: A coach or a mentor can help develop and guide your career.
This can be a difficult situation. It is important to:
- Set goals: look at what motivates you, what gives you purpose and meaning (re-align your goals, if appropriate).
- Network: Participate in new committees and working groups to bring new perspectives and new people into your life.
- Exercise: Doing exercise before work can help to manage motivation and energy levels throughout the day.
- Conduct a life-style audit: Consider your eating and sleeping habits. Look at how you have fun.
Anxiety and depression are very different experiences with a range of symptoms. These can be difficult and distressing experiences, but they can also be overcome with appropriate support. Two important things to do are:
- Speak to someone – a friend, a mentor, or a professional, and ask for help.
- Don’t punish yourself for feelings of anxiety or depression. Anxiety can be self-perpetuating, especially when people feel frustrated, confused, or guilty about their anxiety. Depression can also lead to self-defeating behaviour. It is important recognise when you are having these experiences, and to find ways to manage them.