Promoting Academic Well-being
Promoting Academic Well-being
The Well-being Advantage in Academia
Climbing the academic ladder requires dedication to research, teaching excellence, and service. But the pressure to produce can often overshadow a crucial element: your well-being. Studies show that academics who prioritize well-being are more productive, creative, and influential. This translates to higher-quality research, more engaging teaching, and a stronger contribution to your institution’s success.
This article, written by the SHS Health & Wellbeing Champions Network, is inspired by a review paper, ‘Attending to the Teacher in the Training: Prioritizing Faculty Wellbeing’ (Roos & Borkoski, 2021). The review highlights the often-overlooked connection between academic well-being and success. It emphasises the importance of shifting the perspective from solely focusing on academic productivity to actively promoting their well-being. This article takes that a step further by offering practical tips that academics can implement to improve their well-being and achieve their career goals.
Taking Charge of Your Well-being
Taking care of your wellbeing looks different for each individual. Taking care of our health and wellbeing inside the workplace is as important as looking after our health and wellbeing outside of the work.
Some starting tips and resources for looking after your well-being:
- Prioritise the fundamentals: Nutrition, Sleep and Exercise: These are not luxuries – they’re essential for your physical and mental health. Think about how you are fuelling your body, Prioritise good sleep hygiene and find an exercise routine you enjoy. Find out more here.
- Set Boundaries: Feeling overwhelmed? Saying “no” is a superpower. Watch this TED Talk by The Way We Work for practical tips on setting boundaries at work: Your 3-Step Guide to Setting Better Boundaries at Work | The Way We Work, a TED series.
- Manage Overwhelm: Feeling stretched ? Take back control! Learn more about techniques for dealing with overwhelm from Heather Beach of the Healthy Work Company: Dealing with Overwhelm, Heather Beach, Healthy Work Company: Watch Here.
- Understanding Neurodivergent Needs and wellbeing: if you are neurodivergent, your needs and actions to help support your wellbeing might be a little different. To help introduce you to neurodivergent wellbeing, You can view this Neurodivergent Wellbeing Webinar hosted by Liz Mulhall-Brewer for UoM back in April: Neurodivergent Wellbeing Webinar, Liz Mulhall-Brewer, Neurodiversity Coach: Watch Here.
- Develop a Support System: Connect with colleagues facing similar challenges.
- SHS Health & Wellbeing Champions Network: Join the monthly SHS Health & Wellbeing Champions Network meetings to share best practices and discuss challenges you are facing in a supportive environment.
- SHS Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Committee: this is a new team of EDI representatives including divisional EDI leads, academic staff, professional services staff and student representatives. If you are involved in representing EDI matters in teaching/research/learning and are interested in joining the committee, please contact the SHS EDI lead.
- Seek Help if Needed: Don’t be afraid to seek professional help from a therapist or counsellor. You can find out more on the support that is available to staff here.
Investing in Yourself
Investing in your well-being is essential for a fulfilling and sustainable academic journey. By prioritizing your mental health, setting boundaries, and building a supportive community, you’ll be better equipped to navigate challenges, maintain a positive mindset, and reach your full potential.
0 Comments