980041 TS Well-Being in Academia: Perfectionists, imposters and the impact of self-talk (2020W)

Doctoral candidates represent a diverse group of people, and the sources of stress that we face and the coping mechanisms we use, vary greatly. However, a repertoire of counterproductive cognitive strategies, habits, and lifestyle choices (or sacrifices!) represent a common underlying theme. Self-sabotaging thought processes, poor coping strategies, and little work-life balance render many of us susceptible to burnout and a raft of mental health issues.

This online workshop provides students with tools to increase their resilience to stress, anxiety and burnout, and to enhance their overall well-being. We explore:

- The self-critical inner voices that sabotage their motivation and enjoyment for their work;
- How mindset can help or hinder day-to-day life and future career prospects;
- How certain maladaptive coping strategies (e.g. procrastination and avoidance) maintain these self-sabotaging thought and behaviour cycles.
- How to reshape thinking and behaviour patterns to work for them in pursuit of their goals.