Feeling overwhelmed? Tips that help you cope.... #academia #research #science #mentalhealth #phd

TL;DR

Learn how to effectively deal with overwhelm in academic work through tips like finishing tasks, setting realistic goals, managing perfectionism, rewarding yourself, taking breaks, learning to say no, finding a mentor, and seeking professional help if needed.

Transcript

hello there well here's a video for what to do when you start feeling overwhelmed but first of all everybody feels overwhelmed at some time it's completely normal i mean when you start a phd or when you start a new postdoc assignment or when you are beginning as an and your own investigator or starting a professorship this at every one of these poi... Read More

Key Insights

• ❓ Overwhelm is common in academia and can be experienced at various stages of one's career.
• 😫 Finishing tasks and setting realistic goals can alleviate overwhelm and provide a sense of progress.
• ❓ Managing and recognizing perfectionism is essential for maintaining mental well-being and avoiding unnecessary stress.
• ⚖️ Rewarding yourself for accomplishments can enhance motivation and help balance overwhelming responsibilities.
• 😣 Taking breaks, in various forms, is important for rest and rejuvenation.
• ❓ Learning to say no and prioritize commitments is crucial for avoiding excessive workload.
• 👶 Finding a mentor can provide guidance and support in navigating new responsibilities.

Questions & Answers

Q: How can finishing tasks help with feeling overwhelmed?

Finishing tasks helps reduce overwhelm by crossing items off your to-do list and providing a sense of accomplishment. It's important to start and complete tasks, even if they seem daunting, as they may be easier or less time-consuming than expected.

Q: How does managing perfectionism contribute to overwhelm?

While attention to detail is essential in academia, perfectionism can lead to endless worries and an overwhelming workload. Recognizing when something is good enough and accepting that perfection is impossible can help prevent excessive stress and overwhelm.

Q: How can rewarding yourself be an effective strategy for dealing with overwhelm?

By rewarding yourself after completing tasks or achieving goals, you can motivate yourself and create positive associations with the work you enjoy. This can enhance your well-being and provide a sense of balance amidst overwhelming responsibilities.

Q: Why is it important to learn to say no in academic work?

Learning when to say no is crucial for avoiding excessive workload and overwhelm. While it's important to be a valued colleague, understanding your limits and prioritizing your own responsibilities is essential for managing overwhelm effectively.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Feeling overwhelmed is common in academia, especially during new stages of work or responsibilities.

• Finishing tasks and setting realistic goals can help alleviate overwhelm and make progress.

• Managing perfectionism by recognizing when something is good enough is crucial for avoiding unnecessary stress.