Head Space

Calm productivity for academics

Category: Article

  • Presenting research without over-reaching

    Academic presentations sometimes tempt us to overextend our research claims. Instead, articulate specific contributions accurately by presenting findings within their proper scope, using precise language that matches your evidence, and acknowledging limitations transparently. This approach demonstrates scholarly integrity while still effectively communicating your work’s genuine value to colleagues.

  • Crafting engaging academic presentations

    Creating effective academic presentations requires understanding your audience, establishing clear motivation, and simplifying visual elements. Practice thoughtfully to build confidence, especially when presenting in a non-native language. By focusing on clarity and engagement, researchers can successfully share their work in ways that resonate across linguistic and cultural boundaries.

  • The power of lowering your standards

    Rigid “every day” habits often fail due to psychological pressure. A more forgiving “daily-ish” approach paradoxically leads to better consistency. By lowering perfectionist standards in academic work—writing, email, reading, and planning—you create mental space for meaningful progress while being kinder to yourself.

  • Avoid information overload with an effective knowledge cycle

    Learn how to combat information overload in academia with a systematic knowledge cycle. This five-step approach helps busy academics convert overwhelming information into valuable insights through purposeful capture, regular processing, deliberate connection, consistent creation, and continuous improvement—all without simply working longer hours.

  • Academic stand-up meetings

    Discover how academic stand-up meetings can transform endless faculty updates into focused, efficient check-ins. Learn practical tips for implementing this time-saving format in your department, handling common resistance, and protecting more time for meaningful academic work. A practical guide for academics tired of meetings that could have been emails.

  • Build an academic prompt library for AI using templates for common tasks

    Learn how to create and maintain an academic prompt library to streamline your administrative tasks. This practical guide shows you how to start a personal collection of pre-written, tested prompts that reduce cognitive overhead and create space for meaningful work, helping you develop sustainable systems for academic productivity.

  • Stop using email as a to do list

    Using your email inbox as a to do list seems convenient but creates a chaotic system where other people’s priorities dictate your workflow. Learn how to separate email communication from task management with a simple approach that helps academics regain control of their daily priorities.

  • Designing learning spaces for deeper student thinking

    Moving beyond equating teaching with telling, this post explores how academics can design learning spaces that encourage active thinking. Learn practical strategies for creating environments where students engage deeply with ideas, transforming passive listening into active learning while making your teaching more sustainable and fulfilling.

  • I am not my h-index: Rethinking scholarly impact metrics

    Academic metrics like the h-index can drive unhealthy behaviours and distance us from our core purpose as scholars. While these traditional academic metrics provide comfortable validation, creating meaningful impact often requires looking beyond citation counts to measure how our work benefits real people outside academia.

  • Quality over quantity in academia: Balancing institutional demands with sustainable practice

    Discover how embracing academic productivity through quality over quantity can transform your work life. Instead of constantly expanding workloads, learn to focus on meaningful impact, sustainable practices, and deeper connections. Doing less, but doing it better, can lead to more valuable academic outcomes.

  • Schedule personal time first, work second

    Most academics make the mistake of scheduling work first and trying to fit life around it. Discover why reversing this approach is key to achieving better academic work life balance. Learn how prioritising personal commitments in your schedule can lead to more focused and productive work hours.

  • Using a “do not do” list for work-life balance during breaks

    Breaking the cycle of using academic breaks to catch up on work? Create a “do not do” list instead of a to-do list. Learn how to maintain academic work-life balance during breaks by setting clear boundaries, avoiding work email, and embracing genuine rest without guilt. Your future self will thank you.