Head Space

Calm productivity for academics

Tag: work-life balance

  • [Note] Can parents in academia “Have it all”

    “…how can we presume that parenthood detracts from one’s professionalism, when, in reality, it often amplifies it?”

  • [Note] Why do we all work such long hours?

    “So with the sector facing yet another financial crisis, do we all just get on the grindset straight away? Put your snowflake-y demands for a work-life balance on the back burner. Take one for the team. Pull that working weekend, that all-nighter. Let’s face it, you’re not even going to do anything as a result…

  • 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.

  • From balance to harmony: Rethinking work-life integration

    Moving beyond the traditional concept of work-life balance in academia, this post explores how viewing your academic career through the lens of harmony rather than balance can create a more sustainable and fulfilling approach to scholarly life. Learn how different aspects of academic work can complement rather than compete with personal life.

  • Support work-life balance with a daily shutdown ritual

    A daily shutdown ritual is crucial for academics to maintain work-life balance. This post explores the importance of setting boundaries and offers practical suggestions for creating your own shutdown routine. Learn how to transition from work mode to personal time effectively, enhancing your well-being and professional contributions in academia.

  • Academic burnout prevention: The power of doing nothing

    From conference deadlines to funding applications, academia’s relentless pace makes it hard to disconnect. Learn how to prevent academic burnout by embracing genuine downtime, implementing digital boundaries, and recognising that rest isn’t a reward for productivity – it’s a fundamental human need.

  • Effective breaks for academics: Real rest and productivity

    Most academics fill their breaks with pseudo-productive tasks like checking emails or social media. But these aren’t real breaks at all. Learn how taking genuine academic breaks and productivity go hand in hand, and why the most effective breaks are often the ones that feel the least productive.

  • Increase your resources

    Being more organised will free up time in your schedule that you can allocate to the activities putting you under pressure.

  • Work-life balance can fuel innovation

    The academic myth promotes an imbalanced life consumed by work. However, discipline in life breeds creativity in work. Structured lives allow academics the mental space for innovation. The key is a work-life balance that cultivates a well-rested mind, ready for meaningful academic contributions.