Work-life-rest balance in research
Optimal work practices for a more productive and restful research experience
90 minutes (standard) or 2 hours (extended, with additional reflection and applied exercises)
This workshop explores and defines what work-life balance can mean within the research. We begin by considering the different types of rest and what restful activities can look like for each of the participants.
Using my proprietary R.E.St method, participants will then be encouraged to reconsider the value of incorporating more rest and play alongside their work; and to find work practices that are most energising and productive for them.
We explore how and why having adequate rest and balance in research improves productivity, enhances the quality of research generated, and renders the overall experience so much more creative, thoughtful, and pleasurable.
The R.E.St acronym and method stands for:
- R: Rest – prioritising and making space for rest in a weekly schedule
- E: Energise – finding the practices and tools to support one’s optimal working flow
- St: Stop – learning to identify daily working limits and boundaries; and using that awareness to shape more effective working routines.
Finally, and most importantly, participants will be offered suggestions for how to counter compulsions to overwork; and, instead, to begin giving themselves permission to rest and enjoy a more balanced life throughout their doctoral study.
This workshop pairs very well with the workshop Working Less, Working Better
Learning outcomes
By the end of the session, participants will have learned:
- about the different types of rest and what rest can mean and look like for them
- how rest enhances their research work, output and productivity
- the R.E.St method for incorporating more balance and flexible work practices
- how to counter compulsions to overwork